Wrexham star James McClean wasn’t shy about expressing his frustration after being teased by former teammate Jeff Hendrick over his limited playing time this season. Known for his fiery spirit, McClean didn’t appreciate Hendrick’s cheeky text suggesting he’s “too old” to start. Despite being 36, McClean remains a committed figure at Wrexham following their incredible climb to the Championship, even though he’s found himself on the bench more often.
Since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2023, McClean has been a key player, having played a significant role in Wrexham’s back-to-back promotions from League Two and League One. This season, however, manager Phil Parkinson has often opted for summer recruits like Liberato Cacace and Ryan Longman, leaving McClean with just three starts in nine matches.
Hendrick, who knows McClean from their time playing together for the Republic of Ireland, believes the veteran still has much to offer. Despite the ribbing, Hendrick insists McClean’s experience and work ethic are invaluable, especially for the younger players at Wrexham. “He might not shout the loudest, but he leads by example,” Hendrick said, adding that James’s experience across Premier League, Championship, and League One is priceless.
While Hendrick himself considered a career move to Wrexham on McClean’s suggestion, no offer materialised. Nonetheless, Hendrick is watching eagerly from the sidelines and expects Wrexham to establish themselves in the Championship this season.
With club co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney pushing for a Premier League future, there’s a lot of excitement around Wrexham. And with the latest season of “Welcome to Wrexham” streaming on Disney+, fans are more connected than ever to this dynamic club. Whether McClean continues to lead on the pitch or off, it’s clear his influence at Wrexham remains strong.