Latest news with #WrexhamAFC
1News
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- 1News
What you need to know ahead of Wrexham's clash against the Phoenix
The fanfare greeting Wrexham AFC's arrival in Wellington for a pre-season friendly tells you everything you need to know about the current global wave of popularity the Welsh side is riding. Back-to-back-to-back promotions under the ownership of Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the club from no-hopers to a pop culture phenomenon. Or perhaps, more specifically, it's the hit documentary series Welcome to Wrexham that has made stars out of non-Premier League players and die-hard supporters. How else would you be expected to know who Ollie Palmer is? Or find yourself gutted that Paul Mullin's been squeezed out to Wigan? ADVERTISEMENT This afternoon the Wellington Phoenix will be hoping some of Wrexham's gold dust rubs off them. Liberato Cacace. (Source: Wrexham AFC) The Big News Wrexham may have a few extra supporters in the cake tin today after announcing the signing of former Phoenix fan-favourite Liberato Cacace. The All Whites star has made a record-breaking move to Wales from Empoli, with the announcement splashed across the club's website this morning. It's a massive challenge for the left back. The Championship is notorious for being ferociously competitive, with teams desperate to reach the promised land of Premier League football. ADVERTISEMENT But he's thrived at every new level he's reached and will be battle-hardened even further in a World Cup year. Phoenix form The Phoenix endured a torrid time last season, and it would be a surprise to see them recreate the scenes of famous pre-season friendly victories from the past (Andrew Durante's winner against West Ham in 2014, anyone?). You can't blame them for being undercooked – they've only just returned to pre-season and have lost key players – but they'll be desperate to see some green shoots of hope, most likely in the shape of youngsters-to-watch. Wrexham AFC poses for a photo prior to the match between Sydney FC and Wrexham AFC at Allianz Stadium. (Source: Getty) Wrexham favourites missing Star man Ollie Rathbone picked up a nasty-looking ankle injury in Wrexham's 2-1 loss to Sydney FC this week. Jay Rodriguez – former teammate of Chris Wood at Burnley – also picked up a knock, and Sam Smith is yet to feature. ADVERTISEMENT Travelling fans of the Red Dragons will be eager to watch some of the more high-profile heroes get a run-out in their final Down Under hit-out. Fairy tales can come true Ok, Wrexham have had the benefit of heavy investment from multimillionaire owners. But don't forget where they've come from and how difficult the path to the top has been. If the Phoenix can take anything from the Wrexham narrative, it's that it absolutely is possible to rise from the ashes and write your own success story. Watch the Phoenix take on Wrexham live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ2 from 4.30pm.
NZ Herald
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Wellington Phoenix vs Wrexham live updates
Live updates of the football friendly between the Wellington Phoenix and Championship side Wrexham AFC. The Welsh side, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, finish their Wrexham Down Under tour following matches against Sydney FC (lost 2-1) and Melbourne Utd (won 3-0). Wellington Phoenix: 1. Josh Oluwayemi, 5. Fin Roa Conchie, 9. Hideki Ishige, 15. Isaac Hughes, 17. Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, 18. Lukas Kelly-Heald, 24. Xuan Loke, 25. Kazuki Nagasawa (c), 27. Matthew Sheridan, 29. Luke Brooke-Smith, 39. Jayden Smith Subs: 35. Matt Foorde, 40. Eamonn McCarron, 31. Ryan Lee, 32. Ryan Watson, 33. Dylan Gardiner, 34. Nick Murphy, 36. Luke Mitchell, 37. Anaru Cassidy, 42. Fergus Gillion, 44. Dan Makowem, 45. Lewis Partridge, 46. Lachlan Candy, 47. Luke Flowerdew, 48. Mac Munro Wrexham AFC: 1. Arthur Okonkwo, 24. Dan Scarr, 4. Max Cleworth, 3. Lewis Brunt, 47. Ryan Longman, 37. Matty James, 6. Tom O'Connor, 38. Elliot Lee, 7. James McClean (c), 45. Harry Ashfield, 18. Ryan Hardie Subs: 21. Danny Ward, 13. Callum Burton, 34. Aaron James, 19. Jacob Mendy, 5. Eoghan O'Connell, 44. MaxPurvis, 23. Sebastian Revan, 29. Ryan Barnett, 15. George Dobson, 12. George Evans, 40. Alex Moore, 22. Modou Faal, 9. Ollie Palmer, 42. Callum Edwards
NZ Herald
16 hours ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Football: All Whites defender Liberato Cacace joins Wrexham on three-year deal
