Cleworth is the final link to the “bad old days in the National League” as Feast of Football Host Carl Roberts called it.
Cleworth has missed only three matches in all competitions this season and has played an important role in key moments such as scoring Wrexham’s first League One goal, 19 years on from the last time they played at that level.
While “icons” have come and gone, Cleworth has become the quiet heartbeat of the club’s defensive evolution.
That process continued in the January transfer window with the arrival of Zak Vyner, 28, from Bristol City, an experienced defender with more than 260 Championship appearances, highlighting the level Wrexham now operate at – a far-cry from playing alongside semi-professionals on away days at Solihull.
Iwan Roberts spoke highly of new recruit Vyner: “I’ve seen plenty of him. He’s big, he’s strong. He’s a fantastic professional. Great to work with, great attitude. Wants to learn, wants to improve on a daily basis. Trains like he plays.”
While Vokes added: “I think it actually surprised me his age when I saw it because I’ve played against him a number of times. I’ve played against him both at Burnley and Stoke when he was at Bristol City and Rotherham.
“He was always a centre-half that stood out for me to be very good at Championship level. It felt like he’s been around for years. He’s been playing at Bristol City since he was a young lad. And those amount of appearances at that level are amazing for a player of only 28.”
Vyner’s arrival provides competition, but also a measure of Cleworth’s progress. Once the young deputy, he is now the one setting the standards newcomers must reach.
As Vokes noted, even in the National League the club “always bought players of the level above”.
Should promotion follow again, another “very busy summer” awaits, with Premier League readiness the target.
And Parkinson was of the same opinion, saying: “Max is like the team in general. If you stand still, someone steps in and takes your place.
“So he knows that and that added bit of pressure for everybody in the group is important. And, you know, Max is the type of lad who’ll keep driving himself on.”
Cleworth does continue to “drive on” and his durability is remarkable. Having signed a new long-term deal in January, it appears he has definitely not “been left behind”.
He may be the last survivor of the pre-Hollywood era, but he is no relic of these times, more a core part of what Wrexham are becoming.
As they push for a fourth consecutive promotion, Cleworth stands as the bridge between eras: from Solihull Moors, to St Mary’s, to the brink of the Premier League.
His story is woven into Wrexham’s rise and it seems far from being over as the cameras of Hollywood watch on at this star’s continuing rise.
