Latest news with #WelcometoWrexham


Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
James McClean's chilling car crash revelation as Wrexham star breaks silence on ordeal
James McClean's chilling car crash revelation as Wrexham star breaks silence on ordeal Wrexham captain James McClean has candidly discussed how he narrowly avoided serious injury in a car crash on his way to training, describing the experience as 'scary' Wrexham captain James McClean has reflected on how close he came to serious injury after a car crash (Image:) Wrexham captain James McClean has opened up about how he narrowly avoided serious injury after crashing his car. The former Republic of Ireland international was on his way to training in the city on the morning of January 22 this year when his Audi RS6 hit a roundabout near Wrexham Golf Club. The 36-year-old underwent medical checks after his car was left severely damaged, but miraculously emerged relatively unscathed himself as police and fire crews attended the scene. Undeterred by the frightening experience, McClean later attended training as planned after his car was taken away by a recovery vehicle. And he was even well enough to play in a crucial League One clash between Wrexham and rivals Birmingham City at the Racecourse Ground the following evening. While McClean was left with only minor injuries, he has now revealed how he was lucky to escape serious harm after admitting "I was saved that day." He lifted the lid on what happened in scenes aired as part of the latest episode of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary. "It was a really foggy morning and it was hard to see," McClean said. "I thought I had more road than I did. I came out from behind a lorry and the roundabout just appeared. For the next five seconds it was just a blur. "Then the car stopped and there's all this smoke coming out of the car. The door was quite wedged and I was banging it to get it open." Article continues below Wrexham's James McClean was involved in a car crash on his way to training in January (Image: Instagram/macajw ) Reflecting on how severe the incident could have been, he added: "I just see it as there's bigger things ahead for me and it just wasn't my time. I was saved that day. It was a scary experience, but it just shows you how quickly things can change." McClean's wife Erin, with whom he shares four children, also spoke out about how concerned she was after learning of the crash via a text from her husband. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. "I got a message from James saying he'd just been in a crash and he sent me a picture of the car," she said. "I didn't believe it. My heart just started racing and then I rang him straight away. "He answered and I was like, 'Are you hurt?'. He was like, 'I'm actually okay'. I just jumped in the car and went straight to Wrexham. He came out and was like, 'I'm going to training.'" McClean previously disclosed how Erin was targeted with unpleasant messages on social media in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Posting on Instagram after starring in Wrexham's 1-1 draw with Birmingham, he said: "Now that the game is out of the way, to address yesterday. An experience I never wish to encounter again. 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. Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here Article continues below "I am blessed and thankful I managed to walk away with minor injuries and return home to my family, though much to the disappointment of some smelly scruffy pathetic creatures that messaged my wife online. Thank you for the messages of support." McClean joined Wrexham from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2023 after playing in the Premier League with Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion earlier in his career. He has helped the club, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, achieve automatic promotion in the last two seasons, rising from League Two to the Championship.


Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Paul Mullin's Wrexham exit close after Ryan Reynolds warning and frank admission
Paul Mullin looks set to leave Wrexham this summer after being frozen out by manager Phil Parkinson during the second half of their promotion-winning campaign in League One Wrexham star Paul Mullin looks to be on the brink of leaving the club, with discussions about a loan move to Wigan Athletic advancing. Since joining in July 2021, the striker has been a key figure for the Red Dragons, netting an impressive 110 goals over the last four seasons. However, he found himself sidelined during the latter half of their most recent campaign, as manager Phil Parkinson left him out of the squad. After undergoing back surgery last summer, Mullin had a shaky start to the season. The 30-year-old then quickly lost his place in the team after Parkinson bolstered his attacking options by bringing in Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez in the January transfer window. The strategy paid off as Wrexham clinched promotion from League One to the Championship in April. However, it could spell the end of Mullin's tenure at the club, especially following the recent signing of Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie. Wigan have been heavily linked with the Liverpudlian since the season ended, and according to the Mail, talks are now underway regarding a loan deal. Mullin is a fan favourite and well-liked by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. While he has tried to quash rumours of a falling-out with Parkinson, during a recent episode of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, he confessed to feeling aggrieved about being left out of the team. "I let that get to me, to be honest, from where I've been to then only being allowed to play four games and finding myself being left out of the team," Mullin said. "I resented it and I carried that for weeks because I felt it was unjust. "I think I'm more annoyed now. It's the annoyance of training every single day, doing everything I can, and looking back on everything I've done. "I feel like I was a main part of why we got into this situation, and then I'm not being allowed the platform to get back there, or the opportunity to go and do it again. It's difficult. I don't know what's caused him (Parkinson) to trust me less, but he clearly does." In candid moments recorded before the close of the season, he added: "Just to play one game in the Championship with Wrexham would be worth absolutely everything. It would be the icing on the cake for this story and who knows where it could end. "I've enjoyed every minute here, and if we could get to the Championship, then that'd be phenomenal. From a personal perspective, I don't think I'll have any part to play in it going forward." Ex-Wrexham boss Dean Saunders recently said that he thinks Mullin can muscle his way back into Parkinson's favour. However, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker also cautioned Reynolds and McElhenney that the striker may struggle stepping up a level. "I absolutely think Paul Mullin could score goals in the Championship," Saunders told "It wasn't long ago that we were talking about him playing for Wales. "He has always scored goals in every league he's played in, so he is capable of scoring goals in the Championship. But the defenders get better as you go up the leagues, so he will have to be smarter and work harder for every goal. 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. "It's all about speed of thought, so if he is aware of that and works hard, I'm sure he can score plenty next year for Wrexham, but it will be tough for him to adapt." Andy Morrell, a former striker and manager of Wrexham, also said he hoped Mullin would stay on and vie for his spot. "We all know he's got goals in him, he's a finisher, and we've seen him show it against Championship sides in the past," Morrell told BBC Sport Wales this week. "I hope he comes back really fit and goes and smashes pre-season - and perhaps gives the manager a decision to make. His mind may already be made up, he (Mullin) may already have been told, but I'd love to see him give it that shot and make sure Phil Parkinson has got to make that decision." 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
14 hours ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham AFC continue partnership with Macron sportswear
supplier for the Racecourse outfit in a multi-year deal. Macron will supply the club with the official team kit, replica kit, official training and travel wear, and will have the worldwide retail rights both online and wholesale to retailers, while Wrexham will continue to supply official replica kits and teamwear products, plus all other Wrexham branded products, exclusively in the UK through its official club shops and online. This renewal reinforces a long-standing nine-year partnership that was first established in 2016. The collaboration has yielded great success on and off the pitch for both Wrexham and Macron, with the Reds achieving three consecutive promotions from National League to the Championship, while Macron has grown to become a €220 million plus company. Accompanying the announcement today was the release of a short brand video on social media that captures the spirit and synergy between the Macron Hero brand and Wrexham 's unique Welsh history and heritage, now a global brand thanks to the success of the acclaimed docu-series Welcome to Wrexham. The partnership between Macron and Wrexham is founded on a shared vision of ambition, which has enabled the club to achieve extraordinary results on the pitch, supported by a technical partner that shares the same passion, innovation and commitment to quality. Macron is consistently dedicated to supporting dynamic community-based sports organisations and has accompanied Wrexham on a journey of growth that extends far beyond technical kit supply, becoming an integral part of the club's evolving story. Over the past nine years, the partnership has introduced cutting-edge technologies into the team's kits, placing a strong emphasis on design and visual identity, and promoting key values such as teamwork, determination and respect, all fundamental pillars for both Macron and Wrexham. Every shirt produced by Macron for the Red Dragons tells a story with the DNA of the club woven into the uniqueness of each kit. This will be the same for the 2025-26 season new kits which are set to be revealed in the coming weeks and worn for the first time on the Wrexham Down Under Tour 2025-26 in Australia and New Zealand. Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham AFC, said: 'We are very pleased to continue with Macron as our official technical kit supplier as we enter the second tier of the English Football League for the first time in 43 years. "Macron have partnered with us over the past nine years and have shown that they understand us as a club and brand, supporting both the club and its community on this remarkable journey that we are on together with our loyal fans. "We look forward to benefiting not only from their excellent design, manufacturing quality and sportswear technology, but also from their distribution reach now that Wrexham replica kits, training wear and apparel will be globally available to fans through major retail outlets in USA, Europe and Australia/New Zealand as well as online.' Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron, said: 'What Wrexham have achieved in recent years has been remarkable. "We are thrilled to have been a part of it and to continue this sporting journey together. The interest, loyalty and overall engagement has grown steadily, driving us to create collections that truly reflect the passion for this shirt of both the players and the fans. "This is our philosophy – one we bring to our work every day and are proud to share with Wrexham, in a partnership that exemplifies how sport, passion and innovation can come together to create something truly special.'


Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Paul Mullin closing in on Wrexham exit after Ryan Reynolds warning and 'resentment' claim
Paul Mullin closing in on Wrexham exit after Ryan Reynolds warning and 'resentment' claim Wrexham's Paul Mullin may be about to leave on loan to Wigan Athletic after falling out of favour under Phil Parkinson, despite being a key figure in the club's rise since 2021 Wrexham star Paul Mullin could be set to make a loan move to Wigan (Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images ) Wrexham star Paul Mullin appears to be nearing an exit from the club as talks over a loan move to Wigan Athletic progress. The striker has been a talisman for the Red Dragons since joining in July 2021, scoring 110 goals across four seasons. However, he experienced a surprising fall from grace during the second half of their latest campaign after being frozen out of the squad by manager Phil Parkinson. Mullin struggled for form early this term after undergoing back surgery last summer. The 30-year-old swiftly fell down the pecking order after Parkinson strengthened his forward line by signing Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez during the January transfer window. It was a decision that paid off as Wrexham secured promotion from League One to the Championship in April, but could signal the end of Mullin's time with the club following the recent addition of Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie. Wigan have been strongly linked with the Liverpudlian following the end of the season and, according to the Mail, discussions are now taking place over a loan deal. Mullin, who is a popular figure with Wrexham's fans and Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has tried to play down rumours of a rift between him and Parkinson. But he admitted to feeling resentment at being left out of the team during a recently aired episode of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary. "I let that get to me, to be honest, from where I've been to then only being allowed to play four games and finding myself being left out of the team," Mullin said. "I resented it and I carried that for weeks because I felt it was unjust. Article continues below Paul Mullin could leave Wrexham despite being close with co-owner Ryan Reynolds (Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images ) "I think I'm more annoyed now. It's the annoyance of training every single day, doing everything I can, and looking back on everything I've done. "I feel like I was a main part of why we got into this situation, and then I'm not being allowed the platform to get back there, or the opportunity to go and do it again. It's difficult. I don't know what's caused him (Parkinson) to trust me less, but he clearly does." Speaking in scenes recorded before the end of the season, he candidly added: "Just to play one game in the Championship with Wrexham would be worth absolutely everything. It would be the icing on the cake for this story and who knows where it could end. "I've enjoyed every minute here, and if we could get to the Championship, then that'd be phenomenal. From a personal point of view, I don't think I'll have any part to play in it from here on in." Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. Former Wrexham manager Dean Saunders recently said he believes Mullin has the potential to force himself back into Parkinson's plans. But the ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa frontman warned Reynolds and McElhennery that their favourite player would not find it easy at the next level. "I absolutely think Paul Mullin could score goals in the Championship," Saunders told "It wasn't long ago that we were talking about him playing for Wales. "He has always scored goals in every league he's played in, so he is capable of scoring goals in the Championship. But the defenders get better as you go up the leagues, so he will have to be smarter and work harder for every goal. 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. Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here "It's all about speed of thought, so if he is aware of that and works hard, I'm sure he can score plenty next year for Wrexham, but it will be tough for him to adapt." Former Wrexham striker and manager Andy Morrell is another person who would like to see Mullin stay and fight for his place. Article continues below "We all know he's got goals in him, he's a finisher, and we've seen him show it against Championship sides in the past," Morrell told BBC Sport Wales this week. "I hope he comes back really fit and goes and smashes pre-season - and perhaps gives the manager a decision to make. His mind may already be made up, he (Mullin) may already have been told, but I'd love to see him give it that shot and make sure Phil Parkinson has got to make that decision."


