Wrexham midfielder James McClean has offered an insight into what Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are really like behind the scenes.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds made the astute capture of James McClean in August 2023.
The 35-year-old chose to drop down to League Two from the third tier as he was sold by the project at Wrexham.
It’s a decision that has ultimately paid off for the Irishman, who played a vital role in helping Phil Parkinson’s men seal promotion with 10 assists from left-back and central midfield.
McClean’s displays in Red were rewarded with a year extension to his contract, and that was followed by similar deals for goalkeeper Mark Howard and striker Steven Fletcher.
That show of faith in McClean’s talent in League One was richly deserved, with the former Republic of Ireland international now offering an insight into how McElhenney and Reynolds operate.
James McClean says what Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are really like
During their tenure at Wrexham, many have realised that the Hollywood owners don’t act like they’re millionaires by shutting themselves off from the outside world.
Their actions towards the players, staff and supporters both in person and on social media paint a picture of two people who care about the football club and the town itself.
This is expressed by their multiple donations to charities, their willingness to communicate with the fans and message the players after the game; treatment McClean is familiar with.
Providing insight into what they’re like behind the scenes, McClean told RTE: “They’re pretty much well involved, two brilliant lads, no hairs and graces. What you see is what you get, they’re quite involved, even through text messages after games. They like to know what’s going on a daily basis and like I said, they’re pretty much involved a lot.”
There is an assumption that just because they’re in America most of the time working on their own projects, they’re not involved in the day-to-day running of the football club, but McClean has cleared that up by claiming they’re ‘pretty much involved a lot’.
James McClean’s importance to Wrexham
When Wrexham captured McClean from Wigan last year, many expected him to commit just one year to the Welsh side but instead, he’s become an important part of the fabric and in the third tier, his impact will be invaluable.
He sets the standard off the pitch with his relentless work rate, as Ben Foster claims he’s the hardest working player he’s seen, while on the field a lot of what Wrexham do goes through him.
Whether he’s whipping in crosses from the left flank or creating chances centrally, the Irish maestro is one of a kind when it comes to his age and how high his performance levels reach.
McClean is the perfect example for any footballer looking to enjoy a long career in the game.
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