Ex-Rangers star Josh Windass at centre of bizarre spat after he calls out youth team player in podcast

Scottish Sun

21-05-2025

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FORMER Rangers player Josh Windass found himself taken to task by a former Sheffield Wednesday youth team player after he launched a scathing attack on the youngster.
Windass, who made over 70 appearances during a two-year spell at the Gers made the comments on a football podcast.
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Josh Windass in action for Sheffield Wednesday
Credit: Alamy
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Josh Windass played for Rangers between 2016 and 2018
Credit: Willie Vass - The Sun Glasgow
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Sheffield Wednesday's Josh Windass comes under pressure
Credit: Alamy
The 31-year-old branded defender Joey Phuthi 'p***' after the 20-year-old compared himself to Lionel Messi.
It all centred around running stats and a discussion about the importance of fitness in the modern day game.
Windass, who has scored 54 goals for the Championship side and became their record marksman this century, told Open Goal: "We've got a young lad called Joey - I think he's been released. He's p*** anyway.
"I was speaking to him in the canteen at football and one of our coaches said to me, 'have a word with Joey, he never runs more than 9k in a game ever'.
"So I was speaking to him and I was like, 'how much do you run in a game' and he said '9km - Messi don't run'.
"A kid at 17, I didn't say anything to him but I was thinking, 'you're the worst player ever and you're talking about Messi - run around. "
The young full-back did not dispute that the conversation took place but believes his comments were taken out of context.
He has since been released from Sheff Wed and is now looking for a new club.
While Windass has found himself linked with La Liga giants Valencia, the youngster concedes the latest incident has only compounded what's been a difficult time.
He posted on X: "It's disappointing to be called out by Josh Windass in what's already been a tough period for me.
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"Not being offered a new contract at Sheffield Wednesday has been difficult to process and the last thing I expected was to be dragged into something like this.
"For clarity, the conversation has been completely flipped out of context.
"Windass asked me to name a player who doesn't run over 10km in a game, and I responded honestly in that moment — it wasn't personal, nor was it meant to be disrespectful.
"It's frustrating to see things taken out of proportion when emotions are already high.
"I've always tried to conduct myself with honesty and respect, both on and off the pitch.
"All I want now is to move forward and focus on the next chapter of my career."
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