Rodriguez's 'relief' after one of 'worst' penalties
Jay Rodriguez admits it was a "relief" to finally get off the mark for Wrexham despite his goal coming immediately after one of the "worst penalties" he has taken in his career.The veteran striker, 35, netted his first goal on his 11th appearance since moving to north Wales from Burnley in January.But even ending his goal drought was not without concern as Rodriguez saw his penalty saved by Stockport County goalkeeper Corey Addai in the meeting between the sides at the Stok Racecourse on Saturday.Fortunately for Rodriguez, he was alert to guide the rebound into the net from a tight angle as Wrexham secured another vital 1-0 win in their quest for a third successive promotion."The main thing is the three points, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about getting the goal," said Rodriguez."It's a nice relief. I've always said to myself that if I continue to work hard, keep improving in every training session, do my finishing and keep knuckling down, hopefully it'll come good."I've always had that belief, it's done good for me throughout my career so I won't change now. Hopefully I can get on a run and help the team."On his spot-kick, Rodriguez said: "I think it's probably one of the worst penalties I've ever taken to be honest, it was meant to go higher than that and into the corner."But fortunately it bounced for me and I finished it. Hopefully if I do take another one it'll go straight in."Victory lifted Wrexham back above Wycombe Wanderers into second place in League One, although the Chairboys, who are three points behind the Welsh side, have a game in hand.Rodriguez says he was grateful for his transfer to north Wales in the opening month of the year as the club continues to aim for the upper echelons of the football pyramid."You have to dream big otherwise there's no point in turning up every day and working hard. The best place to be is in the Premier League," added the forward."We've got eight really important games now. You can't look too far ahead but you can dream, but you have to take care of business. "It's really admirable that the club's been from where it's been to be where it is now and it's still pushing now, it's something I'm really proud to be a part of."It's a big thing for me to leave my hometown club Burnley, it had to be a really big project, and obviously Wrexham is a massive project."To be asked to come along, I'm grateful for the opportunity. It had to be a big thing, and it was a good situation for all."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
28 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal told they should ignore Real Madrid star after big 'transfer shame'
Arsenal have been tipped to spend big in their first summer with Andrea Berta in place as sporting director but a former club captain has urged them to overlook one target Former Arsenal captain William Gallas believes the Gunners should put their faith in Gabriel Martinelli rather than breaking the bank for Rodrygo. Real Madrid star Rodrygo would cost north of £75million, and Gallas believes there's no need to part with that kind of money while Martinelli is at the club. Arsenal are set for a busy summer as they aim to improve on last season's runner-up finish in the Premier League. Spanish goalkeeper Kepa is due to arrive from Chelsea this week, while te Gunners' striker search is likely to see one of Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko join the club. A new wide forward is also high on sporting director Andrea Berta's list, especially if Leandro Trossard ends up leaving this summer. However, Gallas isn't convinced Rodrygo would be an upgrade on what they have. 'Rodrygo might want to leave Real Madrid, but that doesn't mean he will want to play for Arsenal," Gallas told Prime Casino. 'I think it's important that Arsenal stick with Gabriel Martinelli because we have seen the level he can perform at. "Things are difficult for Rodrygo at the moment but Arsenal might be better off sticking with what they have," he added. The 24-year-old scored 14 times in all competitions this season, but was limited to less than 2,000 minutes in the league Nico Williams is another player linked with that left-sided berth. The Spanish international has been a long-term target, but appears destined for Barcelona if and when he leaves Athletic Club. 'It's a big shame that it looks like Nico Williams isn't going to Arsenal, we always love to see the best players in the Premier League and he would be one of them," Gallas added. 'I think his target is to stay in Spain and potentially join Barcelona. "The football suits him well and he could form a partnership with Lamine Yamal. It'll be sad for Raphinha because he has played so well and extended his contract, maybe if he is going to keep his place then Bayern Munich could push to sign Williams.' The links with Rodrygo come after the Brazil star remained on the bench for Real Madrid's second Club World Cup group game against Pachuca. A 3-1 victory over the Mexican side means Los Blancos will progress with a point against Red Bull Salzburg on Friday, but they're going for all three points. "We have to improve and continue getting to know each other, because new players have arrived," midfielder Fede Valverde said ahead of the game. "We have to prepare in the best possible way because it's going to be a very important and demanding match. We have to try to get the three points to qualify in first place." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Meet Wrexham's main characters as Ryan Reynolds prepares for Championship
Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the Welsh club in February 2021 and Wrexham have since become the first team in the top five tiers of the English game to win three successive promotions Wrexham are about to bring Hollywood glamour to the Championship as they await the announcement of their 2025-26 season fixtures on Thursday. