Phil Parkinson has waxed lyrical about one of his Wrexham players after a recent development emerged.
The gap between the season drawing to a close and the transfer window opening can often be a quiet period for some clubs; not for Wrexham though.
Wrexham announced their released/retained list two weeks ago and on the list of departures featured captain Luke Young and long-serving defender Ben Tozer as well as six other players.
Phil Parkinson admitted that letting go of those great servants was a difficult decision but wanted to see them flourish elsewhere as he couldn’t guarantee them regular football.
It’s during this period when Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have offered some of their first-team stars new contracts, placing an offer on the table for veteran striker Steven Fletcher while triggering James McClean’s extension.
James McClean heaps praise on James McClean after triggering extension
Wrexham’s capture of McClean last summer was arguably one of the best signings any League Two club made during the window.
The 35-year-old arrived from Wigan Athletic who had just been relegated from the Championship.
Like many players who join Wrexham, McClean was sold by the project McElhenney and Reynolds were building, with his performances on the pitch reflecting his all-round qualities.
Operating as either a left wing-back or central midfielder, the versatile Irishman was a key cog in Parkinson’s promotion-winning machine and the Reds boss has now heaped praise on him.
Speaking to The Leader after McClean activated his extension, keeping him at the Racecourse for another year, Parkinson said: “I am pleased that James’ extension was activated.
“He is a key player for us and he proved to be an excellent signing with everything he offers in terms of his all-round game. His drive and determination is outstanding and that’s why he has played at a high standard for so long in his career.
“He played in the Championship last season for Wigan. He has been promoted out of League One with Wigan so he knows this division well.
“Obviously he has retired from international football. He got his 100 caps and now he can have a real focus on having a good pre-season with us and I am looking forward to working with him again next season.”
James McClean will play a key role in League One
After being described by Ben Foster as the hardest-working player he’s ever seen, it is clear that McClean’s fitness levels are that of someone in his mid-20s, not someone coming to the end of his career.
The former Sunderland wideman, as alluded to by Parkinson, will play a key role for Wrexham in League One.
Left wing-back is one of the current positions in their squad that doesn’t need instant reinforcements, with Mendy and McClean battling for that spot.
The Irishman can also slot into central midfield, giving Parkinson the option to play Mendy while including his integral cog in the side.
A summer of change will ensue in Wales, but one thing is for sure, McClean will continue to play a vital role under Parkinson’s guidance.