Wrexham are still pushing for promotion from League One as the incredible journey under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds continues.
Two promotions in a row was already exceptional work for Wrexham, but Phil Parkinson is now chasing a third.
Wrexham’s draw at Cambridge United keeps Parkinson’s side in second place, three points clear of Wycombe Wanderers.
This journey under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds just shows no sign of slowing down, and Wrexham could be a Championship club come next season.
There have been so many heroes along the way, but one Wrexham player gave Reynolds an immediate shot of confidence upon signing for the club in 2023.
James McClean signing impressed Ryan Reynolds
Wrexham have placed a keen focus on signing proven, experienced performers throughout this journey.
Signings such as Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Elliot Lee and Steven Fletcher were all made with immediate results in mind, helping Wrexham advance through the leagues.
Wrexham snapped up James McClean in 2023 as well, luring the Irishman away from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee.
McClean has been a regular in the Premier League in the past but dropped down to League Two in order to join the Wrexham project.
This signing was a major signal of intent for Wrexham at the time, and McClean has gone on to become the club captain.
Reynolds shared his excitement immediately upon getting the deal for McClean over the line whilst speaking to Sky Sports.
Reynolds suggested that he was ‘immediately filled with confidence’ after speaking to McClean and getting his signature over the line.
The Hollywood star predicted that McClean would be ‘amazing’ for Wrexham and a great addition to the dressing room thanks to his leadership abilities.
“I spoke with James, as did Rob; we’re super excited,” said Reynolds.
“Not just because he’s an enormous talent and a huge addition to the team, he’s a leader. He’s one of those guys where you speak to him, and you’re immediately filled with confidence, and you understand that he understands what’s ahead of him and the job that he needs to do,” said Reynolds.
“He’s going to be amazing in the locker room, I think. He brings a ton of experience, he’s like a lot of the players in our locker room. The heads of the guys in the locker room, there is a humility to them, they work really hard, they take this all deadly seriously and James is no different. I can’t wait to have him here; he’s going to be amazing,” he added.
Those comments certainly ring true now, with McClean making a huge contribution as a player and as a leader since joining Wrexham.
Rob McElhenney absolutely loves James McClean too
Reynolds is not alone in his admiration for McClean.
Fellow Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney shared his love for McClean earlier this season, heaping praise on the Wrexham skipper.
Speaking in September, McElhenney admitted that McClean reminded him of friends he grew up with in Philadelphia.
McElhenney added that he loves how McClean riles up opposition fans, believing that it’s just ‘a bit of fun’.
“First of all, as far as what we saw in him, we listen to Phil, and in Phil we trust,” said McElhenney. “If Phil says he wants to sign a player, then we have full faith and trust in him. We ask very few questions about that, if there’s somebody he wants to go after, then we go after them with everything we can.
“I took an instant liking to James, he just reminds me of so many people I grew up with in a staunch Irish catholic neighbourhood in South Philadelphia. I just saw a lot of people I know reflected in him, and I think he brings a lot of fun to the sport.
“I think people tend to take it a little too seriously, and I do understand, when it gets into socio-politics, it gets a little dicey; however, in terms of the way he riles up fans, I just think it’s part of the fun. As long as that does not extend into the parking lot or outside of the football grounds, I just think it’s a bit of fun,” he added.
It’s clear that the Hollywood duo absolutely love McClean, and their faith in him has certainly been repaid with some brilliant performances in the famous red shirt.