Wrexham have been on an incredible journey across the past few years as they earned three consecutive promotions as the club climbed from the National League to the Championship.
Several players have joined to become part of the journey as the Red Dragons made their way to the second tier under the guidance of Phil Parkinson.
Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have invested heavily in their squad to allow them to achieve this unprecedented piece of history; however, there have been some players who have been along for the entire journey.
The step up from the National League to the Championship is not an easy one, even if it was done gradually, and now Max Cleworth has explained how he has managed to remain a key part of the Wrexham squad.
Max Cleworth taking nothing ‘for granted’ in the Championship
The three-time Young Player of the Season has been key to the rise through the divisions for the Red Dragons, and he still continues to play this role in the Championship.
Wrexham spent £33 million this summer on 13 signings, with several in his position, including international footballers like Conor Coady and Dom Hyam; however, Parkinson wants to develop the Wrexham academy.
Speaking to the Leader about his journey with the Welsh club, Cleworth said: “I try not to take it for granted that I’m playing for this club and the journey we’ve been on over the last few years.
“There’ll be tough moments to come, but it’s been unbelievable, and long may it continue.
“It’s obviously a step up in the Championship. Everyone attacks very good and everyone who comes off the bench is just as good.
“From an individual aspect it’s tough; teams are set up different ways, so it’s took a little bit of getting used to, but I’m loving it.
“I work pretty hard in the off-season, whether it was going up from the National League to League Two or so on.
“It’s something I like to pride myself on.”
Max Cleworth welcomes the challenge from the new signings
The youthful defender will not be naïve about why Wrexham brought in several players in his position, as Phil Parkinson aims to ensure that the club remain in the Championship.
This may mean that he gets fewer minutes, as he has to battle to keep his place in the team; however, he has been a constant so far in the campaign, as he played in their opening nine fixtures.
Cleworth has welcomed Wrexham’s summer signings, speaking to club media after their 1-1 draw with Derby County earlier in the campaign.
He said: “With the gaffer, he only seems to recruit good people. So you know all the new lads that have come in have settled in really quickly. It just takes time to adapt on the pitch.
“In terms of the changing room, it’s a great changing room. All the lads have got on really well; there’s no bad lads in there at all. Everyone’s a decent person, but on the pitch it will take time.”