Ex-Rangers forward opens up on joining huge side with Premier League ambitions and says ‘he'll give everything'
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FORMER Rangers striker Ryan Hardie has joined Premier League hopefuls Wrexham for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old has signed a three-year deal at the Championship club after scoring 74 goals in 248 games for Plymouth Argyle.
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Ryan Hardie (c) celebrates scoring against Liverpool
Credit: Reuters
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Ryan Hardie has left Plymouth
Credit: Alamy
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Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds co-owners of Wrexham with the League One trophy
Credit: Getty
Hardie came through the ranks at Rangers and had spells with Raith Rovers, St Mirren and Livingston before joining Blackpool permanently in 2019.
He then became a fans' favourite at Plymouth and memorably scored the winning penalty to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup in February.
The Scots forward told Wrexham's official club website: "I'm delighted to get the move done, I'm really happy to get it done so early and I cannot wait to get going.
'To get a full pre-season will be a massive benefit, to get integrated into the squad and learn the way the manager plays and get to know everyone will be important."
Hardie netted 10 times for Plymouth in the Championship last season but was unable to prevent them from being relegated to League One.
He has been in double figures for the past four campaigns and will bolster their attacking options.
It's as Hollywood superstar owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney look to guide the club to England's top tier from the National League.
Hardie will replace former Scotland international Steven Fletcher after the 38-year-old was released at the end of last season.
Hardie added: 'The last couple of seasons, it's been good getting experience in the EFL Championship and it's experience I can lean on now.
" I've enjoyed playing there, and I've managed to score a few goals, so hopefully that can continue this season.
Rangers captain James Tavernier spotted training with ex-team-mate and old Premiership rival Ryan Porteous who branded him 'bad loser'
'I love how family-oriented the club is, the community is all together and it really is a one-club city.
"Everything is to do with the football, and I'm really excited to be a part of that – I'll give everything I've got for the badge.'
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said: "'I'm delighted to welcome Ryan Hardie to the club.
'We're looking forward to working with him and I'm sure everyone will give him a warm welcome to the STōK Cae Ras.'
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