James McClean has been a superb servant to Wrexham but will need to be replaced by Phil Parkinson in the coming year or so.
James McClean joined Wrexham from Wigan Athletic in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience at a much higher level.
The Irishman has made 158 appearances in the Premier League and 221 in the Championship for various clubs.
In turn, it came as little surprise when the left-sided midfielder turned wing-back completely dominated League Two during his first season at the Racecourse Ground.
McClean found the net three times and provided 10 assists in the fourth tier, scoring a further one and assisting three in cup competitions.
His excellent form has continued into 2024/25, where he the ex-Sunderland man has scored three and assisted three.
McClean earned high praise from Ben Foster during the goalkeeper’s time at the club and Phil Parkinson opted to make him Wrexham captain for the current campaign.
Phil Parkinson hints Wrexham have James McClean replacement
Despite being a top-class asset for Wrexham, however, the wing-back will be 36 years of age before the season draws to a close.
It’s hard to see him being sold but his contract runs out in 2026 and given his age, the Red Dragons will need to start thinking about long-term replacements very soon.
Jacob Mendy did just sign a new contract at Wrexham but he’s yet to prove he can play regularly in League One, never mind if they are promoted to the Championship this term.
However, speaking recently, as per Leader Live, Parkinson was asked if it’s hard choosing between Ryan Barnett and Ryan Longman to start at right-wing-back given the latter’s form since arriving in January.
He responded: “Longy can play on the left as well.”
Longman is only 24 years old and if he can replicate his recent form at left-wing-back, it looks as though Wrexham’s long-term replacement for McClean is already sorted.
Ryan Longman makes exciting Wrexham prediction
Longman looked decent on his debut when he played 17 minutes of the 3-2 defeat to Stevenage.
He then replaced Barnett for the final 13 minutes of the Crawley Town clash on Saturday, providing the assist for Wrexham’s winner.
Most recently, the ex-Hull City man managed to set up two goals during the Red Dragons’ EFL Trophy Triumph over Port Vale.
While he’s been very impressive so far, Longman thinks there is more to come at Wrexham from him.
He said post-Port Vale: “I’m really looking forward to it and I really just want to get my minutes up so I can get back to full fitness,” said Longman.
“That’s a little glimpse of me and hopefully there’s a bit more from me to come.”