**Nathan Jones Clarifies ‘Circus’ Comment Ahead of Promotion Clash with Wrexham**
Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has moved to clarify comments he made earlier this week, after facing criticism for describing the atmosphere at Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham as a ‘circus’. Speaking ahead of a pivotal League One fixture, Jones insisted his remarks were not intended as a slight towards the club or its players, but rather a reflection on the extensive media attention and fanfare now surrounding the Welsh side.
Jones and his Charlton team sit just four points behind Wrexham, who currently hold the second automatic promotion spot to the Championship. The much-anticipated contest between the two sides at the Racecourse Ground this weekend could prove decisive in the battle for promotion, with both clubs motivated to secure their ascension with only two matches left in the campaign.
Earlier in the week, following Charlton’s convincing 4-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers, Jones was quoted as saying, “It’s a bumper game, we have to go to the circus and see what we can get,” in relation to the clash at Wrexham. The 51-year-old manager’s words did not sit well with parts of the Wrexham fanbase, many of whom saw the comment as dismissive of their club’s recent achievements and burgeoning reputation.
Addressing the controversy, Jones said, “I was misquoted, really. What I meant was, what follows Wrexham around is a lot of pomp, a lot of ceremony, a lot of cameras, a lot of coverage, a lot of scrutiny. At times, that can be a distraction, and I don’t want it to be for our team, so that’s what I meant with that.” He emphasised that his intention was never to belittle Wrexham’s on-field accomplishments or the efforts of the players and coaching staff.
Since being taken over by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham have transformed from non-league obscurity into an international sensation. Their story has been brought to a global audience through the popular Disney+ series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, creating an unprecedented level of support and interest from fans both in North Wales and around the world. The club’s recent successes, including two consecutive promotions, have only intensified the spotlight.
Both Reynolds and McElhenney are expected to be present at the Racecourse on Saturday night to witness the high-stakes encounter. Jones was quick to praise the owners for their contribution, saying, “They’ve done a magnificent job – not only galvanising the club and taking it forward but also lifting the whole community, which really needed it as well.”
He further clarified, “I didn’t mean the club or the players or anything because they’re a very well run, excellent club. The owners have done a fantastic job not only galvanising the club and taking the club forward but actually taking the community, which needed it as well.”
The anticipation around this match has been heightened by the stakes involved. With Wrexham two points clear of Wycombe Wanderers and just two matches left this season, the Red Dragons could all but confirm another promotion if results elsewhere go their way. The possibility of three successive promotions has boosted local and international interest in the club, underscoring the scale of their transformation under high-profile ownership.
This fixture serves as a reminder of the rapidly changing landscape in lower league football, where new investment, savvy management and high-profile attention can transform a club’s fortunes both on and off the pitch. While some, like Jones, are wary of the distraction that accompanies a media circus, the impact on the Wrexham community and the Football League more broadly is undeniable.
Jones’ remarks, whilst controversial, have certainly added spice to a fixture already laden with tension and significance. As kick-off approaches, all eyes will be on the Racecourse’s hallowed turf to see whether Wrexham’s extraordinary journey can continue or whether Charlton can reignite their own promotion dreams.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:30pm on Saturday, with supporters from across the nation, and beyond, eagerly awaiting the outcome.