James McClean makes Wrexham admission as he prepares for Stoke City reunion
Stoke old boy James McClean captained Wrexham to promotion from League One
James McClean admits that captaining Wrexham to promotion has been the most enjoyable time of his career, even counting the century of caps for Republic of Ireland.
The former Stoke City player of the year, now aged 36, dropped to League Two to join Wrexham from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2023 but he is now preparing for life back in the Championship – and a return to the bet365 Stadium as an opponent.
He is the favourite player of Hollywood owner Ryan Reynolds and he is hoping this chapter of his life will continue for as long as possible
McClean told the Wrexham Leader: “It has been an absolute honour captaining this club and to be in the history books, and into the Championship. I’m very thankful and very privileged to do so.
“When you retire, you want to look back on being remembered for being part of something successful. I’m absolutely proud that I’ve managed to play over 100 Premier League games and I’ve won over 100 caps for my country.
“All those things mean the absolute world to me but it’s about winning things as well and hand on heart, this has been the most enjoyable time in my football career.
“It’s been amazing and long may it continue. It has been really enjoyable here. The fans have been amazing with me, they have really taken to me, and it’s a great group here.”
Reynolds and fellow owner Rob McElhenney took over at Wrexham when they were in the National League and have overseen three successive promotions in all.
Reynolds said recently about McClean: “There is a burning, fearsome, 5000 kelvin oven inside that guy that is remarkable, and one of my favourite players to watch.
“I grew up as the youngest of four boys, right, I have a people-pleasing gene in me somewhere. I always love the guys that don’t have that. I gravitate towards grumpy people. Samuel L Jackson can be a grumpy person and he’s one of my favourite human beings on planet earth because of it. I love it. James has a bit of that.”
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