James McClean has become a firm fan favourite at Wrexham – and Phil Parkinson has paid tribute to his captain.
Wrexham were busy in the transfer market after winning promotion to League Two in 2023.
Phil Parkinson wanted to continue the club’s progression and that prompted a number of incoming deals.
In came the likes of Will Boyle, George Evans and Arthur Okonkwo whilst Steven Fletcher came in on a free transfer.
Wrexham also secured the signing of James McClean, luring him to League Two in something of a coup.
Phil Parkinson delivers James McClean verdict
McClean had featured in 46 Championship games during the 2022-23 season as Wigan Athletic suffered relegation to League One.
Wrexham tempted McClean to the STōK Cae Ras and he has become a key man in the process.
The Irishman was a driving force in last season’s promotion-winning campaign and was named club captain over the summer.
McClean remains a vital component of this Wrexham side and has now been praised by boss Phil Parkinson.
Speaking on Men in Blazers, Parkinson has praised McClean for his ‘drive and determination’, believing that his attitude is ‘infectious’.
Parkinson noted that this Wrexham squad is ‘used to winning’ and McClean is a big part in that approach.
“One thing is for sure, we had momentum going into the season in terms of the team are used to winning,” said Parkinson.
“We’ve got a group of players who have got that winning mentality and I always speak about James McClean in that.
“He’s got that drive and determination which is infectious around the group,” he added.
McClean rule change being implemented
Wrexham fans have really taken to McClean but other fanbases aren’t quite so keen.
McClean is no stranger to abuse from other fans but the EFL are now stepping in.
Reports this week suggest that McClean will be given special permission to leave the pitch via the shortest route to the tunnel when substituted.
The previous guidance was that players had to leave the pitch by the quickest route, which meant McClean walking all the way around the pitch in some cases.
That resulted in incidents such as a drink being thrown at McClean as Wrexham lost at Birmingham City in September.
The EFL want to limit such incidents with McClean now set to head straight down the tunnel in an attempt to protect the Wrexham man moving forward.