Wales Online
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wrexham wanted to sign me but I turned down transfer – I don't know why I did it
Wrexham wanted to sign me but I turned down transfer – I don't know why I did it An ex-Aston Villa youngster has admitted that he turned down a move to Wrexham, but his decision may have actually been for the best in the long term, given how things panned out Former Northern Ireland international Jamie Ward has admitted he rejected Wrexham (Image: PA Wire ) A former Aston Villa youngster has admitted he turned down a move to Wrexham – but he now can't actually recall the reasons for his decision. Jamie Ward came up through the youth ranks of the Premier League club during the early 2000s before turning professional in 2005. Despite captaining Villa's reserves, the forward did not make a single first-team appearance for his boyhood team and was loaned out to League Two's Stockport County in March of the following year. Ward's performances in the fourth tier were impressive enough to attract the attention of several teams following his release by Villa in the summer of 2006. The decision sparked a battle between Wrexham, Stockport and Torquay United to secure his services. The ex-Northern Ireland international, who spent most of his career in the Championship with the likes of Derby County and Nottingham Forest, took some time to consider his options. However, while Wrexham are now a highly attractive prospect under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, he decided a move to North Wales was not for him at the time, opting for Torquay instead. Ward showed signs of regret over the choice during a recent appearance on the Undr The Cosh podcast after admitting he'd been impressed by the Red Dragons' home stadium. "After the Stockport loan, I was done at Villa," he said. "Getting in that environment and knowing that I was actually capable of playing league football at a young age was the kick up the backside I probably needed. Article continues below Jamie Ward discussed his career, including his decision to reject Wrexham, on the Undr The Cosh podcast (Image: Undr The Cosh ) "I had Stockport, Wrexham and Torquay after me, and I decided to go to Torquay. I was worried about Stockport struggling again, so that's why I didn't go there. I actually don't know why I didn't choose Wrexham, because the stadium was nice. "I think the thing that swung it for me at Torquay is that the manager was from Birmingham, so he knew how far I was away from home. He said to me, 'Listen, if you're ever struggling and you want to go home for a few days, all you have to do is tell me.' "That was a nice option to have where you can just get in the car, get up the road free and you're back with your family three hours later." Ward's time at Torquay was short-lived following an ownership change and a new manager being brought in soon after he joined. He later put in a transfer request in December 2006, before moving to Chesterfield the following month. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. Article continues below Despite voicing some remorse at not going to Wrexham, Ward's decision turned out to be for the best. The 2006/07 season was a tumultuous one for the Red Dragons as they struggled for form and manager Denis Smith was sacked in January 2007. His successor Brian Carey kept the club in League Two by the skin of their teeth with a 3-1 home win over Boston United on the final day of the season. However, their relief was only temporary as Wrexham dropped out of the Football League in 2008 and spent 15 years in exodus in non-league's top tier. Ward was to enjoy a more positive trajectory after his impressive performances for Chesterfield caught the eye of Championship outfit Sheffield United. He later spent time with Derby and Nottingham Forest and also had a short spell on loan at Cardiff City in 2018, before turning out for several non-league sides in the twilight of his career.