Nathan Jones explains exactly what he meant after labelling Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham a ‘circus'

Wales Online

25-04-2025

Nathan Jones explains exactly what he meant after labelling Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham a 'circus'
Jones' Charlton side stand in the way of the Red Dragons this weekend as both sides chase automatic promotion to the Championship
Nathan Jones has clarified his recent comments about Wrexham ahead of their crunch League One meeting this weekend
(Image: X )
Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones insists he meant no disrespect League One promotion rivals Wrexham, after he appeared to brand the north Wales club a 'circus'.
Jones came under fire for comments made in the wake of his side's impressive 4-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers earlier this week, a win that leaves them four points behind the Dragons, who currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot ahead of a crunch meeting between the two sides this weekend.
‌
However, the 51-year-old claims he had been 'misquoted', adding he was merely referencing the attention Wrexham receives.
Article continues below
'What I meant was, what follows Wrexham around is a lot of pomp, a lot of ceremony, a lot of cameras, a lot of coverage, a lot of scrutiny,' Jones said.
'At times, that can be a distraction, and I don't want it to be for our team, so that's what I meant with that."
Since a high-profile takeover from Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and of course the release of hit documentary series Welcome To Wrexham, the Welsh side's rise through the EFL has received international attention well beyond many of their rivals.
‌
Nevertheless, many Wrexham fans took offence when Jones said, 'It's a bumper game, we have to go to the circus and see what we can get,' about the upcoming fixture between the two sides.
Both Reynolds and McElhenney are expected to be in attendance at the Racecourse for Saturday's game. Jones has said the pair have done a 'magnificent job,' since taking over ownership.
Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage
Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'.
But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in...
Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here
‌
'I didn't mean the club or the players or anything, because they're a very well run, excellent club. The owners have done a fantastic job not only galvanising the club and taking the club forward but actually taking the community, which needed it as well,' he said.
The original comments added fire to a fixture which already has plenty riding on it.
With two matches to play The Red Dragons find themselves in second place, two points ahead of Wycombe Wanderers. Should the Chairboys drop points at Leyton Orient in Saturday's early kick-off, Wrexham could seal a third consecutive promotion with a win over the Addicks.
Article continues below
Kick-off at the Racecourse is at 5.30pm.