Midfielder James signs new Wrexham contract
Matty James began his career at Manchester United and has also played for Preston North End, Barnsley and Coventry City during his career
- Published
Midfielder Matty James has signed a new contract with Wrexham that will see him remain at the Championship club until the summer of 2027.
James, 34, was a free agent after being released by Bristol City when he joined Wrexham on a short-term deal in October 2024.
He signed an 18-month deal with the Red Dragons in December 2024, scoring three goals in 62 appearances in all competitions and also captaining the side.
"I'm absolutely buzzing," James said.
"It's something that I set out at the start of the season to be able to do, to try and prove my worth. and basically go out there and perform in as many games as I possibly can to try and earn a new contract and I've done that, so I'm delighted.
"I'm very thankful to the football club, to everybody that's associated - owners, fans, players, staff, everybody."
James has become a key member of Phil Parkinson's side following their promotion to the Championship at the start of the current season.
The former Leicester City player has featured in every league game for the Red Dragons during the campaign so far.
"I'm pleased that Matty James has agreed a new contract because Matty's got great leadership qualities," Parkinson said.
"Matty is a good leader for us off the pitch as well. He's really good in the dressing room for us and he's deserved another year on his contract.
"He was a key player for us in that promotion last year... he understands the game so well and he's played most of his career at this level.
"He's got the savvy intelligence, whatever you want to call it, that counts for higher up you go, the more important that is."
James' move to then League One club Wrexham during the 2024-25 season gave the midfielder the chance to resurrect his career having been released by Bristol City when his contract expired.
The former England Under-19s international was part of the squad that secured promotion to the Championship last season.
"I've said it numerous times, it was a strange period in my career that I didn't really understand what exactly was going on and why," said James, reflecting on his departure from Bristol City, where he made more than 100 appearances in three seasons.
"This opportunity came and I've not looked back since. It's been an amazing chapter in my career so far.
"It's not finished and I want to try and keep going and play as many games as I possibly can for this football club."
