Former Wrexham Midfielder Completes Non-League Switch

National League North side Scunthorpe United has announced the signing of midfielder Liam McAlinden, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.  

The 30-year-old versatile midfielder joins The Iron on a short-term contract after recently terminating his contract by mutual consent at recent National League winners Wrexham AFC.

What experience has McAlinden had so far?

McAlinden began his career in the Wolverhampton Wanderers academy, where he managed to break through into the first team. During his time at Wolves, he made 19 appearances and spent time out on loan at Shrewsbury Town, Fleetwood Town, and Crawley Town.

The Irishman then made a move to Exeter City, where he made 74 appearances across two seasons. The following seasons led to a handful of transfers, seeing McAlinden play for Cheltenham, Brackley, Kidderminster, Stockport, and Morecambe over just three years before making the move to Wales in 2021 before leaving the club by mutual consent in January.

McAlinden is a versatile player who can play in a multitude of positions. He was frequently deployed as a left wing-back at Wrexham but can also play as an attacking midfielder, on the left wing, or as a striker.

How has his New Club Fared So Far? 

The midfielder joins a Scunthorpe side who currently sit second in the National League North and 12 points behind league leaders Tamworth. The Iron have recently had a transfer embargo on the club lifted and since doing so McAlinden becomes their second signing, following the loan acquisition of playmaker Flynn Clarke from Norwich.

Having accumulated 61 points already and creating a nine-point gap between themselves and eighth, Scunthorpe will have an eye on securing a playoff spot as soon as possible and the signing of McAlinden shows real intent to get promoted this season and put pressure on the league leaders.

Can this signing seal a promotion for Scunthorpe?

McAlinden is too good to be playing sixth-tier football in my opinion, despite not receiveing the minutes he wanted at Wrexham this season.

A Versatile, experienced player with a real work ethic, he is the kind of player any manager would love in their squad and will be a great addition to Scunthorpe’s squad especially as they continue to try and catch Tamworth at the top of the National League North table.