Wrexham AFC: Phil Parkinson must have two names in mind as big James McClean decision looms | OneFootball

The best two options that should be Wrexham's captain next season

As we inch closer towards the conclusion of another successful season for Wrexham, Phil Parkinson will have a tough decision to make about his current captain.

James McClean is a popular figure among Red Dragons supporters, but the Irishman turns 35 in April, and it’s difficult to imagine he’ll be with the club in the coming years. At the same time, Parkinson entrusted him with the captaincy this season, a role that has seen mixed results.

On the one hand, he’s second in the team in assists with five, so we can’t say he’s been a complete nuisance; however, it feels like some more worthy candidates should get to lead Wrexham in the future as focus shifts more long-term.

James McClean’s contract

McClean first came to Wrexham in August 2023 from Wigan Athletic. He put up nine assists in League Two last season, helping them earn a promotion, while he had a high number of recoveries (175) and won his share of balls in the attacking third (10).

He has been solid both in the attack and when defending during his days in North Wales, and that’s enabled the Red Dragons to be in the hunt for promotion once again this season.

Last summer, he signed an extension to remain at Wrexham until the summer of 2026. Things can change quickly, though, and given he’s only started two of the last six League One fixtures, especially given the position they’re in, it makes one wonder how much faith the gaffer has in his leader on the field.

James McClean’s invaluable experience

When McClean came to this club, he was advertised as a utility player who could do many things well. He has been a strong passer and is not afraid to throw in a crunching tackle or commit fouls.

He came with a tremendous amount of experience, featuring over 150 Premier League fixtures and over 200 games in the Championship.

While he can still contribute, his pass accuracy has declined a little, currently at 69.6%, and as we saw against Wycombe last Saturday, he’s fluffed his share of crosses in good positions.

If the club decides to send him off and not honor the remainder of his contract, it will not be easy. At the same time, Parkinson needs to closely examine if he’s the best person to wear the armband moving forward.

The best two candidates to captain Wrexham

One name that’s been tossed around as a potential leader for the Red Dragons for a while is Eoghan O’Connell, a fellow Irishman like McClean.

On a side that’s relied on numerous 1-0 victories, the former Celtic academy product has worn the armband before and would be an excellent choice to do so permanently. He’s a rock defensively, leading the team in accurate passes per 90 (37.5) and, perhaps more importantly, also leads them in clearances per 90 (7.2) and blocks per 90 (0.6).

He’s very vocal, organised, and poised under pressure, and few would have a problem with him taking the armband on a full-time basis.

Another player who may not be the first name one thinks of when talking of a leader but who warrants consideration is Wrexham’s academy graduate, Max Cleworth. Sure, he’s only 22, and his demeanor doesn’t suggest he’s all that vocal, but his play on the pitch and maturity has been incredible. Those are invaluable qualities, and he has plenty of seasons left to play.

Maybe giving him the armband would be a bargaining tool to persuade him to stay. Of course, he shouldn’t be given the armband for that sole reason, but his play on the pitch, which few could argue with, has been exemplary. Like O’Connell, he’s got plenty of composure defensively, while he is tied for the team lead in goals alongside Elliott Lee and Steven Fletcher, all of whom have seven.

While Cleworth has shown he’s got a nose for the goal, he’s also been massively late in matches when Wrexham has a lead. He’s second on the team in blocks per 90 (0.5), clearances per 90 (3.8) and accurate passes per 90 (33).

The Red Dragons have won 15 League One contests this season by a single goals and, along with the heroics of Steven Fletcher, they have Cleworth and O’Connnell to thank as well for some of those results.

Whether in the Championship or League One, Parkinson should strongly consider a peaceful transfer of power regarding who captains this team beyond this season. O’Connell and Cleworth should be at the top of that list if a decision is made on McClean.