Who is Matty James? Wrexham’s latest signing profiled as ‘terrific’ former Manchester United midfielder arrives

Wrexham are still going strong in League One and sit second in the table after a fine start to the campaign.

Phil Parkinson has though encountered problems of late with injuries starting to stack up for Wrexham.

George Evans suffered an injury at Stevenage, Jack Marriott is out for four months and Steven Fletcher is now sidelined too.

Wrexham’s squad has taken hit after hit of late and Parkinson has been exploring potential free agent signings.

Many fans expected a new striker to arrive but it’s a new midfielder heading to the STōK Cae Ras with Matty James signing on a free transfer.

 

Matty James of Bristol City prepares to lead his team out ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Bristol City at King P...

Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

Who is Wrexham signing Matty James?

James came up in the Manchester United youth ranks but was never able to make a first-team appearance at Old Trafford – just like Ollie Rathbone.

The midfielder spent two loan spells with Preston North End under former Wrexham hero Darren Ferguson before being sold to Leicester City in 2012.

James became a key man at the King Power Stadium, racking up more than 100 first-team appearances despite a number of injury problems.

After loan spells with Barnsley and Coventry City, James left Leicester for Bristol City in 2021.

James played more than 100 times for the Robins and served as a real leader for the club before his contract expired last summer.

Now set to feature in League One with Wrexham, James offers an experienced head in midfield and a proven performer at Championship level.

What the managers say about Matty James

“[Matty] is a good passer, he’s got plenty of energy, he’s a good size for a young lad,” – Darren Ferguson after signing James for Preston North End in 2010, Daily Mail.

“The biggest compliment I could give Matty James is probably that his teammates recognise his contribution. I don’t think there’s a greater compliment a manager could give to a player than that. Outside of that, he’s a good technician, he understands the game and he’s got the ability to influence his teammates. It’s something that internally we value and he knows his worth to the squad, whether he plays or he doesn’t. He’s a very accomplished performer and he’s got a Premier League medal,” – Nigel Pearson in 2023, Bristol World.

“He’s done a terrific job, Jamo, I’ve really enjoyed working with him,” – Bristol City boss Liam Manning in 2024, Bristol Post.

“Matty has great ability and brings leadership and experience to the squad,” – Coventry City boss Mark Robins after signing him in 2021.

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