[themaclad]

Versatile Liam McAlinden is staying with Wrexham for their return to the Football League.

The 29-year-old, who was among Phil Parkinson's first signings as manager in 2021, has agreed a new one-year contract extension for 2023-24.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international can play in defence, midfield and attack.

"After the success we had last season, I'd love to be a part of it again going forward," said McAlinden.

"It's been the most enjoyable two years of my career if I'm honest. The club's going in a great direction, and now to be a part of it next year - as we look to go on achieve more on the back of our success last season - is fantastic."

McAlinden has League Two experience, having been part of Morecambe's promotion to League One before joining Wrexham.

"There is a step up in quality, but I think the group is really strong," he said.

"Last season we set records and there is quality in that group. To be part of that again is great, and hopefully we can kick on from where we left off and add further success."

Parkinson said: "He has been a great member of the squad over the last two seasons and we're looking forward to him making an impact again next season."

[themaclad]

Wrexham's home ground is to be renamed the STōK Racecourse as a result of a new sponsorship deal agreed by the north Wales club.

Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are preparing to return to the EFL after 15 years away having won the National League title.

The new stadium name will be in use from 1 July.

STōK Cold Brew is an American coffee company.

Built in 1864, Wrexham's home is the oldest international football stadium which still hosts international games.

Its new name in Welsh is STōK Cae Ras.

[themaclad]

Former Manchester United and England goalkeeper Ben Foster will continue to play for Wrexham next season in League Two.

Foster, 40, came out of retirement in March to help Wrexham win promotion as National League champions.

He has signed a one-year extension with the club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

"I'd decided before the end of last season I wanted to do it, because it feels like home," said Foster.

"I've never joined a football club and felt at ease so quickly.

"At the end of last season it was obvious that I enjoyed being at the club, I loved being part of the team and everything that Wrexham stands for."

Wrexham announce World's biggest airline as sponsor
Foster, who won eight England caps, previously had a loan spell with Wrexham in 2005.

He was a youngster at Stoke City when he played at the Racecourse on loan 18 years ago, and was spotted by then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.


Watch: Moment Reynolds gatecrashes post-match presser for player's shirt
Foster joined United in 2005 and spent five years at Old Trafford - although that spell included two seasons on loan at Watford - and played 23 games for the Red Devils, twice helping the club win the League Cup.

Foster moved to Birmingham City for a two-year spell in 2010, winning the League Cup again in his first season before spending the second on loan at West Bromwich Albion, who then signed him in the summer of 2012.

He spent six campaigns at The Hawthorns before rejoining Watford in 2018 and made the most recent of 519 senior career appearances in the club's final home game in the Premier League in 2021-22.

In March he was recruited by Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson after a knee ligament injury to first-choice keeper Rob Lainton.

"We're delighted that Ben has signed for the coming season," said Parkinson.

"It's a key signing for us because we all saw the impact he had, not just on the pitch but also around the training ground, and we are all looking forward to working with him again next season."

[themaclad]

Wrexham have signed defender Will Boyle from Championship club Huddersfield Town for their return to the Football League in the 2023-24 season.

The 27-year-old is dropping to League Two as Wrexham target back-to-back promotions.

Boyle will join Wrexham for their pre-season tour to the USA.

"It's a good time to join - I can't say anything that people don't already know about what's happening at this football club," said Boyle.

"But it's also a perfect time for me to join, I feel, and a perfect opportunity for me.

"It's exciting to be a part of. As soon as I knew there would be an opportunity to join, it excited me. It's a club that is only going in one direction."

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "Will is a strong addition to the squad; he's had success in this division before and then played in League One and had a taste of the Championship last season too.

"I feel his character will fit in perfectly with the group, and it's pleasing to get a signing through the door prior to departing for America."

[themaclad]

Wrexham have signed Republic of Ireland midfielder James McClean for an undisclosed fee from Wigan Athletic.

The 34-year-old, who this summer earned his 100th international cap, has signed a one-season contract with the option of an extension.

McClean will not be available for Saturday's League Two opener against MK Dons and will link up with the squad next week.

"I'm absolutely delighted to sign for Wrexham," McClean said.

"It's a project that is very exciting and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

"The club has ambitions to go even further and I'm a very ambitious person. I'm someone who is driven and I want to be a part of that journey."

The Derry-born wide man started his career with Institute and then spent three years with Derry City, before making his move into English football with Sunderland in 2011.

After two seasons in the top flight he moved to Wigan in 2013 - spending two seasons with the Latics - before returning to the top flight when he joined West Bromwich Albion in 2015.

McClean made more than 100 appearances across three seasons with the Baggies, before a three-year spell with Stoke City, and then returned to Wigan in 2021.

He helped them to promotion from League One in his first season and then was an ever-present in the Championship in the 2022/23 campaign.

His two-year second spell with Wigan took him beyond 550 domestic career appearances, scoring 69 goals, while he has netted 11 times in his 100 appearances for the Republic.

One of those goals famously came against Wales in October 2017 in Cardiff, earning the Republic a qualifying play-off spot while ending the home side's 2018 World Cup hopes.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "I'm really pleased with the signing of someone with the calibre of James.

"As I said in the summer, it's about being patient and getting the players in who can be strong additions to our squad moving forward."

[themaclad]

Wrexham have signed Sligo Rangers goalkeeper Luke McNicholas on loan until January.

The 23-year-old bolsters the League Two side's goalkeeping options, with Ben Foster, Mark Howard and Rob Lainton the Dragons' other options.

