FORMER Southend United defender Harry Lennon is hoping some Hollywood stardust can help him rekindle his injury-hit career.

The 26-year-old centre-back left the Shrimpers in the summer to join Wrexham, who are now owned by superstar actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

And, speaking ahead of his first return to Roots Hall with the Welsh side, Lennon is thoroughly enjoying a fresh challenge.

“I’m loving it here,” said Lennon.

“It was a tough time being at Southend, the environment and losing all the time.

“But this is a really positive place to be at the minute and the club are really trying to go in the right direction.

“We’ve got a good manager, good coaching staff and it’s a really exciting place to be.”

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has assembled a strong squad looking to push for promotion this season.

But it is the backing of the world-famous owners that have made the ambitious plans possible.

“It’s strange really because you grow up watching films with Ryan Reynolds in and now they’re paying your wages,” said Lennon.

“It’s certainly unusual.

“They’ve not been over yet but I’m sure they will at some point this season.”

In contrast to the excitement surrounding Wrexham, Southend have slumped to the National League after two successive relegations.

And Lennon found it tough going at Roots Hall.

“The last few years have been extremely tough,” said Lennon, who joined Blues in 2018.

“I was really happy to join Southend and it was a really positive place to be when I signed.

“I felt like we were building a good squad and we had a really good manager in Chris Powell.

“But it all fell apart and with the injuries and off the pitch stuff it was tough.

“Sometimes people really don’t know what you’re going through with the serious injuries and it did affect me quite a bit.

“But I have no ill feeling towards the club at all and I still want them to do well.

Injuries restricted Lennon to just 39 appearances during his three year spell with the Shrimpers.

But he is looking forward to being back on Saturday.

“It should be good because I still have close mates there,” said Lennon.

“I still talk to them quite a bit so it will be good to play against them.

“I’m sure I won’t be the most popular person with the fans there on Saturday but stuff like that spurs me on and I’m looking forward to the game.”

Wrexham have picked up point five points from their first three games.

But Lennon is keen to help them kick on.

“This is a fresh start for me now,” said Lennon.

“There’s good medical staff here and we’re finding the best way to manage my knee.

“My knee injury obviously wasn’t ideal but we’ve got good people on top of it now.

“I’ve felt good so far and hopefully this season is the one I can get a bit of luck and get on the pitch as much as possible.”