Wrexham's Matty James and Bolton Wanderers' Carlos Mendes
Matty James has impressed Phil Parkinson since arriving at Wrexham
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has heaped praise on former Manchester United prospect Matty James after echoing plaudits once given to the midfielder by Brendan Rodgers.
James was snapped up by the Red Dragons on a short-term deal in October after being released by Bristol City last summer. The 33-year-old has since become a regular for Wrexham, making 21 appearances across all competitions, with the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney chasing a third successive promotion in League One.
His performances were rewarded in December with a contract extension to keep him at the Racecourse Ground until the end of the 2025/26 season. James has now been hailed by his manager for his contribution after starring in Wrexham's 1-0 win against Rotherham United on Saturday, where he went head-to-head with his younger brother Reece.
The result put them level on points with second-placed Wycombe, who drew against Peterborough at the weekend, as the race for automatic promotion in the third tier heats up.
"Matty has great experience and know-how on the pitch," Parkinson told The Athletic after the game. "Since he came into the team, his tactical awareness and ability to sort problems out on the pitch is really, really good.
"You see how he organises others around him and that’s very, very valuable to have in any team. We knew he was a great lad before we brought him in but since he’s been here, he has brought a calmness to the group."
Parkinson's comments were similar to those made by Rodgers back in 2021 upon James' departure from Leicester City, a club where he made 117 appearances over a nine-year stint. Paying tribute after the player sealed a move to Bristol City, the then-Foxes' boss said: "I'm so pleased for Matty because when I came in, it was obviously so difficult for him in terms of injuries.
Matty James playing for Manchester United's youth academy
Matty James playing for Manchester United's youth academy
"Matty sees the game from the very highest level. His education at Manchester United as a young player has seen him go on and have an outstanding career. I will miss him because he's such an honest guy, a good guy, a funny guy and a very, very talented player."
James came up through United's youth ranks early in his career, but failed to make the cut at senior level. He joined Leicester in 2012 where he played an important part in the club's promotion to the Premier League in the 2013/14 campaign and helped them achieve survival during the following campaign.
He was also part of the squad which lifted the title in the top flight in 2016, but missed the whole season due to a ligament injury. Parkinson believes James' experience of playing at a higher level could be crucial for Wrexham as they enter a vital period in their quest for promotion.
He said: "When you have players who have played on a bigger stage - Matty played in the Premier League, plus the Championship for many years - they are used to dealing with the pressures and big expectations.
"The Wrexham expectation is something he enjoys. We need players who revel in the pressure and expectancy that comes when you’re near the top of the league. He has been a terrific signing for us."
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