Ryan Barnett was told that he “wasn’t good enough” for League One, but the Wrexham star has gone “full circle” under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
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Wing-back released by ShrewsburyDropped into the non-league ranksReturned to third tier of English footballFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 25-year-old wing-back moved to SToK Racecourse in February 2023. He arrived in North Wales from Solihull Moors, having dropped into the non-league ranks following his release by Shrewsbury. Barnett made just eight appearances for the Shropshire club in the third tier of English football before being deemed surplus to requirements.
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It has been a long road back to that level for Barnett, but he is now thriving in a division that was once considered too good for him. He played a part in all four of Wrexham’s goals in a recent victory over Northampton and is rewarding the faith shown in him by Phil Parkinson and Hollywood co-owners.
WHAT BARNETT SAID
Barnett has told of proving any doubters wrong: "It's been a full-circle moment. A couple of years ago I was told that I wasn't good enough at that time to be at this level and I am back here with Wrexham after back-to-back promotions which is a really good feeling.
"It is difficult when you go up the leagues and the teams are tougher but that is a challenge I like to thrive under, and try and be the best player I can. I still think, in my own game, I have still got levels I know I can go up. The defensive side is something I have been working on with the gaffer but it is just about going into every game with a smile on my face and enjoying it, and trying to give my best."
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Barnett has helped Wrexham to back-to-back promotions and added on the challenge of climbing up the EFL ladder: “I had a couple of games in League One before and I don't think there is a massive difference. There's obviously players that have got a bit more quality and the pace of the game is a little bit quicker, and it is definitely more tactical. But the gaffer sets us up in the right way every week to try and win.”