George Evans left Championship team Millwall for Wrexham on a free transfer in September, but he didn’t feel bad about moving down a division because of the club’s potential.
The decision of Paul Mullin to move down two divisions, from League One side Cambridge United to Wrexham in 2021, shocked the supporters.
His choice now makes sense because, ever since Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds acquired the club, he has not only become their main talisman but also a global celebrity thanks to the Welcome to Wrexham TV series. George Evans, a former midfielder for Millwall, went one better this summer when he signed with Wrexham.
The 28-year-old, who played eight seasons in the Championship with Reading, Derby Country and Millwall, inked a two-year deal in September. Despite playing at a far lower level, he has made 12 appearances for Phil Parkinson’s team this season and is enjoying his time at the team.
Having only been promoted to League Two earlier this year, Wrexham is tearing it up this season and sits second in the standings. Despite being five points behind Stockport County, the team is making a run at a consecutive promotion after spending the previous 15 years in the National League.
Even after Ben Foster’s departure at the beginning of the season, the Red Dragons have a young, experienced, and promising squad that includes players from the Premier League. Evans was a former Manchester City academy graduate, and James McLean and Steven Fletcher were also added.
A player dropping down a division to try and salvage a career would normally be scary, but Evans didn’t have to consider it when he was playing for Wrexham. “I’m having a great time here. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity when it presented itself,” Evans told the Wrexham Leader.
“I’m happy to be here; this is a great football team, and I feel at home.” The guys, employees, and entire club are fantastic.” Reynolds and McElhenney have had a revolutionary impact on Wrexham, and Evans is eager to establish himself despite playing in a higher division.
“I’m happy to be here, but I’m not joking around. I’m loving it here, so hopefully I can put in the performances on the pitch to ensure that I stay on the team and really pick up the game as we continue to win. We won’t let ourselves get ahead of ourselves; we’ll keep working hard.
“Every game is crucial for us, and if we can maintain the momentum and the winning streak, it should serve us well in the end of the season. We must ensure that we give it our all in every game.”
Wrexham has won 11 games in a row in all competitions; their most recent setback came on September 23 against the leaders of League Two. With just two losses this season, Reynolds and McElhenney’s dreams of playing in the Premier League may finally come true by the end of the campaign.
