Jacob Mendy praises Wrexham team-mate after they won the race to sign the veteran from watford
JACOB MENDY has called James McClean a “different breed” and says his Wrexham team-mate is showing no sign of slowing down.
The duo are rivals for a place in Phil Parkinson’s side in the left-back position but Mendy has nothing but respect for McClean, a former Republic of Ireland international.
Now aged 35, McClean has been praised for his high fitness levels by the Reds’ boss and Mendy, who made his international debut for Gambia last season, is impressed with the veteran’s athleticism.
Both players helped Wrexham finish runners-up in League Two last season, securing a second promotion in a row for the first time in the club’s history, and Mendy enjoys the competition with McClean.
“James is a different breed. I don’t know how he does it,” said the 27-year-old.
“I really admire his work ethic.
“He is a very good player but he is a good man as well.
“I have a very good relationship with him.”
Due to the form of the duo, Callum McFadzean was restricted to just five appearances last season and has been released by Parkinson.
McFadzean helped Wrexham secure the National League title following a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign and although he only played a bit-part last term, Mendy says he kept him and McClean on their toes.
“Callum trained really well,” added Mendy.
“He was a really good man to have in the changing room and he is also a very good player.
“He played his part as well. He pushed us and made sure that we did well.
“If you see a team-mate do well, you also have to do well so that helps each other.”
David Beckham has been discussing life as a football club owner after Wrexham were promoted to League One and he has hailed the impact of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
The Red Dragons celebrated a second consecutive promotion last season, clinching a spot in League One after finishing second in League Two with an impressive 88 points. This success followed significant investment from the club’s owners, who brought in players like Steven Fletcher and James McClean to bolster their promotion push.
Wrexham AFC has also gained international attention and a growing fanbase thanks to its Hollywood connections and the hit documentary series “Welcome To Wrexham”. Beckham, a football icon known for his time at United and Real Madrid, expressed his admiration for what Reynolds and McElhenney have achieved with the North Wales club.
Giving his perspective on life as a team owner, the former England captain said: “I do think they play into it. That’s why I moved to America in 2007 with my family to join the MLS and to join the Galaxy — because I knew that there was potential.