All Whites defender Liberato Cacace has signed with Wrexham AFC on the eve of their friendly clash with the Wellington Phoenix. Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have splashed the cash for the 24-year-old, with reports saying the Welsh club has paid a transfer fee of around $8.9m for
RNZ News
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Football: All Whites' Liberato Cacace confirms move to Wrexham
Liberato Cacace. Photo: Wrexham AFC / supplied All Whites footballer Liberato Cacace has confirmed his move to newly promoted English Championship team Wrexham. The North Wales club have confirmed the signing of the New Zealand international from Italian club Empoli for an undisclosed fee, pending Visa approval, registrations and international clearance. The 24-year-old left-back is joining Wrexham on a three-year deal, until the end of the 2027/28 season. He made 76 for Empoli appearances across three seasons in Serie A, and has played 33 games for New Zealand. "I'm absolutely delighted to sign for this historic club, and I just can't wait to get started," Cacace said in a statement on Wrexham's official website. "Looking from the outside, what they are creating here is something I want to be part of. The family they have here - it's a tight-knit club and that enticed me. "I had a great phone call with the manager, and after that I really wanted to sign." Cacace began his professional career with the Wellington Phoenix, where he became the youngest player in their history to reach 50 appearances. Two standout seasons with Phoenix earnt him the move to Europe, where he initially signed for Belgian side Sint-Truidense V.V. in 2020, before moving to Italy. On his signing, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "We are delighted to welcome Libby to Wrexham and look forward to integrating him with the squad on our return home." Wrexham are confidentially in Wellington today, where they play the Phoenix in a pre-season friendly. Liberato Cacace runs with the ball during the International Friendly Match between Ukraine and New Zealand in June 2025. Photo: EYEPIX Wrexham were made famous after Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020, and by the hit show Welcome to Wrexham on Disney+. They've also enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks of English football ranks, securing three straight promotions to earn a spot in the second-tier English Championship for the first time in 43 years. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
1News
a day ago
- Sport
- 1News
Wrexham captain on potential signing of All Whites defender
Wrexham AFC captain James McClean says the players will welcome All White Liberato Cacace with open arms, if the New Zealand defender completes a reported move to the Welsh club. The two previously crossed paths when the All Whites and the Republic of Ireland battled out a 1-1 draw in 2023. 'In my last ever Ireland game, we played New Zealand and he played that night,' McClean told Breakfast. 'I know he did quite well at [Italian side] Empoli last season, but I wouldn't say I know very much more than that." Mclean said he looks forward to the competition new players at the club bring. ADVERTISEMENT 'This club's moving forward all the time - the more you go up the divisions, the better players you're going to sign. 'If he does sign, we'll welcome him with open arms like we always do, and we'll relish the competition for places because it's only healthy.' All White Liberato Cacace (left) and Wrexham AFC captain James McClean (right). (Source: Photosport/Getty) Cacace previously played for the Wellington Phoenix, adding an extra level of intrigue ahead of their pre-season friendly tomorrow. Wrexham skipper McClean has enjoyed the welcome extended to the side in the capital 'It was incredible, we got to see and embrace the culture here. 'For me, it was a great experience to see the haka up close and personal for the first time here.' ADVERTISEMENT The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a Wellington house fire, the UK lowers the voting age, and the Obamas joke about divorce rumours. (Source: 1News) He admitted he was still surprised by the global level of support the Welsh club has generated. 'Obviously, we know the support in America, given the owners and where they're from, but to come over here and see the fanbase and the support and how big it is, it just shows you where this club is at. 'It's massive worldwide.' Watch the Phoenix take on Wrexham live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ2 from 4.30pm
