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Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
'I was at Wrexham's first Championship game and overheard something I didn't like'
'I was at Wrexham's first Championship game and overheard something I didn't like' Wrexham were beaten 2-1 by Southampton in their first game in the Championship for 43 years on Saturday - and an incident during the match meant it was definitely a day to forget Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson faces a conundrum after the Southampton defeat (Image:) Wrexham were given a harsh introduction to the Championship on Saturday, as they suffered a late 2-1 defeat at Southampton. I was present at St Mary's to witness the Red Dragons' first match in the second tier in 43 years and, despite the outcome, there were numerous positives to take away. Phil Parkinson's team took the lead when Josh Windass successfully converted a penalty in the first half after Wales international Kieffer Moore was pushed to the ground. The roar from the over 3,000 travelling supporters was a sound that will remain with me for quite some time, as the Hollywood-backed club demonstrated their ability to compete at this level. Admittedly, the moment was somewhat marred by the ecstatic Southampton fans who celebrated as Ryan Manning scored an equalising free-kick in the 90th minute. The Saints' supporters grew even more boisterous as Jack Stephens added insult to injury by scoring off the crossbar in the sixth minute of extra time. However, it wasn't the noise of approximately 27,000 home fans celebrating that afternoon that disturbed me the most. Rather, it was the distressing thud that echoed in the second half when Wrexham forward Moore had an attempt blocked before collapsing to the pitch in pain. The former Bournemouth striker became Parkinson's eighth summer acquisition when he arrived from Sheffield United for a reported £2million fee in the week leading up to the Southampton fixture. The 33-year-old's signing on a three-year contract was praised by fans, and rightly so. His commanding presence suited the number nine role perfectly against the Saints with some superb link-up play. Article continues below Kieffer Moore's second-half injury cast a further shadow over Wrexham's defeat to Southampton (Image:) It was instantly apparent that Moore had sustained a painful injury when he went down. He bravely attempted to continue but was forced off for Sam Smith in the 54th minute. Wrexham's goal led a charmed existence at periods during the opening 45 minutes at St Mary's, but Moore helped ease some of that burden by ensuring the ball stayed up top. It was no surprise that his exit from the field saw them find it difficult to retain possession thereafter, and a Southampton goal became virtually certain. Regrettably, there was additional disappointing news following the final whistle as Parkinson revealed Moore had sustained an ankle ligament problem, which may result in an extended spell out of action. The former Bolton boss said: "We've lost Kieffer, which is obviously a blow. His performance was outstanding, everything we know he brings to us. We've just got to assess that injury as quickly as we can. It was his ankle ligaments." Wrexham received a brutal welcome to the Championship at Southampton (Image: Midnite) Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. Parkinson is now left with a conundrum, the solution to which hinges on the extent of the damage. Ollie Palmer could be the most obvious replacement, but his struggle for goals in League One last season and recent rumours of a departure from Wrexham complicate matters. A rare foray into the loan market or even another permanent signing might be necessary, given the importance of the number nine role in Parkinson's squad. It's an unwelcome predicament as he aims to establish the North Wales team as a formidable presence in the Championship. Article continues below There were, however, other notable performances against Southampton, with newcomer Conor Coady expertly commanding the defence following his transfer from Leicester City. Danny Ward, another who left the Foxes this summer, also put on a commendable display between the sticks. Despite the circumstances, Wrexham supporters appeared relatively upbeat as they made their way to Southampton Central station post-match, bracing themselves for the five-hour journey back home. Yet, Moore's injury undoubtedly cast a shadow over what was otherwise a bright day on the south coast.
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham AFC rise puts non-league football in spotlight
The club's Hollywood-backed journey under the ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has not only brought them into the Championship but has also changed the way fans and investors view the lower tiers of the sport. Alex Loven MBE, founder of sports equipment retailer Net World Sports, said: "Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham AFC back in 2020, the club has catapulted through the football league. "While the club may now be setting its sights on promotion to the Premier League at some point in the near future, the impact the team is having goes far beyond its position in the league table. "The 'Wrexham effect' is reshaping the perception of non-league football. "With many focusing on clubs that would have previously attracted very few supporters, what was once thought to be a more subdued area of the football scene is now garnering national and even international attention." Mr Loven said the shift in attention is happening for two reasons: the club's rising profile has highlighted lesser-known teams, and many fans are turning away from the Premier League due to high ticket prices and commercialisation. He said: "This has led them to seek more real, raw and community-driven sport elsewhere." He believes non-league football offers a more authentic, affordable experience for fans. Mr Loven said: "For a fraction of the price, fans can get involved pitch side at their local ground, meet the players and feel part of something that is more community driven. "Replicating that in a stadium with 60,000 seats is challenging." The Wrexham story has also drawn new investors to the lower leagues, creating both opportunities and challenges for non-league clubs. Mr Loven said: "For the teams fortunate enough to get significant funding, this can have game-changing effects like better facilities, better equipment and more talented players. "All of these are essential when aiming for a promotion." But he also warned of a growing imbalance. READ MORE: Kieffer Moore is the latest new signing for Wrexham's Championship return Mr Loven said: "With no financial fair play regulations at the non-league level, you risk a growing imbalance, where only clubs with deep pockets and investor backing can compete. "This removes the competitive spirit that often underpins grassroots sport. "Authenticity, as it currently exists, is also harder to maintain when money becomes the driving factor behind a club's success." He believes the Wrexham story proves that success is possible at every level of the game, but called for careful thought about the long-term impact of increased investment and celebrity involvement. Mr Loven said: "It has demonstrated that even lesser-known clubs can succeed with the correct combination of enthusiasm, narrative, and assistance."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wrexham buy second stadium before season as Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac splash out
