MAX CLEWORTH hopes young players at the club can take heart from the way he has risen through The Racecourse ranks to become a regular in Phil Parkinson's side.

The 21-year-old became a permanent fixture in the Wrexham defence in the second half of the season and played his part in the Reds securing runners-up spot in League Two to make it back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club's history.

He was recognised for his efforts by being voted Young Player of the Season for a second time on the back of his 2021-22 award.

Since being handed his league debut by Parkinson on the opening day of the 2021-22 campaign when Wrexham drew 2-2 at Solihull Moors, Cleworth has made nearly 100 appearances in all competitions and he believes youngsters at the club, who missed out on the EFL Youth Alliance North-West league title after losing 2-1 to Stockport County on the final day, can be inspired by his story and they will continue to get chances in the first team.

"Hopefully a few of them take inspiration from it and it can be done," said Cleworth, who celebrates his 22nd birthday in August.

"Obviously the ownership has changed over the last few years but if you are good enough, you will get your chance and the gaffer and Steve Parkin are willing to put young people in and put responsibility on their shoulders.

"A few have made their debuts this season and hopefully there will be many more over the next few years."

Cleworth endured a frustrating first half of the season when opportunities were limited but his patience paid off and he took his chance when he got it, making a total of 31 appearances in all competitions this term.

"The start was frustrating but that is part of being at this club where there is lots of competition for places," said Cleworth. who scored his first league goal in the 2-1 win at Colchester on April 6.

"You have to bide your time. An opportunity came and I was pretty much in the team since then.

"It's been a very good last few months but most importantly, contributing to help the club get where we wanted to be."

There was no shortage of centre-back options available to Parkinson and Cleworth says high standards in training and in games brought the best out in him.

"There's no let-up in training, every day the standard is through the roof," he said.

"Those high standards through the week gets put into a match-day and you have to try and be on it to keep your shirt, like all lads do.

"It's a really tight-knit group where everyone is willing to push each other on to do well, and I think that is the main reason we got over the line."

Cleworth, who began his time at Wrexham with the under-13 group and made his first-team debut aged 17 in a Scottish Challenge Cup tie against Ayr United, is enjoying being part of the journey under the club's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

"I have seen a lot of change over the last few years," he added. "Not just structurally but in terms of faces day-in, day-out.

"Everything that has happened to the club has been brilliant, it's been done in the right way.

"All the lads and staff are absolutely brilliant and they make it a pleasure to come in every day.

"Long may the success continue for the club and for the fans because it is was everyone deserves."