Wrexham captain James McClean won't let career fizzle out
The 36-year-old joined the Reds from Wigan Athletic in August 2023 and he helped the Reds clinch runners-up spot in League Two in his first season at The Racecourse.
More success followed this term with newly-appointed captain McClean and his team-mates leading Wrexham to another second placed finish in League, making it back-to-back promotions for the Irishman.
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Wrexham, under Phil Parkinson, have made history by securing three successive promotions and McClean can hold his head high knowing he has always given his all when he's played for the Reds despite being in his twilight years.
"When I put my name to something, I want to give everything," he said.
"That's never been me as a person not to do that.
"It would be a dis-service to the manager, the fans and my team-mates if I didn't do that.
"I am representing them and I am on the pitch to do a job for them. If I didn't do that it would be a dis-service to myself and to them.
"They brought me here and giving 100 per cent is a given."
McClean played for Sunderland, West Brom and Stoke City, as well as having two stints with Wigan, before making the switch to north Wales.
He will be back in the Championship next season and although he's coming towards the end of his career, it is something McClean is relishing.
"You want to play at the highest level you can," said McClean, who has also played in the Premier League and won 103 caps for Republic of Ireland.
"I'm nowhere near my prime now unfortunately, I am 36 years of age, but I am looking forward to being part of that.
"I still want to challenge myself, and we'll embrace it. The speed is not what it once was, but the hunger and desire never leaves."
What can Wrexham expect in the second tier when they come up against the likes of Leicester City and Southampton?
"It will be intense and it will obviously be very difficult and the higher you go up, the quality in both boxes makes a difference," said McClean, who has become a huge fans' favourite at The Racecourse.
"But we would prefer to play at a higher level.
"Some players have never played in League One before and they've embraced it. They have been brilliant like young Max Cleworth for example.
"I have no doubts at all that people will step up and perform even better."
The competition for the second automatic promotion spot behind champions Birmingham City was fierce but Wrexham enjoyed a strong run-in, finishing the season unbeaten in 10 games.
A top-two finish was secured with one-match remaining and McClean hailed the players for stepping up to the plate when it mattered most.
"It was the same as last season," he added.
"When the pressure is on and the backs are against the wall, we stand up time and time again.
"Credit to the staff and every one of our players because some people crumble under pressure but this group does do that when it comes under pressure, and we have proved that time and time again."
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