Cleworth's rise from National League to Championship

Max Cleworth is in a better position than anybody to reflect on Wrexham's progress over the past five years under Phil Parkinson.

Parkinson was appointed Wrexham manager in the summer of 2021 with the club in the National League where they had been since 2008.

Cleworth, 23, made his league debut in Parkinson's first game and with Paul Mullin recently leaving it means the defender is the sole survivor of that team still at the club.

"A lot of things have changed over the five years but they've been thoroughly enjoyable," Cleworth told BBC Sport 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."

Cleworth was an integral part of the sides which secured three successive promotions and saw Wrexham rise from the National League to the Championship.

The centre-half acknowledges the impact of the club's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac on and off the pitch.

"Since the owners came in, the whole town has grown, which is just as important as the club growing," Cleworth added.

"The fact 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.

"That's going to hopefully have a big impact as well on performance. It's certainly only going in one direction."

Cleworth, a product of Wrexham's academy, made 45 appearances in all competitions last season and has played more than 170 games for the club in total.

Wrexham finished seventh in the Championship last season, narrowly missing out on the play-offs.

"I improved as the team did and I had a decent season personally," Cleworth added.

"I was 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, 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, 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.

"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."

Wrexham begin their pre-season fixtures in Poland on Saturday when they face Wisla Krakow in a friendly.

Cleworth, who has not trained this week, is not among Parkinson's travelling party.