James Jones and Anthony Forde part of the Wrexham family

Leader Live

14 hours ago

Jones joined the Reds in August 2021 from Lincoln City and he was joined in north Wales by Forde the following year after leaving Oxford United.
Both players helped Wrexham clinch the National League title following a record-breaking 2022-23 season and the pair celebrated a second promotion in a row when the Reds finished runners-up in League Two 12 months later.
However, Jones and Forde found opportunities limited this term and both signed for Burton Albion following the turn of the year, meaning they weren't at The Racecourse when Parkinson's men secured an historic third successive promotion after taking second spot in League One.
Despite dealing with personal issues, both played have played their part in the success story and the Reds' boss will never forget what they have done for the club.
"These lads are part of the Wrexham family and they mean a lot to us because of what James and Fordy have been through with their families," he said.
"James was excellent. He's another player who unfortunately this year had a couple of injuries; every time he's got going again, he's had a bit of a setback which is unusual for him because he's not a player who's picked up injuries before.
"While that's happened, players like Andy Cannon, George Dobson and Ollie Rathbone have stepped up.
"With the offer of an 18 month contract at Burton, he's got a young family and we couldn't stand in this way but we'll always be keeping in touch with him."
Forde, still recovering from a back problem which saw him miss the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, wasn't included in the Wrexham squad submitted to the EFL for the first half of the season and he was allowed to move on.
"It's been tough for Fordy because he had the back injury and it took him a while to come back, and his opportunities were limited," said Parkinson.
"But he's been brilliant for us. Even when he's been out the team, he's been such a great lad.
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"He's had an interesting journey with us in, in terms of on and off the pitch, and we think a lot of Fordy as a lad.
"But it was the right thing for him because he found a club and was able to get himself back playing again."
Forde came on as substitute for Burton who suffered a 3-0 defeat at The Racecourse in April while Jones was absent through injury.
"Fordy got a great reception from our fans when he was warming up and rightly so," added Parkinson.
"He is one of the great lads we've had who's been on this journey with us and it was good to see him."