MATTY JAMES is playing with a smile on his face and he feels that has been reflected in his performances.
The midfielder is the only Wrexham player who has been involved in every Championship game this season, with the 34-year-old making 17 starts and 12 substitute appearances.
Just 18 months ago, James faced an uncertain future when he was released by Bristol City in the summer of 2024.
James was still a free agent when he joined Wrexham on a short-term contract in October 2024 before signing an extension, playing a key role as the Reds finished runners-up in League One last term to secure a record-breaking third successive promotion.
His performances this term have earned James a new contract until the end of the 2026-27 campaign so everything is going well on and off the pitch for the player.
"I'm enjoying my football and I think that's one of the biggest things you can have in your footballing career is when you enjoy playing," he said.
"You can't wait for the next game, the next training session, the next opportunity.
"I'm loving playing here at the moment, I've always said that since the first day I come in.
"I just want to try and keep that going, keep my performances going and help the team the best I can."
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There's competition for places in every position and James feels that has helped Wrexham who moved into the play-off places after last Saturday's 3-2 comeback win away to Queens Park Rangers.
"The gaffer's got a great squad to be able to pick from," he added.
"Numerous lads have rotated in and out, competition in the team is healthy and you've got to take your opportunity when it comes.
"As a group, we're pushing each other every single day in training."
Unlike James, fellow midfielder George Dobson is playing in the Championship for the first time and the 28-year-old has impressed, featuring in all but three of Wrexham's 29 league matches.
He hopes to continue to play a big part from now until the end of the season.
"I knew it was going to be a tough step up and I knew the club was going to invest in high quality players so I knew it was going to be tough for me," said Dobson.
"I've just tried to work really hard to stay involved and thankfully the gaffer has put his faith in me.
"I have played a lot and hopefully that continues in the second half of the season."
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