Latest news with #JoshWindass
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Windass' legacy secure despite Wednesday departure
Josh Windass' place in Sheffield Wednesday history should be secure. I suspect his impact is being somewhat overlooked since his recent departure during a calamitous summer at start with the record-breaking statistics. No player has scored more Owls goals since the turn of the century. His tally of 53 will take some beating, given how much Wednesday have struggled over the years to find consistent, regular there were the goals. Windass will be a candidate for a Puskas nomination for his strike against Derby from inside his own half. If you ask the player himself, he thought his wonder goal at Blackburn a season earlier – from a similar distance – was even better. Even so, it's a crime that the Derby goal didn't win the EFL's goal of the season. Windass could produce magical moments and as a commentator, having witnessed many of them, players like that are 'worth the entrance fee alone' as they also the goal he will be most fondly remembered for among Owls fans - the Wembley winner against Barnsley. A promotion-winning goal right at the death, sending the mass of blue-and-white shirts behind the goal into ecstasy. Truth be told Wednesday were poor in that final but nobody ever talks about that. Windass read the play, was in the right place at the right time and gave Wednesday fans their first winner in the national stadium since Mark Bright in 1993.I've interviewed Windass many times and appreciated his unpredictable nature. He could be very honest and open. You also knew when you'd asked a question he wasn't fond of, because it'd get short shrift. It was never a boring conversation and in a world where many interviews are run-of-the-mill, this was a player willing to avoid the predictable answer. On one occasion Joe Crann from the Sheffield Star and I were given an opportunity to interview Windass for a podcast during a training camp in Spain. It was brilliant – and the conversation after even a little bit disappointing to see some – and it's only some – Wednesday fans criticising Windass' decision to leave. He and Michael Smith had their contracts mutually terminated amid a saga that has seen players and non-football staff face delayed payment of wages. It's amazing, really, that anyone is being criticised for wanting to move on. I'm not sure any of us would fancy sticking around given what's happened recently. Wrexham, Windass' new club, are a stark contrast to Wednesday. Beloved owners, ambitions of going further than their rapid rise to the Championship, international attention. They'll be an attractive destination for many this is part of the weirdness of the summer. There's sympathy with players and staff at Hillsborough it seems, with many even saying they'd understand if people want out. Yet the minute someone goes, or tries to go, the criticism not the players' fault, not the manager's fault, nor the coaches or the staff, for the mess Wednesday are in. We're all waiting to see if wages will be paid for July in the coming days. That's no way to live, not knowing month-to-month whether you'll be paid. Meanwhile there's been no warm-weather camp, no public pre-season friendlies, a stadium that might not have use of the North Stand next season and there's a three-transfer window ban on wants to leave Wednesday because of the club or the fans. It's because the club, in its current state, is a shambles - with no clarity on when that's going to change.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Reynolds won't want Wrexham signing to replicate fans incident he had to apologise for
Wrexham will be hoping Josh Windass has learned from past mistakes after signing the ex-Sheffield Wednesday star on a free transfer ahead of their Championship campaign Wrexham secured a big coup this week by signing former Sheffield Wednesday man Josh Windass. The attacking midfielder boasts some impressive numbers after scoring 53 goals for the Owls in 182 appearances. The Welsh side didn't even have to fork out a single penny on a transfer fee for the 31-year-old after he left Hillsborough last week by mutual agreement following issues with delayed wage payments. Wrexham have had a busy summer transfer window following their promotion to the Championship at the end of last season, with manager Phil Parkinson bringing in five new players so far. The arrival of Windass will have come as music to the ears of the club's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. However, his career has not been without controversy and the two actors will be hoping he doesn't show their team in a bad light by repeating past mistakes. One notable incident occurred while was playing for Scottish giants Rangers in February 2018. Windass was forced to apologise after a controversial goal celebration during a 2-0 win over Partick Thistle. Then aged 24, he infuriated his own supporters by putting a finger to his lips in front of them after scoring the opening goal. Windass later said sorry to the Rangers faithful after seemingly getting frustrated by criticism of his performances from some sections of the fanbase. Speaking at the time, Windass told Sky Sports News: "There was no real reason or malice in the celebration, it was just a bit of instinct after I'd scored. It was just a little bit of frustration. "It was nothing to do with social media, it was just how I was playing in the game up to that point, I was a bit frustrated. I've just reacted in maybe the wrong way, but it's what happens sometimes in football. You just go for emotion." He added: "I'd forgot about it straight away, it's just other people bringing it up to me, I'll just let them talk about it and I'll just concentrate on myself." His outspoken nature landed him in hot water as recently as May this year. It came after Windass levelled scathing criticism towards a former Wednesday youth team player. He labelled defender Joey Phuthi 'p**h' after claiming the 20-year-old had compared himself to Lionel Messi. Windass made his remarks during a discussion about fitness and running stats on the Open Goal podcast. "We've got a young lad called Joey - I think he's been released. He's p**h anyway," said Windass "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." Phuthi later described the criticism from Windass as 'disappointing' and claimed his comments were taken out of context. The full-back also said the row had made a tough period for him even harder. Posting on X, he said: "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 is the son of former Premier League striker Dean Windass, who played for the likes of Hull, Middlesbrough and Bradford. His dad was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year, leading to an outpouring of support from the football community. Josh joins Wrexham as they prepare to play in the Championship for the first time in 43 years next season. The Red Dragons have been handed a tough start as they face Southampton away in their opening fixture on August 9. 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. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage 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.