The move includes an option to purchase McNicholas on a permanent deal in January.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to be here and can't wait to get started," said McNicholas.

"The experience in the goalkeeping department at Wrexham is second to none."

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "I'm delighted to sign Luke.

"He's a good, young goalkeeper with real potential and we're looking forward to working with him."

After losing their first game back in the EFL at home to MK Dons, Wrexham will hope to pick up their first league points of the season away to AFC Wimbledon on Saturda

[themaclad]

Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has retired from playing for a second time.

The 40-year-old former Manchester United and England stopper came out of retirement to rejoin Wrexham in March 2023 after an injury to Rob Lainton.

Foster played a key part as Wrexham won promotion back to the Football League last season and signed a one-year extension only last June.

"My performances this season haven't reached the level I demand of myself," Foster said.

"I feel that now is the right time to retire.

"At the forefront of my mind when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the club, and making the decision now gives the club every opportunity to assess their options before the (transfer) window closes.

"Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart."

Foster, capped eight times by England, first played for Wrexham on loan in 2005 when he was a youngster at Stoke City.

He was spotted by then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and joined them the same year, spending five years at Old Trafford - although that spell included two seasons on loan at Watford - and played 23 games for the Red Devils, twice helping the club win the League Cup.

Foster moved to Birmingham for a two-year spell in 2010, winning the League Cup again in his first season before spending the second on loan at West Bromwich Albion, who then signed him in the summer of 2012.

He spent six campaigns at The Hawthorns before rejoining Watford in 2018 and called time on his playing career for the first time in September 2022.

Foster made his international debut in 2007 and made his final England appearance in a group stage dead rubber against Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup.

He will always be remembered by Wrexham fans for a stunning penalty save deep in time added on against last season's fierce rivals Notts County.

Wrexham were 3-2 up when Foster saved Cedwyn Scott's penalty to ensure a key win on their march to seal automatic promotion.

Manager Phil Parkinson said: "Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him.

"It takes a big person to make the decision he has and one who really understands this football club, with the timing of his decision.

"I am sure I speak for everyone, when thanking him for his contribution that went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season.

"Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the club."

[themaclad]

Wrexham have signed Millwall midfielder George Evans on a two-year contract

The 28-year-old, who can also play as a centre-back, came through the ranks at Manchester City and has also played for Reading and Derby County.

Evans joined Millwall in 2021 and made 60 appearances for the south London club.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's something that came around quite quick," Evans said.

"I'm really excited to sign and I'm desperate to get going.

"I'm ready for a big challenge and hopefully a really positive season."

Cheadle-born Evans has represented England at under-17 and under-19 level.

[themaclad]

Wrexham have signed Millwall midfielder George Evans and Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and are waiting to see if a deal for Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong went through before Friday's transfer deadline.

Armstrong, 27, is due to arrive for an undisclosed fee.

Evans, 28, who can also play as a centre-back, has signed a two-year deal at the Stok Racecourse.

Okonkwo, 21, arrives on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Armstrong scored 16 goals for Harrogate last season, and has a total of 31 in 106 appearances for Wrexham's League Two rivals since joining them from Hartlepool in 2021.

The Durham-born player has also played for the likes of Salford and Accrington since beginning his career at Birmingham City.

"The club can confirm we have lodged all paperwork for the signing of Luke Armstrong, and we await confirmation of his registration," Wrexham said on social media shortly after Friday's 23:00 BST transfer deadline.

Harrogate said on social media that Armstrong had joined Wrexham.

Evans came through the ranks at Manchester City and has also played for Reading and Derby County. He joined Millwall in 2021 and made 60 appearances for the Championship club.

Evans said: "I'm really excited to sign and I'm desperate to get going. I'm ready for a big challenge and hopefully a really positive season."

Cheadle-born Evans has represented England at under-17 and under-19 level.

Okonkwo, 21, has yet to play for the Gunners' senior team after coming through their junior ranks.

He is a former England Under-16s, 17s and 18s international and has had loan spells at Austrian club Sturm Graz and Crewe Alexandra.

"I know that the club had a great season last year, and it's good to see how the club has a plan to progress up the leagues," said Okonkwo.

"The passion the fans, the owners and the club have to keep moving forward is really good."

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Wrexham have signed veteran former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher on a free transfer following his departure from Dundee United.

The 36-year-old arrives after a failed bid to recruit Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong.

There is as yet no sign of a return for forward Paul Mullin, who punctured a lung on Wrexham's pre-season in the United States.

"Hopefully I can bring a lot of experience," said Fletcher.

"I'm 36, I'm still fit and still raring to go.

"One of the biggest selling points was the ambition of the club, and if I can help with that then great.

"I don't think you cannot see what has been happening at Wrexham - it's been a great experience for the fans, players and owners so hopefully we can continue that."

Fletcher was Burnley's record £3m signing when he joined them from Hibernian in 2009, and he went on to make a £6.5m switch to Wolves before Sunderland paid £12m for him in 2012.

Stints at Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and then Dundee United followed before the Shrewsbury-born player accepted the challenge of filling the gap up front at the Stok Racecourse.

Wrexham lie 13th in the League Two table after their return to the English Football League as they look forward to hosting Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, 9 September.

Manager Phil Parkinson said: "I'm really pleased with the addition of Steve to the squad.

"He's missed football through pre-season, but he's trained today with the lads and it's good to have him on board.

"His pedigree speaks for itself, and he's played most of his career at a very high level. He's an excellent professional and that's really important to fit in with the group here."