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the Welsh club in February 2021 and Wrexham have since become the first team in the top five tiers of the English game to win three successive promotions. Having built a global fan base through the award-winning 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary series, we take a look at the main characters involved... The owners – Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Jaws dropped when Hollywood A-lister Reynolds, star of the Deadpool franchise, and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia co-creator McElhenney revealed their intention to buy Wrexham in September 2020. Wrexham had just avoided relegation from the National League but since the £2million deal to purchase the club from the Wrexham Supporters Trust was completed Reynolds and McElhenney have transformed the team, with heavy investment fuelling the club's rise through the football pyramid. A new 5,500-capacity Kop stand is planned at the club's historic Racecourse, increasing capacity to 16,500, while the TV docuseries has introduced legions of new fans worldwide to Wrexham and Wales – leading to extra tourism and a boost for the local economy. Hollywood stars Channing Tatum, Eva Longoria, Hugh Jackman, Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell have all been spotted at games. Reynolds and McElhenney were awarded the Freedom of Wrexham in 2023 and have been honoured by the Welsh Government, the Football Association of Wales and S4C for promoting the country and its language. The executive – Humphrey Ker London-born actor, comedian and writer Ker was the facilitator in Reynolds and McElhenney taking over Wrexham. Ker worked with McElhenney on the comedy series Mythic Quest and sparked his interest in buying a football club, recommending him to watch the sports documentaries ' Sunderland 'Til I Die' and 'All Or Nothing' during the Covid-19 lockdowns. The 42-year-old became executive director at the club following the takeover and took on the role of community director in January after the New York-based Allyn Family became minority investors, with Kaleen Allyn appointed executive director. The manager – Phil Parkinson Parkinson, 57, began his managerial career at Colchester in 2003 and has also been in charge of Hull, Charlton, Bradford, Bolton and Sunderland. Appointed at Wrexham in July 2021, his first season ended with National League play-off semi-final defeat to Grimsby. But the last three years have taken Parkinson's total of promotions to six and in January he joined the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho with 1,000 games in management. The captain – James McClean Former Republic of Ireland international McClean is enjoying a successful swansong at Wrexham. The 103-cap former Sunderland, Wigan, West Brom and Stoke winger is now 36 but has been an influential figure in the last two promotions with vital goals and assists. McClean has been a controversial figure during his time in England but he is adored by Wrexham fans and set to play an important role again next season The new boy – Ryan Hardie Ryan Hardie has checked in as Wrexham's first summer signing for the Championship battle ahead. The 28-year-old Scottish striker started his career with Rangers and built his reputation at Plymouth, where he scored 74 goals in five seasons. Hardie joins a striking department featuring Jay Rodriguez, Ollie Palmer and Sam Smith, with Paul Mullin having made a loan move to Wigan after scoring 110 goals in 172 games for the Red Dragons.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Rafael Leao gets fans excited as Arsenal prepare bid for target
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to a third successive runner-up finish in the Premier League last season and is after reinforcements as the Gunners chase the league title Arsenal are in no apparent rush to get deals done this summer, but the wheels are in motion on multiple fronts. Andrea Berta is expected to be a busy man after taking over as sporting director, and there has already been some movement. Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have already completed summer exits, while Thomas Partey looks increasingly likely to do the same as his contract nears expiry. A new signing also appears to be just around the corner, with Kepa due to join from Chelsea in a cut-price deal. Elsewhere, the big questions concern Arsenal's attacking recruitment. A lack of depth cost Mikel Arteta's team dear last season, and a new number nine appears to be a must. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres remain the two key men in that role. It still looks like an either-or situation, with Sesko remaining the more likely at the time of writing. There has also been talk of a move for a new left winger, though long-term target Nico Williams looks to be Barcelona-bound. Another left-sided option is among the topics of discussion as Mirror Football brings you the latest from around North London. Leao gets fans excited Rafael Leao has sparked excitement among some Arsenal fans after posing in a Thierry Henry t-shirt in a social media post. Some fans have interpreted it as a come-and-get-me plea, though others aren't as sure. Portugal international Leao would be an option on the left, and Milan's failure to qualify for Europe has sparked questions over his future. Even so, Milan sporting director Igli Tare remains optimistic about keeping him at the San Siro. 'I consider him an important pawn in our project: he has everything to become a true champion," Tare said earlier in the window (via Sempre Milan). "He has always shown it but I think he hasn't shown what he really can yet. Offers? We haven't received anything yet: the interests are all market rumours.' Norgaard bid on the horizon Arsenal's interest in Christian Norgaard has ramped up, with the Gunners lodging a £9.3million bid for the Brentford star. The Gunners had been linked with a free transfer for the Dane as his contract neared expiry, and haven't given up despite him agreeing new terms with the Bees. Norgaard currently captains Brentford, and has two years left on his deal, but Arsenal's interest comes off the back of the West London club losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham. His arrival would allow the Gunners to add depth and experience after Jorginho's move to Flamengo. Any move for the 31-year-old would not impact the club's pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, Spain star Zubimendi is still expected to complete a £51m move from Real Sociedad. Gunners learn Rodrygo price Real Madrid are not in any mood to come down on their valuation of Rodrygo. If the Arsenal-linked Brazilian is to leave the Bernabeu this summer then it will come at a cost of £77m. With the 24-year-old having three years left on his deal, Madrid are in no rush to drop their asking price. However, according to Cadena SER, they would be prepared to let him leave if Arsenal produce the big money. "I know what happened, that the end of the season was not easy for him. He took some time that was good for him, to reset his head," Madrid's new boss Xabi Alonso recently said when asked about the forward. "We talked from day one and I see him looking forward to enjoying himself with his quality." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
