Latest news with #Cleworth
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Wrexham CEO's Ryan Reynolds comment speaks volumes as '£15m transfer offer' discussed
Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson has opened up on the club's approach to player sales, admitting he will soon have to discuss offers with co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson has confessed that discussions about selling the club's young talent may soon be on the cards with the owners. The Red Dragons have soared to new heights, achieving three back-to-back promotions since being taken over by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in February 2021. The club's younger players have been instrumental in their meteoric rise from the National League to the Championship. Key players like centre-back Max Cleworth, 23, and wing-back Ryan Barnett, 25, were part of the squad for Phil Parkinson 's side's final non-league match, a 1-1 draw with Torquay United in April 2023. Both players also featured in the starting line-up for Wrexham 's first game in the second tier in 43 years, a narrow last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Southampton on Saturday. Cleworth, especially, is being tipped for a future in the Premier League. READ MORE: What we know about Wrexham target and Liverpool record-breaker who turned on his own fans Speaking to ex-Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster, Williamson revealed that Reynolds and McElhenney would be hesitant to let go of their star defender. However, during his appearance on the Fozcast podcast, he admitted that they would likely respect the player's wishes if such a situation arose. The confession came after Foster's co-host, Tom Ochoa, questioned him on how the club would react if a Premier League team tabled a £15million offer for Cleworth. Williamson said: "We're giving opportunities to players like Max, who's going to arrive in the Premier League, either with us or somebody else will be knocking at the door at some point. I'm hoping it's with us because players like that are so critical. "It's hard because I know what our answer would be [to selling him]. I know what Rob and Ryan would say without even having to ask them. The answer is, 'No, he's not available and he's not for sale.'". "But the issue is, what does Max want? Rob And Ryan care about the players as individuals, so in situations like that, it would probably come down to what the player wants." Wrexham have thus far refused to cash in on their prized talents, with the majority of departing players being let go by the club rather than sold. However, Williamson admitted that stance may soon have to shift. The Welsh outfit's record transfer fee received remains the £1million Birmingham City splashed out for Bryan Hughes in 1997, though many anticipate Cleworth could eclipse that figure if he moves on. "The reality of that conversation needing to happen is probably closer than it's ever been before," said Williamson. "Whether it's Max, Barney [Ryan Barnett], Brunty [Lewis Brunt] or Harry Ashfield, we've retained those younger players through this journey which is fantastic, because that hasn't been the case in the past. "But that conversation is going to happen, because at some point somebody is going to come knocking on the door, because those are some incredible players that are still at the start of their careers." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Awards and another promotion for Wrexham star Max Cleworth
The centre-back has had another brilliant campaign in defence, helping Wrexham finish runners-up in League One to secure an historic third successive promotion. When he scooped the accolade at the presentation afternoon which was held in front of Reds' supporters at The Racecourse, a video was shown of a number of Cleworth's team-mates speaking highly of the 22-year-old who says he will cherish the gong. "It feels good to get that," said Cleworth. "I've had the Young Player of the Season award before but the Players' Player award means a lot. "I'm not really one for looking back but when you get such nice, kind words off your team-mates and lads who have had the careers they've had, it does mean a lot. "It's a good award to win. I'd like to think I don't annoy the lads too much and I'm a fairly quiet lad but I like to play my part in the team." Cleworth scored seven goals in 42 league games, with another strike coming in the EFL Trophy, and a series of impressive displays in the Reds' back-line earned him the Young Player of the Season award for the third time in four years. Phil Parkinson, who gave Cleworth his league debut against Solihull Moors in his first competitive game as Wrexham manager in August 2021, presented his player with the trophy. "I over the gaffer a lot with what he's done for me in my career," said Cleworth. "He's almost made it really in terms of giving me the chance and I'd like to think that I've repaid him a fair bit. "To get those words off him as well means a lot and to win Young Player of the Season three out of four years is something to be really proud of. "This club is known for producing young players and I hope the likes of Harry Ashfield, who's done really well this year, and Aaron James are the next ones to come through. "And there's plenty more in the youth team that have certainly got a bright future at this club." There has been more recognition for Cleworth who was named in the League One Team of the Season alongside team-mate Ryan Barnett. "That sort of caught me by surprise," admitted Cleworth. "I think I've had a pretty decent season but to get that outside recognition is really nice as well. "To be in it with Barney who's had a really good season and is a good mate, to experience that together was brilliant." Cleworth has played his part in all three promotions under Parkinson and he insists team success comes before individual recognition. "I'm just proud to be part of the team. It's something I don't take for granted," he added. "We got our overall team goal and that achievement outweighs any individual award."
BBC News
24-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Phenomenal return' - Parkinson praises Cleworth goals
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has paid tribute to Max Cleworth's finishing ability after the defender scored his seventh goal of the season at Mansfield on Sunday. Cleworth drilled home from 20 yards to secure a 2-1 win at the One Call Stadium. The 22-year-old is now Wrexham's joint leading league scorer with forward Elliott Lee."It's a phenomenal return, he's a great finisher," said Parkinson."Max, Eoghan [O'Connell] and Tom [O'Connor] were great today, not just the defending but the way they stepped in with the ball and started our attacks. "They were progressive with their play and it made a huge difference for us."In January Parkinson hailed Cleworth's "class" after his defensive performance against the "best striker in the division" in Birmingham's Jay the Welsh defender is equally comfortable whether stopping or scoring goals."I'm just happy to help the team, whether that's goals, clean sheets or making tackles," said Cleworth."It's nice to be in a good goal scoring form, I caught it quite sweet but I should have scored a goal before that." Wrexham host Peterborough in the EFL Trophy semi-finals on Wednesday.
