‘Told I wasn’t good enough’ – Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney help Wrexham star go ‘full circle’ after 2023 transfer

The 25-year-old wing-back moved to SToK Racecourse in February 2023. He arrived in North Wales from Solihull Moors, having dropped into the non-league ranks following his release by Shrewsbury. Barnett made just eight appearances for the Shropshire club in the third tier of English football before being deemed surplus to requirements.

It has been a long road back to that level for Barnett, but he is now thriving in a division that was once considered too good for him. He played a part in all four of Wrexham’s goals in a recent victory over Northampton and is rewarding the faith shown in him by Phil Parkinson and Hollywood co-owners.

Barnett has told The Leader of proving any doubters wrong: "It's been a full-circle moment. A couple of years ago I was told that I wasn't good enough at that time to be at this level and I am back here with Wrexham after back-to-back promotions which is a really good feeling.

"It is difficult when you go up the leagues and the teams are tougher but that is a challenge I like to thrive under, and try and be the best player I can. I still think, in my own game, I have still got levels I know I can go up. The defensive side is something I have been working on with the gaffer but it is just about going into every game with a smile on my face and enjoying it, and trying to give my best."

Barnett has helped Wrexham to back-to-back promotions and added on the challenge of climbing up the EFL ladder: “I had a couple of games in League One before and I don't think there is a massive difference. There's obviously players that have got a bit more quality and the pace of the game is a little bit quicker, and it is definitely more tactical. But the gaffer sets us up in the right way every week to try and win.”

Wrexham, who sit second in the League One table as they target a historic third successive promotion, will be back in action on Saturday after an enforced international break when taking in a trip to Rotherham – with Millers boss Steve Evans having already billed them as the “Harlem Globetrotters”.