Former Premier League star offered to sign for Wrexham but 'couldn't join' because of his name

A former Premier League player has revealed how he ‘wanted to sign’ for Wrexham – but a bizarre reason put a stop to any potential deal.

Wrexham have enjoyed back-to-back promotions in recent years with the backing of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, helping the club both financially and with gaining media attention.

The League 1 side, led by manager Phil Parkinson, currently sit third in the third tier - trailing league leaders Wycombe Wanderers by four points as they pursue a third straight promotion.

Over the last few years, the club have recruited several ex-Premier League players, with former Sunderland duo James McClean and Steven Fletcher joining the north Wales-based side.

But they could have signed another former Premier League and international player if it weren’t for an odd reason.

Former Hull City and Wales defender James Chester, 35, revealed how he was keen on signing for the Red Dragons after witnessing their rise under the new owners.

Chester, who now plays for Salford City, explained how he expected a decent reception at the Racecourse when playing for Barrow last season.

“The last time I was here last season, I expected that with the Welsh connection, I might get a reasonable reception,” he told BBC’s Feast of Football podcast.

“But I think because of the name on the back of my shirt, I got more abuse than I did any niceties. I got a bit of stick along the lines of my name and being on the pitch in Wrexham.”

Although these claims were disputed by several Wrexham fans.

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For context, Wrexham’s biggest rivals are National League North side Chester City, with the two cities located around 13 miles from each other, with Wrexham in Wales and Chester across the border in England.

“I've tried [to sign for Wrexham] for the last three seasons,” he explained when asked about the potential of a move to the Welsh club.

Despite currently approaching the twilight of his career, Chester’s experience at the highest level could prove useful for the club if they were ever to consider bringing him in. The club will no doubt need to add experience to the squad if they are to move up the footballing pyramid in the coming years.