James McClean responds to emotional Wrexham exit
James McClean has issued his response to Will Boyle’s move from Wrexham to League Two newboys Shrewsbury Town.
Wrexham’s cross-border rivals endured a woeful League One campaign last term, finishing bottom of the table after earning just 33 points from 46 fixtures.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Boyle was set to join Shrewsbury, and the defender has now completed that move.
The 29-year-old made 31 appearances for Wrexham across the last two seasons, while the Red Dragons won successive promotions from League Two to the Championship.
McClean responds as Boyle issues Wrexham farewell
McClean played a key role as the Red Dragons clinched second spot in League One last season, notching four goals and seven assists in the third tier.
Meanwhile, Boyle shared a farewell message to the Welsh outfit via Instagram on 27 June as he wrote: “Thank you to everyone at Wrexham wishing the club nothing but success for the future.”
Former Ireland international McClean commented: “Will forever be my PFA rep.”
McClean still has a lot to offer at Championship level
Football Insider verdict
After winning three successive promotions from the National League to the Championship, Wrexham must enjoy a successful transfer window to bridge the gap between League One and the second tier.
| James McClean stats | League One 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 7 |
The Red Dragons have already signed Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle to help them adjust to the demands of the Championship, as the 28-year-old striker notched 10 league goals last term despite the Devon club’s relegation.
But transfer activity alone will not be enough to help Phil Parkinson’s men in their quest to survive in the second tier, and his current squad will have to step up.
Despite being 36 years old, one player who should have no problems adjusting to the Championship is McClean, who has previously excelled in the second tier for clubs such as Wigan Athletic, West Brom, and Stoke City.
The Irishman’s most recent Championship campaign was in 2022/23 when he notched 11 goal contributions for a Wigan side that suffered relegation.