JACOB MENDY felt he showed he was capable of playing in the Football League after playing his part in Wrexham’s promotion campaign and the wing-back is looking forward to testing himself at a higher level next season.

The 27-year-old spent time with the Atletico Madrid academy as a youngster before moving to the United Kingdom, and he went on to have spells in non-league with a number of clubs.

Mendy arrived at the Racecourse in the summer of 2022 from Boreham Wood and he helped the Reds clinch the National League title following a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign.

Moving up a division never fazed Mendy who was part of the Wrexham squad that finished runners-up in League Two last term, securing back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s history.

There was also international recognition for Mendy who made his Gambia debut in a World Cup qualifier against The Ivory Coast and he went on to represent his country in the African Cup of Nations.

It was a season to remember for Mendy who made 31 league appearances but missed the last five games due to a hamstring injury.

“It was a very good season for me,” he said.

“I was disappointed with the injury at the end but overall it was a great season and I managed to play my part in the promotion.

"That is all that matters in the end, that we got the job done, and I helped us do that.

“I also managed to play for my country in the biggest tournament in Africa.

“Now I am looking forward to next season with a lot of hunger and ambition.

“We will see what happens. We want to be competitive in League One.”

Although he was pleased with how he adapted to playing in the EFL for the first time in his career, Mendy can’t wait to show what he can do when Wrexham line-up in League One next term.

“I want to prove that I can also do well in League One,” said Mendy, who is set to miss the start of the campaign after having surgery to mend his hamstring.

“I’d never played in the Football League until last season and there were a lot of questions, whether I was capable or not, coming from lower leagues.

“It is the same thing for me with League One.

“I just want to do well and show that I am ready for any league that comes.”

Wrexham, back in the Football League following a 15-year absence, suffered a 5-3 defeat against MK Dons at The Racecourse on the opening day.

Mendy’s name will go down in the record books as he scored the Reds’ first goal back in the EFL.

“It was not the result we wanted but I was happy to put my name in the books,” he added.

“That is always a good thing to have.

“I reckon it will be a quiz question in the future!”