Wrexham fans have hailed defender Max Cleworth’s new contract as “the best signing of the window”, with praise pouring in across social media after the 23-year-old committed his future to the club until 2029. Supporters described the deal as a sign of loyalty, progress, and belief in Wrexham’s Championship journey under Phil Parkinson.
The club confirmed the news on Wrexham AFC’s official site, while BBC Sport highlighted Cleworth’s key role in three successive promotions. His rise from academy graduate to Championship starter has made him one of the club’s most consistent figures — and one of its most popular.
Reaction on both the r/WrexhamAFC reddit thread and YouTube showed the same theme: pride in a player whose story has mirrored the club’s own. One Reddit user summed it up: “Skies the limit for this fine fellow.”
‘The best signing of the window’
Fans on the club’s official YouTube channel quickly labelled the announcement as a standout moment of the season. “Best signing of the window,” wrote one commenter, while another added: “Super Max, well deserved.”
“Great news, well done,” said one fan. “Can’t wait to see him in the Prem.”
Others praised the defender’s attitude and patience in developing at the club. “Yes, this lad’s going all the way to the very top — now take Wrexham with you,” one supporter wrote. Another commented: “Fully deserved and now squashes any rumours of moving on. Well done Super Max.”
The praise reflected the wider appreciation of Cleworth’s steady rise. “He’s a lot more valuable to the club now,” one fan wrote. “Even if a Premiership team comes for him, there isn’t a danger of losing him for nothing. Max is a class act.”
Supporters value loyalty and development
Cleworth’s journey from youth player to key defender continues to resonate with fans. His 174 senior appearances, three Young Player of the Season awards, and League One Team of the Year recognition in 2024–25 have made him a model of Wrexham’s player pathway. “Every young player in the academy now has a fine role model to look up to,” one YouTube comment read.
Another fan added: “He’s the best young role model in any sport. You leave everything on the pitch every game — you’re already a Wrexham legend.” The sentiment matched Cleworth’s own words in his official interview, where he said: “It means as much to my family as it does to me. All my family are Wrexham fans now.”
His continued presence in the side, coupled with the club’s stability under Parkinson, has built a sense of shared pride. One supporter commented: “Imagine telling a 13-year-old Max he would be a pivotal player for the team in the Championship. None of us would have believed this journey five years ago.”
Villa talk dismissed as fans focus on future
While some fans referenced recent speculation linking Cleworth with Aston Villa, most dismissed it outright. “Villa can buzz off,” wrote one Redditor. “Although I doubt there was anything to that anyway.” Another added: “He’s going to Aston Villa, really! I heard it from the drunk guy down the pub!”
Phil Parkinson had already shut down those rumours, telling BBC Sport that Cleworth remains central to Wrexham’s plans after missing the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest through injury. The manager said:
“We’re delighted to have agreed a new contract with Max. His story is quite a unique one, with the club being in four different divisions through his time here.”
Fans agreed that the deal was both a reward and a statement of intent. “Great news,” one YouTube viewer said. “He’s a lot more valuable to the club now. Premier League Max incoming.”
‘A class act’ and symbol of progress
From Reddit to YouTube, the reaction reflected admiration for Cleworth’s calm approach and his alignment with Wrexham’s growth. “Fantastic news, well done Max,” wrote one commenter. “Gives his all. Villa and the rest can wait.”
“Amazing player and proof that sticking with a club and adapting can be done with the right support,” one fan said. “Up the Town — great news!”
Many linked Cleworth’s extension to the club’s ongoing momentum. “Talk about a great way to go into the weekend,” one Reddit user wrote. “Well deserved, and I’m so happy he’s ours for the next three years.” Another added simply: “Huge commitment, great news for the club.”
As one supporter on YouTube summed it up: “Fantastic signing. He isn’t underpaid anymore — keep going with your development.”
Cleworth’s new contract encapsulates what fans most value about the club’s rise — loyalty, development, and belief. His story, like Wrexham’s, is about steady progress and shared success. It mirrors the same culture described in Wrexham’s sustained ascent through the EFL, and shows that both player and club remain on the same path forward.
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