“Took a Bit of a Backseat” – Ex-Wrexham Star Reflects on Heightened Competition After Release by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Days after securing promotion to League One, Wrexham made a decision beyond commonplace imagination. The Red Dragons released 8 players from the squad as the manager said, “The aim has always been to improve.” Some of the players have found their exit hard to take but not Callum McFadzean. The Scottish left-back barely featured in Phil Parkinson’s side last season. But, it seems he is grateful for his stint at STōK Cae Ras and described his time there as ‘top class.’

In an interview with the Leader, McFadzean opened up on his time with the Red Dragons. The defender said, “When I first got to Wrexham there was no competition for me and by the end of it, there was Jacob and James. It was top class competition by the end of my time there. I took a bit of a backseat and supported the boys to get us over the line.”

McFadzean signed for Wrexham in January 2022 and enjoyed a good start. He was a major cog in the manager’s plans for a long time, until last season. That is when McFadzean had a hernia operation and was excluded from the squad list for the initial part of the season. But he did return after the January transfer window but was not preferred ahead of Jacob Mendy and James McClean.

Ultimately, McFadzean was restricted to just 5 Wrexham appearances all season. The writing was pretty much on the wall for the versatile defender. But McFadzean carried himself ith class after the exit. He said, “I wish them nothing but the best; it’s a great place with great people.” Unfortunately, some of the released players are finding their exit hard to process.

Wrexham star in emotional turmoil after release

Defender Aaron Hayden was one of the 8 players to leave STōK Cae Ras. But it seems his strong affinity for the club is making things hard for him. As per reports, the Fearless in Devotion podcast team was in contact with Hayden. The podcast said that Hayden is, “finding it tough to process he’ll no longer pull on a Wrexham shirt again.” Not the news Wrexham fans would have wanted to hear.

Hayden joined Ryan Reynolds’ side in 2021 from Carlisle United. Since then, he has featured in 86 games for the Red Dragons, the most he has lined up for any club in his career. In those matches, he has scored 20 goals and 3 assists. His role in helping secure consecutive promotions for Wrexham is vital. Yet, his release serves as a reminder of the brutal competition in the sports industry.