3 days ago
Wrexham coach hails Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney impact
Former Premier League midfielder and now first team coach at The Racecourse, Jones is looking forward to the next chapter on the Reds' amazing progress since the Hollywood movie stars became owners.
'Rob and Ryan have been superb from the beginning,' said Jones, who has just returned from America after taking charge of the Red Dragons' sevens team in a $1m North Carolina TST tournament.
'Their enthusiasm, drive and commitment to the club has inspired everyone connected with Wrexham.
'On the footballing side, they have brought in a quality manager in Phil Parkinson, who has now been promoted six times in his career, as well as the experienced Steve Parkin and Aidan Davison, who have great knowledge of the game.
'The players that have been integrated into the squad over the last few seasons have been a mix of youth and experience, which has proved very successful.'
Jones, who was promoted to the Premier League four times as a player, says another key factor of the success is how the owners have always fully embraced Wrexham's proud history.
'Off the pitch Shaun Harvey and Michael Williamson have both used their areas of expertise to take the club forward while strengthening the link between the fans, players and staff. Humphrey Ker, who has been here since the takeover, has been a very calming and consistently supportive influence around the place as the football club has grown.
'There are people who have been at the club for many years still working here including the head groundsman Paul Chaloner, kit man Iwan Pugh-Jones and Cledwyn Ashford in youth development not to mention the support and wisdom on offer from Brian Flynn, Joey Jones and Mickey Thomas,' added Jones.
'These colleagues and Wrexham legends are the fabric of the club and the owners recognise the importance of these people'.
A former pupil at Darland High School in Rossett, where Wrexham's Academy graduates now hang out, Jones began his footballing journey at Wrexham as a nine year old before being signed by Manchester United a year later.
He went onto make four first team appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson before being bought by Derby County for £1.5 million in 2007.
He made over 400 career appearances during spells at Wolves, Blackburn, Burnley, Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday before heading to Wrexham where he volleyed in a debut goal in Parkinson's first match in charge - a 2-2 draw at Solihull Moors in 2021.
