**Wrexham’s New Signing Josh Windass Arrives Amid Controversy and High Expectations**
Wrexham AFC have completed a significant addition to their squad, bringing in experienced attacking midfielder Josh Windass following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday. After mutually parting ways with the Yorkshire side over delayed wage issues, the 31-year-old joins the Red Dragons as they prepare for their first season back in the Football League Championship in over four decades.
The club has been proactive in the summer transfer window, with Windass becoming the fifth new addition as manager Phil Parkinson bolsters the squad for the rigours of second-tier football. Supporters and club owners, Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, will be hoping Windass’ abilities, highlighted by his tally of 53 goals in 182 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, can help Wrexham compete at this higher level.
However, Windass’ arrival is not without its share of talking points. Throughout his career, the midfielder has found himself embroiled in several controversies that have occasionally overshadowed his performances on the pitch. The most notable incident occurred during his time with Scottish giants Rangers in 2018. In a match against Partick Thistle, Windass faced backlash from fans after a goal celebration in which he appeared to ask sections of the Ibrox crowd to be quiet, a move that was interpreted as a slight against his critics.
Reflecting on that episode, Windass later said the gesture was made in a moment of frustration rather than malice, explaining to Sky Sports News that he had simply “reacted in maybe the wrong way,” and that emotions often run high in football. Despite issuing an apology and attempting to draw a line under the matter, it was a reminder of how quickly professional relationships with supporters can be strained by individual actions.
More recently, Windass’ forthright manner on and off the pitch made headlines when he openly criticised a young former Sheffield Wednesday player, Joey Phuthi, during an appearance on the ‘Open Goal’ podcast. Windass labelled the 20-year-old defender as “p**h” after claiming Phuthi had likened himself to Lionel Messi, citing the youngster’s running statistics as a point of contention. The comments, made in reference to the player’s work rate and attitude, were viewed by some as unnecessarily harsh and drew a response from Phuthi, who expressed dismay at having his reputation questioned so publicly, especially at a delicate stage in his career.
Phuthi later turned to social media to clarify his side of the story, stating that Windass’ remarks had been taken out of context and that being released by Wednesday had already been a difficult experience, made worse by the public scrutiny. The episode has prompted discussions about senior players’ responsibilities when addressing or mentoring young teammates.
Windass, the son of former Premier League striker Dean Windass—well known for spells at Hull City, Middlesbrough and Bradford—arrives at Wrexham with both a rich footballing heritage and a reputation for outspokenness. The midfielder’s father was recently diagnosed with dementia, eliciting a wave of sympathy and support from the wider football community.
Wrexham are hoping Windass’ on-field talents will outweigh any off-field distractions as they return to the Championship after 43 years. Facing tough competition, including a formidable opener away at Southampton on 9 August, Windass will be expected to bring both experience and a cutting edge to the pitch.
With expectations high and the spotlight brighter than ever due to the club’s celebrity ownership and the ongoing attention of the documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ Windass’ conduct and impact are likely to be closely monitored. The management and fans alike will be eager to see him focus on football and channel his passion into performances that propel Wrexham up the table.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Windass can leave controversy behind and provide the leadership and creativity Wrexham need to become a force in the Championship.