Mayo goalkeeper aiming to be Wrexham's number one

"It's been a good year," Wrexham goalkeeper and Belcarra native, Luke McNicholas, told The Mayo News on Thursday evening last, in Manulla. Reflecting on his season with the Welsh club, the 24-year-old said the environment at the newly-promoted outfit is fantastic. “We've achieved a lot as a team, including promotion on the back of promotion the previous season too.”

McNicholas joined the Welsh side in a loan move from Sligo Rovers last year with the deal being made permanent when the transfer window opened at the start of this year.

The move from Ireland to Wrexham represented a significant change for McNicholas, who previously played for Finn Harps and Cliftonville, as well as underage at Manulla. Despite not getting as much game time as he had hoped, he says being part of a promotion-winning team has been a rewarding experience.

"The quality of players at Wrexham is unbelievable," he says. "At Wrexham, the facilities are top-notch. We have a canteen, a gym, and we train on pitches that are like carpets. This level of infrastructure supports the team's development and performance, providing a solid foundation for our ambitions to get to higher leagues.”

McNicholas currently resides in Chester, a location he finds convenient and enjoyable. "It's a nice area and not too far from the training ground," he said. “Living close to teammates has fostered camaraderie and a supportive atmosphere. Everyone gets on with everyone. It's a real close-knit group. There are no cliques and there’s mutual respect among players. There’s a few Irish lads at the club – the most notable is James McClean. He’s a lovely lad – very down to earth and an incredible professional.”

Wrexham's revival has been significantly boosted by its high-profile owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. McNicholas describes them as "really top guys" who are surprisingly normal people, despite their fame. Their involvement has energised the club and the local community, creating a buzz that resonates throughout the stadium.

"The atmosphere is unbelievable the stadium holds 12,500 and it often feels like it's filled with many more fans due to their passionate support and the noise they generate.”

The life of a professional footballer at Wrexham is marked by rigorous training schedules and meticulous preparation.

"We usually train Monday, have double sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, and a lighter session on Friday before the Saturday game," McNicholas explains. “There’s detailed match preparations, including video analysis of opponents to better understand their tactics and tendencies.”

One of the challenges McNicholas faces on the pitch is communication with team-mates amidst the roaring crowd. "You have to use clear, concise words," he says, “and you need awareness and quick decision-making. This skill is vital in maintaining team cohesion and effectiveness during matches, especially in high-stakes situations.”

One of the benefits of celebratory ownership is that Wrexham fly to games which would involve anything over a three-hour coach journey, for other clubs. The players enjoyed an end-of-season trip to Las Vegas, where, McNicholas said, the hotels are like shopping centres, with restaurants and casinos everywhere.

McNicholas is clear about his ambitions: "I want to become the number one goalkeeper at Wrexham. That's why I signed."

His dedication to improving and proving himself is evident, as he continues to work hard both on and off the pitch. The prospect of competing in higher divisions is exciting for him and his teammates.

"I think we're good enough to compete at the next level," he said. “That’s the direction the club is going anyway.”

As Wrexham look to build on their recent successes, players like Luke McNicholas are integral to their ongoing journey. With a blend of quality facilities, a supportive environment, and the guidance of experienced professionals, the future appears bright for both McNicholas and Wrexham AFC.

McNicholas was in Manulla to receive an award from the club on Thursday last at their academy evening. It was encouraging to see the huge number of youngsters at the event, and if the club can keep developing these players, their future looks bright.