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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Wing-back released by Shrewsbury</li><li>Dropped into the non-league ranks</li><li>Returned to third tier of English football</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

‘Told I wasn’t good enough’ – Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney help Wrexham star go ‘full circle’ after 2023 transfer

League One

Stockport County

Wrexham

<p>The 25-year-old wing-back <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/wrexham-contract-already-done-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-one-step-ahead-free-agency-fears-red-dragons-star-retained/bltecaee3344c5952eb" target="_blank">moved to SToK Racecourse in February 2023.</a> 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.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/contract-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-wrexham-shropshire-shevchenko-best-plater-world-billing-deal-runs-down/blt6dc6e26d6622345c" target="_blank">played a part in all four of Wrexham’s goals in a recent victory over Northampton</a> and is rewarding the faith shown in him by Phil Parkinson and Hollywood co-owners.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Barnett has told <a href="https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/24656748.ryan-barnett-outstanding-form-wrexham/ " target="_blank"><em>The Leader</em></a> 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.</p><p>"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."</p>

WHAT BARNETT SAID

<p>Barnett has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/would-welcome-to-wrexham-documentary-survive-dip-results-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-leeway-growing-fan-base-north-america-world/blt34daf2f747a8c627" target="_blank">helped Wrexham to back-to-back promotions</a> 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.”</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Wrexham, who sit second in the League One table as they <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/another-las-vegas-party-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-arthur-okonkwo-bold-wrexham-promotion-claim-league-one/blt37daecccf5dc6d0a" target="_blank">target a historic third successive promotion</a>, will be back in action on Saturday after an enforced international break when taking in a trip to Rotherham – with Millers boss Steve Evans having already <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/wrexham-harlem-globetrotters-billing-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-tom-brady-birmingham-real-madrid-league-rival-boss/blt9445f02b3766df02" target="_blank">billed them as the “Harlem Globetrotters”</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

‘Told I wasn’t good enough’ – Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney help Wrexham star go ‘full circle’ after 2023 transfer | Goal.com United Arab Emirates

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.