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will be celebrating after acquiring a stadium for their women's team (Image: PA Wire/PA Images) Wrexham have achieved a major landmark by snapping up a second stadium to complement their iconic Racecourse Ground. The Championship side have sealed a deal to buy The Rock in Rhosymedre, near Wrexham ahead of the new season. The venue has been the stomping ground for the club's women's team since the summer of 2023 and is also the home turf of local team Cefn Druids. The acquisition of the 3,000-capacity stadium is part of the Hollywood-backed club's strategy to bolster Wrexham Women. The female squad have featured regularly in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, charting the club's ownership by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, and became semi-professional in 2023. As well as being the official home of Wrexham Women, Cefn Druids will retain the right to play and train at the facility under the arrangement. READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds' £7.5m target's dad drops huge hint on record Wrexham transfer going through READ MORE: Managing Wrexham as Ryan Reynolds smashes club transfer record and lands Ajax star Boasting a 512-seat stand, The Rock earns its name from its proximity to an old quarry, with one edge of the pitch dramatically facing a towering rock face. Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham, said (via Wales Online): "The acquisition of The Rock represents a significant milestone for the club, providing Wrexham AFC Women with a permanent home and dedicated training facility. It illustrates our continued commitment to supporting and growing the women's game in North Wales. "Having a venue in the Wrexham county borough and close to the STōK Cae Ras (Racecourse) gives us flexibility, allowing the women's first team to train and play matches locally, while still having access to a larger venue when needed. Wrexham have bought The Rock stadium, historically home to Cefn Druids, as a base for their women's team (Image: Colin McPherson/Corbis via Getty Images) "We'll begin with essential maintenance ahead of the new season, followed by a longer-term vision to enhance the pitch, stadium, and surrounding infrastructure. "Our goal is not only to establish a top-tier facility for our women's team but also to protect and revitalise a key community asset, one that can inspire the next generation of women's football across the region." Wrexham Women currently play in the Adran Premier - the top tier of women's football in Wales - and finished last season in fourth place. They also made the final of the Bute Energy Welsh Cup, but lost 3-1 to league champions Cardiff City. Watch the new season of Welcome to Wrexham on Disney+ from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. The women's team parted way with former manager Steve Dale at the end of last term. He stepped down from his position after four seasons in charge to pursue other opportunities and has since been replaced by former West Bromwich Albion boss Jenny Sugarman. Des Williams, Cefn Druids chairman, said: "I am delighted that The Rock passes into the hands of Wrexham AFC and becomes the official home and training centre of Wrexham AFC Women. "Cefn Druids will continue to use the facility for training and fixtures, and this was an important part of the deal. Wrexham AFC Women have been using The Rock as their home now for the past two seasons ever since they reached the Adran Premier League." He added: "I can think of no more fitting venue for them to continue their adventure at the very highest level of Welsh women's football. I wish them all the very best of luck for the new season." 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. 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
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Why Conor Coady didn't join Rangers ahead of Wrexham move
Russell Martin had already added Nasser Djiga on loan from Wolves and Emmanuel Fernandez permanently from Peterbrough as he strengthened his backline. But he wanted to add the experience of Coady to bolster it further. It was a transfer that was continually being reported as being close but the longer it went, the less chance you felt there was of it being completed. Eventually, he would sign on at Wrexham, joining former Rangers pair Ryan Hardie and Josh Windass. So, exactly why didn't the move to Rangers come off? Read more: According to a report in Sky Sports, both the Ibrox club and the player himself thought Leicester would allow him to leave for free in order to get him off the wage bill. But the Foxes refused to sanction an exit for nothing and instead got £2million from the Hollywood-backed Championship new boys. The report states: "Leicester will sell no one on the cheap. "Look at the £2m they got for 32-year-old Conor Coady, who only had one year left on his contract, from Wrexham. Coady thought he would be allowed to walk away for free, with Leicester saving his not-inconsiderable wages, but Leicester dug their heels in and said no to a free transfer to Rangers."
The Irish Sun
31-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Wrexham ‘plotting ambitious move for former England star' as they target Premier League football within two years
WREXHAM are reportedly plotting an ambitious move for Conor Coady. The former Advertisement 5 Conor Coady is wanted by Wrexham Credit: Getty 5 The defender has earned 10 caps for England Credit: Getty Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw He has been a regular feature in the Leicester team during pre-season under new manager Marti Cifuentes. However, he could become the latest big name to make the move to Wales. The Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL It suggests that the former Wolves star is "seen as the ideal man" to boost the club's bid to reach the Premier League in the next two seasons. The Hollywood-backed Wrexham have enjoyed a remarkable rise up the leagues following the takeover by Ryan Reynolds and The club has been promoted every season for the last three years and is back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years. Despite now being in the Championship, the club's ambitions have not slowed down and are aiming to reach the big time by 2027. Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN Coady could provide plenty of experience for manager Phil Parkinson, having won the second tier title twice in his career. He has also made 198 appearances in the Prem during spells with Wolves, 'He's got the fastest hands' - Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fight The Advertisement The club has broken its transfer record for Empoli left-back Liberato Cacace and They are also set to do it again as they are closing in on the signing of Nathan Broadhead from The attacker is set to cost Wrexham up to 5 Advertisement 5 Wrexham are close to signing Nathan Broadhead Credit: Reuters However, The Wrexham start their Championship campaign with a trip to St Mary's to take on recent Prem side Southampton. Advertisement 5
