CALLUM MCFADZEAN was disappointed to miss out on a dream trip to Las Vegas but the wing-back's priority is making sure he is fit for the start of pre-season.
Phil Parkinson’s men clinched automatic promotion following a record-breaking National League campaign, with the Reds securing a return to the Football League for the first time since 2008.
The players continued the title celebrations on an all-expenses-paid lavish bash in Las Vegas, with Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney funding the trip, but McFadzean wasn’t in America with his team-mates.
Although he made 27 league appearances this season, McFadzean played through the pain barrier because of a hernia problem and the 29-year-old underwent surgery as soon as possible so he would be back in training ahead of the start of the 2023-24 League Two campaign.
“I didn’t go to Las Vega because I had to have my operation,” said McFadzean.
“I needed it doing and if went then there was no way I could have the operation straight away; that would have taken it to the back end of May and I want to be ready for pre-season.
“I was struggling with an injury for quite a while and it turned out I had a double hernia so I needed to get that sorted.
“I was probably playing with it for a half the season so it will be good to go into training sessions and games feeling pan-free.
“Fair play to Kevin Mulholland and the physios, they got me the best they could but it is good to get it finally sorted, and I will be able to get going in pre-season.”
After touching down Stateside the Wrexham players saw the sights in Sin City, including visiting the Hakkasan Nightclub.
McFadzean is targeting a second successive promotion so he is part of the celebrations in 12 months time.
“It looks like the lads had a class time,” he said.
“I was buzzing that they all enjoyed it, I’m sure there will be plenty of stories when we are back in for pre-season training.
“Obviously I was disappointed to miss the trip.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity but hopefully we get the job done again next season so we get to do it again.
“That’s what will be spurring me on next season.”
The Wrexham players, along with McFadzean, will be back in America in July when the club plays four friendlies during a pre-season tour.
“That’s going to be a big one,” said the defender.
“Not many clubs can go to America in pre-season so I am looking forward to that.”
McFadzean missed the last three games of the season through suspension after he was shown a straight red card in the goalless draw at Barnet on April 15.
Parkinson was not happy with the actions of Bees goalkeeper Laurie Walker who was caught by McFadzean’s foot.
The wing-back was sent off as a result bur he was just pleased Wrexham went on to secure the title.
“It was frustrating,” said McFadzean.
“Obviously I didn’t intend to catch him but I think how they reacted played a part.
“If they hadn’t reacted like that it might have gone unnoticed.
“It was one of them things but we got the job done so it didn’t matter in the end.”
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