Wrexham’s Return to the Championship
Conor Coady, a key figure in Wrexham’s squad, has expressed confidence that the team aims to be a source of challenge for their Championship rivals as they make their return to the league after over four decades. The historic moment unfolded last Saturday at Southampton, where Wrexham faced a tough defeat, succumbing to a late goal that led to a 2-1 loss. Notably, the club’s celebrity owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were absent from the match, possibly saving their presence for Wrexham’s upcoming home game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Embracing Challenges
With the attention surrounding Wrexham heightened by both their ownership and their rapid ascent from the National League to the Championship, Coady emphasized the team’s ability to manage the pressures of such a spotlight. The 32-year-old, who has previous Premier League experience with clubs like Wolves and Everton, stated:
“We are ready to embrace the challenges. We understand our identity and are determined to disrupt the established order in this division.”
He underscored the importance of continual growth and improvement, acknowledging that this league demands their best performance.
New Signings and Fan Support
Coady was one of seven new signings making their debut in the match against Southampton, following significant investment from their owners. He was taken aback by the overwhelming attention directed towards Wrexham, especially after witnessing fans flock to their recent friendly in the Netherlands, where Ollie Palmer, recognized from the documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, was particularly popular among supporters.
“It’s incredible to witness the transformation of this club from the National League to this level,”
Coady remarked, adding that while they appreciate their presence in the Championship, the focus is now on making significant strides forward. Reflecting on the competitiveness they face, he said:
“We are competing against clubs like Southampton, which were in the Premier League last season, and we’re eager to prove ourselves.”
Looking Ahead
Wrexham will next face Championship counterpart Hull City at home in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, as they begin this new chapter of their football journey. Coady concluded by highlighting the necessity of taking each game in stride while enjoying the adventure ahead, reinforcing the team’s resolve to combat their rivals in the league effectively.
