Ryan Reynolds' ingenious signing of £12m ex-Premier League star paying off for Wrexham

Steven Fletcher has been a key player for Wrexham in League One this season as the Welsh side look to earn another promotion under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Wrexham's bid for promotion in League One has been given a significant boost by the presence of a former Premier League forward who was once the subject of a £12million transfer.

The Welsh club, owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has seen veteran striker Steven Fletcher score seven league goals this season, with many proving to be crucial match-winners, and six of which he netted as a substitute. Despite turning 38 this month, the ex-Sunderland ace continues to defy his age, having scored just one minute after being subbed on in the second half against Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night, clinching a 1-0 win for Wrexham.

The victory keeps Phil Parkinson's squad just two points shy of the automatic promotion spots in the third tier, with 12 matches remaining. Fletcher's influence has been pivotal for Wrexham, following an eight-goal haul in their previous campaign that saw them promoted from League Two.

His team-mates have acknowledged his importance, both in the dressing room and on the field, including midfielder Ollie Rathbone who praised Fletcher's impact after the Huddersfield match. He said: "He's such an important part of the squad, both on and off the pitch. He's so popular in the changing rooms and he's great with all the other players.

"When he comes on, he gives everyone a bit of a lift because you know he's got immense talent. We're lucky to have him."

The ex-Scotland international made the switch to Wrexham on a free transfer in September 2023 after parting ways with Dundee United. Fletcher's football journey began at Hibernian, netting 43 times in 156 Scottish Premier League outings before securing a move to Burnley for a then club-record £3m fee in 2009.

His career trajectory saw him join Wolves for £6.5m and later Sunderland, who paid £12m to secure his services in 2012. Following stints at Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, and Dundee United, Fletcher found his way to the Racecourse Ground.

Boasting an impressive tally of 53 goals in the Premier League over an illustrious career, Wrexham's boss Parkinson is confident in Fletcher's sharpshooting abilities.

Speaking to The Athletic, he said: "When the opposition see Fletch warming up, it must put a bit of fear into them because he's such a good player."

Although often deployed as a substitute nowadays, Fletcher embraces his role as an impact player off the bench. In past seasons, Paul Mullin was the go-to goalscorer for Wrexham, but now Fletcher seems to be shouldering some of that burden.

After celebrating the victory against Huddersfield, Fletcher said: "I know my role, I'm enjoying it. You want to play games but the two strikers that are playing now (Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez), I can't speak highly enough of them for what they're doing for the team.

"You can see the impact they're making on the pitch and it makes my job easier when I come on because they tire everyone out. We know how to handle these occasions. I'm 38 this month and I feel 28, it's good to still be rolling out there."

Wrexham's upcoming fixtures include a home match against Rotherham on Saturday and an away game against Reading on Tuesday, followed by a crucial promotion showdown with second-placed Wycombe on March 15.