Cleworth’s Journey with Wrexham
Max Cleworth made his debut for Wrexham against Ayr United in the Scottish Challenge Cup in 2019, followed by his league debut against Solihull Moors in 2021.
As the club has evolved over the past five years under manager Phil Parkinson, Cleworth is uniquely positioned to reflect on the progress made. Parkinson was appointed Wrexham manager in the summer of 2021, at a time when the club was competing in the National League, where they had remained since 2008.
Now 23 years old, Cleworth made his league debut in Parkinson’s first game in charge. With Paul Mullin recently departing, Cleworth stands as the only remaining player from that original squad still at the club.
"Obviously a lot of things have changed over the five years but they've been thoroughly enjoyable," Cleworth told Wales.
"I've loved working with the gaffer and his staff over the five years - we've obviously had a lot of success, which helps.
"It's been an incredible five years and it seems to have gone rapid. But I've loved it."
Key Role in Club’s Rise
Cleworth has been a vital part of the teams that achieved three consecutive promotions, elevating Wrexham from the National League to the Championship.
The centre-half also recognizes the significant influence of the club’s Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, both on and off the pitch.
"Obviously since the owners came in, I think the whole town's grown, which is just as important as the club growing," Cleworth added.
"The fact that the community has felt the impact is massive.
"And with the Kop stand being built and Colliers Park and us having a bit more of a base there now is going to be massive.
"I think that's going to hopefully have a big impact as well on performance.
"It's certainly only going in one direction."
Recent Performances and Future Outlook
Cleworth, a product of Wrexham’s academy, made 45 appearances in all competitions last season and has accumulated over 170 appearances for the club in total.
Wrexham finished seventh in the Championship last season, narrowly missing out on the play-offs.
"I think I improved as the team did and I think I had a decent season personally," Cleworth said.
"I was obviously disappointed to not play the last four, but that happens in football and the squad's so good here that people come in and out.
"As a team, I think we grew into it. We had a bit of a shaky start and maybe it took a bit of time settling, the team getting together and all the new lads that came in.
"So, I think overall it was extremely positive.
"We're still a bit gutted to have missed out on the play-offs on the last day but that happens in football and it's looking ahead to what's in front of us now this season.
"I think the experiences we've now had as a group - because it was pretty much a whole new team last year - only brings us closer and adds more motivation for the lads. Hopefully we can do something special this year."
Upcoming Fixtures
Wrexham will begin their pre-season fixtures in Poland on Saturday, facing Wisla Krakow in a friendly match.
Cleworth, who has not trained this week, is not included in Parkinson’s travelling squad.
