Wrexham continue to go from strength to strength under Phil Parkinson and head into 2025 sitting second in the League One table.
Wrexham went into Christmas off the back of two frustrating draws against Cambridge United and Bristol Rovers.
Phil Parkinson sent a firm message to his players after that second draw and wanted much better – starting with the Boxing Day clash against Blackpool.
Paul Mullin’s stunning goal impressed Wrexham fans but it was Steven Fletcher who secured a 2-1 win with a late penalty.
Fletcher repeated the trick on Sunday afternoon, scoring late on to beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 and end 2024 on a high.
Wrexham are certainly in the mix for another promotion and Parkinson will be looking to keep the good feeling going into 2025.
Ben Tozer on Max Cleworth
Wrexham have really ground out the last couple of wins; the performances may not have been stellar but Wrexham got the job done.
Part of that is having a strong back line with Wrexham only conceding two or more goals on four occasions in League One this season.
A key man in the Wrexham defence is Max Cleworth, who just seems to keep getting better and better.
Cleworth is a product of the Wrexham academy and has become increasingly important to the Wrexham back line.
The 22-year-old has made the step up to League One look seamless and he has now been praised by former Wrexham ace Ben Tozer.
Former club captain Tozer spoke to Wrexham Matchday Live after the win over Wigan Athletic and was asked about Cleworth’s development.
Tozer believes that Cleworth now ‘looks more like a man’ and has really developed physically.
Tozer added that there is even more to come from Cleworth, predicting big things from him in the future given how he applies himself in training.
“I think he looks more like a man now,” said Tozer.
“He’s always had the attributes and, trust me, there’s more to come from Max as well, he’s been superb this season – he’s been so good. I think, probably only Barney has been more standout.
“For Max, the world’s his oyster. He wants to learn, he works so hard in the gym every day, every day in training he’s on it, he’s such a nice kid as well.
“I’m quite proud that he’s taking the number four shirt as well!” added Tozer.
- READ MORE: Ben Tozer shares prediction about Phil Parkinson’s January transfer window plans at Wrexham
Wrexham must fend off Max Cleworth interest in 2025
Managers and recruitment staff up and down the country want defenders who are comfortable on the ball, strong defensively and athletically impressive.
Cleworth ticks all of those boxes and he keeps taking every step up in quality right in his stride.
Andy Morrell has backed Cleworth for a huge future and there is no doubting that other clubs are looking at him with real interest.
Wrexham haven’t yet made a hugely significant sale in the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era but offers may well arrive for Cleworth.
The challenge then is to stand strong and keep Cleworth away from other clubs as he could genuinely become a captain of this club at a much higher level than League One – and keeping him on this journey should be a top priority for McElhenney and Reynolds.