Leader Live
7 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham: List of new signings and departures at Racecourse
The Reds are back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years after securing an historic third successive promotion and Parkinson has so far added five fresh faces to the ranks ahead of the opening day showdown away to Southampton on Saturday August 9. Forward Josh Windass is the latest new arrival after his contract at troubled Sheffield Wednesday was cancelled by mutual consent. Earlier this week, midfielder George Thomason joined from Bolton Wanderers, where he was captain, for an undisclosed fee, and left-back Liberato Cacare was recruited from Serie B side Empoli, also for an undisclosed fee. Earlier in the transfer window, goalkeeper Danny Ward rejoined Wrexham following his release by Leicester City and striker Ryan Hardie arrived from Plymouth Argyle for an undisclosed fee. With Parkinson needing to free up space in his squad for new signings, three players have moved on. Prolific striker Paul Mullin, who has two years left on his contract at The Racecourse, has left for Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan. Wing-back Luke Bolton and centre-half Will Boyle have also been allowed to find new clubs knowing opportunities would be limited next season, making the permanent switch to Mansfield Town and Shrewsbury Town respectively. Striker Sam Dalby turned down the offer on a new contract with the Reds and joined Bolton, while seven players were released at the end of last season. Steven Fletcher, Mark Howard, Josh Adam, Jordan Davies, Harry Dean, Brad Foster and Liam Hall are no longer with the north Wales club.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Wrexham sign former Premier League striker's son on free transfer after he ripped up contract at crisis club
HOLLYWOOD have landed themselves a new A-lister thanks to Wrexham's shrewd free agent pickup. The Welsh club have announced the signing of Josh Windass to add some much-needed Championship experience following their League One promotion last term. 5 Josh Windass has signed for Wrexham Credit: 5 Windass has left Sheffield Wednesday after having his contract ripped up Credit: Getty 5 He is the son of former Premier League striker Dean Windass Credit: Getty Windass, who is the son of former Premier League striker Now he has penned a three-year contract with Wrexham instead, joining Phil Parkinson's side in their quest for the Premier League off the back of three consecutive promotion seasons. Windass, who scored 53 goals in 153 games for the Owls, said of joining Wrexham: "I'm looking forward to getting going. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL "I've spoken to the manager, who has showed me his plans for the season and what he expects from the group, and I've really bought into that. 'I'd describe myself as honest and hard-working, I like to contribute goals and assists from midfield and that's what I'm looking to bring to Wrexham. 'First and foremost, I want to get into the team and earn the respect of my team-mates – I want to be professional, be someone to look up to and then get the team as high up the league as possible.' While boss Parkinson added: "I'm delighted to welcome Josh to the Club. Most read in Sport 5 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "He's a player with a lot of Championship experience and I'm looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons.' Windass has played over 170 Championship games across spells with Ex-Rangers star's dad breaks down in tears after son's play-off winner The creative midfielder had his best return yet in the Championship last season, netting 13 goals and setting up another five in his 44 appearances. Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and 5
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Wrexham sign former Premier League striker's son on free transfer after he ripped up contract at crisis club
The midfielder had his best ever return in the Championship last season GONE WITH THE WIND GONE WITH THE WIND Wrexham sign former Premier League striker's son on free transfer after he ripped up contract at crisis club Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLLYWOOD have landed themselves a new A-lister thanks to Wrexham's shrewd free agent pickup. The Welsh club have announced the signing of Josh Windass to add some much-needed Championship experience following their League One promotion last term. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Josh Windass has signed for Wrexham Credit: 5 Windass has left Sheffield Wednesday after having his contract ripped up Credit: Getty 5 He is the son of former Premier League striker Dean Windass Credit: Getty Windass, who is the son of former Premier League striker Dean Windass, was a free agent after having his contract ripped up by Sheffield Wednesday. Crisis club Wednesday are in financial turmoil under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri and Windass saw his deal in Yorkshire come to a close "by mutual consent" last week due to the issues. Now he has penned a three-year contract with Wrexham instead, joining Phil Parkinson's side in their quest for the Premier League off the back of three consecutive promotion seasons. Windass, who scored 53 goals in 153 games for the Owls, said of joining Wrexham: "I'm looking forward to getting going. "I've spoken to the manager, who has showed me his plans for the season and what he expects from the group, and I've really bought into that. 'I'd describe myself as honest and hard-working, I like to contribute goals and assists from midfield and that's what I'm looking to bring to Wrexham. 'First and foremost, I want to get into the team and earn the respect of my team-mates – I want to be professional, be someone to look up to and then get the team as high up the league as possible.' While boss Parkinson added: "I'm delighted to welcome Josh to the Club. 5 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "He's a player with a lot of Championship experience and I'm looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons.' Windass has played over 170 Championship games across spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan. Ex-Rangers star's dad breaks down in tears after son's play-off winner The creative midfielder had his best return yet in the Championship last season, netting 13 goals and setting up another five in his 44 appearances. Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be hoping Windass can help them at least stay afloat in the Championship alongside the arrival of players like Bolton's George Thomason and Empoli's Liberato Cacace. 5 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
