How Wrexham captain James McClean responded to ‘too old’ teasing as Red Dragons are told Birmingham have a ‘better chance’ of earning Championship play-off berth

McClean has helped Phil Parkinson’s side into the second tier having joined them in 2023 as a League Two outfit. He has enjoyed back-to-back promotions, as part of a historic hat-trick of steps up the EFL ladder, and savoured two all-expenses-paid trips to Las Vegas courtesy of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

His contract has been extended to 2027 but, at 36 years of age, he is having to make peace with playing more of a support role. McClean has still figured in 10 games for Wrexham across all competitions this season - including eight of their nine Championship fixtures.

McClean remains a model professional, with the standards that he sets away from the field making him so important to Parkinson and Co. He retains the ability to make a telling contribution on the pitch, but is used as an example to others of what it takes to reach the top and stay there - with there no threat of him ever backing down from a challenge.

Hendrick knows all about McClean from their days together in the Ireland camp and - speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football odds - has said of a larger-than-life character: “He's not been starting much lately. I actually texted him, saying, ‘Are you getting too old to be starting now?’ He wasn't happy, typical James McClean, always biting back. But James has played in the Premier League, Championship, and League One. He knows what it's all about, with over 100 games for Ireland. He has that experience. Believe it or not, he's not what people think, he's actually quite quiet and calm.

“He trains really hard, of course, but he enjoys having fun around the training ground. So, it'll be great for the younger lads coming into the squad, or those who haven't played in the competitions or leagues he has. They'll definitely learn a lot, especially from how he conducts himself and how hard he works. James is maybe 36, and I'd be surprised if there's a harder-working player at Wrexham right now. I think he will keep driving those standards. As I said, older players might not be vocal or shouting, but they have a certain aura. People keep an eye on them, watching what they're doing, wanting to learn from them. I think that will help push the squad.”

Everybody at Wrexham has their sights set on reaching the Premier League, with A-list co-chairmen doing their best to turn that dream into a reality. Hendrick believes patience will be required in North Wales, with it possible that Tom Brady and Birmingham will earn a shot at making that jump up the divisions before Reynolds and Mac do.

Hendrick added: “Everyone had high hopes, and a lot of people look at momentum. The Championship is a grind, everyone knows that. Many clubs have been there for years and know how to stay in the league. You're not going to just turn up as Wrexham or Birmingham and beat these teams. The game between them wasn't the most exciting if you ask me.

“I think both teams spent money, trying to target players with high wages, more than some teams relegated from the Premier League are paying. They definitely have the backing, but it's still early days.

“Wrexham are trying to gel players together and have been unfortunate in a few games, but it takes time. I don't think either team is under pressure of relegation, but Birmingham might have a better chance of making the top-half play-offs, as they look more comfortable.

“They brought Tom Huddlestone in as one of the coaches. He had an amazing playing career and has learned his craft, coming through the Man United system, similar to Kieran McKenna at Ipswich or Lee Grant at Huddersfield. It seems Huddlestone has learned how to translate his footballing knowledge into coaching, which is a really good move for Birmingham.”

Wrexham and Birmingham played out a 1-1 draw at the Racecourse prior to the latest international break being reached. There are just two points between them in the table at present, with the top six still well within reach, and Parkinson’s side will return to action on October 18 when taking in a trip to Stoke.