Wrexham: James McClean aims dig at Tranmere, Newport and Accrington following promotion | OneFootball

Wrexham AFC secured promotion from League Two in style on the weekend with an emphatic 6-0 win over bottom-of-the-league Forest Green Rovers.

The victory means the Red Dragons will take one of three automatic promotion spots after results elsewhere fell in their favour, with MK Dons losing 4-1 at home to Mansfield Town and Barrow suffering a 3-0 defeat away at Gillingham.

The North Wales side's rise to League One means the club has achieved back-to-back promotions for the first time in its history, following last season's record-breaking National League title win.

Many of the players who were involved in the success of last term were in the team again on Saturday, including talisman Paul Mullin and star midfielder Elliot Lee, with the former scoring twice and the latter once against Forest Green.

However, Phil Parkinson also made some important additions in key areas last summer to ensure his team could challenge again in the EFL.

One of those who has made a crucial contribution during this campaign is former Republic of Ireland international James McClean, who provided a hat-trick of assists on Saturday and has made 35 league appearances (as per Transfermarkt).

The ex-Wigan captain is no stranger to controversy, with some of his previous social media posts having landed him in hot water.

It's unsurprising then that, as well as celebrating Wrexham's triumph, the 34-year-old took to Instagram to have a dig at a few of the club's rivals after securing promotion.

McClean winds up Tranmere, Newport and Accrington fans on social media

Never one to shy away from a wind-up, McClean posted on the social media platform on Saturday to share an image celebrating Wrexham's promotion.

At first glance it appeared perfectly innocent, as the left-wing-back said: "What a season, what a set of lads, what a club! Absolute pleasure to be part of it. Town is going up ole ole ole."

However, he cheekily added: "P.s congrats to Newport, Accie and Tranmere on the we beat Wrexham cup this season, enjoy your celebrations, we'll enjoy ours."

His comments were in apparent mockery of the level to which some of Wrexham's opponents celebrated their victories over Parkinson's side this season.

In March, McClean took to Instagram to make fun of Tranmere substitute Jean Belehouan for his celebrations in front of the travelling supporters after they inflicted a 1-0 defeat on the Red Dragons at the Racecourse, calling him an "absolute wally".

Far from baulking at the player's latest post, the club's Hollywood owners particularly seemed to enjoy it, with Ryan Reynolds commenting on it with a series of flame emojis and Rob McElhenney opting for applause emoticons.

His teammates also egged him on, with Mullin posting several laughing faces and director Humphrey Ker replying: "Yes, Jimmy!"

Former Ireland international immediately welcomed by fans

McClean has quickly become a fan favourite at Wrexham this season thanks to his passionate displays on the pitch, with supporters also enjoying his unashamed wind-ups off the field.

He is someone who often plays on the edge, as evidenced by his 11 yellow cards in the league, which saw him serve a two-game suspension in March after picking up his tenth caution of the campaign.

He was also involved in an angry exchange with Mansfield supporters after Wrexham's FA Cup win at Field Mill in November.

However, McClean has been one of Parkinson's most consistent performers, deployed either at left-wing-back or occasionally moving into midfield in recent months.

Indeed, the manager has been full of praise for him on several occasions, hailing his overall impact on the team.

As per The Athletic, Parkinson said: “James has been outstanding this season. His energy is phenomenal, while his mentality is the same. Drive and determination are the words that best describe James. You can tell he’s played at the top level.

“He’s played in a few positions, but that’s the player he is — he can basically play anywhere on the field. You’ve seen that since he came to the club. His physical data is always among the highest at the club, if not the highest.”

With McClean's contract due to run out at the end of June after he initially joined Wrexham from Wigan on a one-year deal, Parkinson now has a big decision to make on whether to keep him on.

Many of the club's fans would appear to be more than happy if he did join them in League One, as his experience could again prove vital.