**Wayne Rooney’s Influence on New Wrexham Signing Ryan Hardie Receives Warm Praise from Striker**
Wrexham’s ambitious journey into the Championship received a boost this week with the arrival of Scottish forward Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle, marking the League Two champions’ first signing of the summer window. Hardie, aged 28, joins the Red Dragons on a three-year contract for an undisclosed sum and brings with him an impressive record of consistent goalscoring – but he also offers much more than just his stats.
Though Plymouth’s season ended in disappointment with relegation, Hardie’s own performances stood out, netting 12 goals in 40 games. Notably, he was instrumental in Plymouth’s surprise victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup, slotting home the crucial penalty. Yet, it is perhaps the personal and technical growth he experienced under Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney’s brief tenure at Home Park that could prove crucial for Wrexham’s bid to secure their status at the second tier.
During his seven months in charge of Plymouth, Rooney may have struggled to deliver results, eventually leaving the club rooted to the bottom of the table in December. Nevertheless, his presence left a lasting impact on players like Hardie. The striker has openly credited the former England forward with advancing his own finishing ability, outlining how tailor-made advice helped refine his game further.
Speaking candidly to reporters, Hardie explained: “Wayne showed me the benefits of guiding the ball from crosses instead of swinging powerfully at them. He also pointed out how tiny two-yard movements can lose defenders and open up goal-scoring chances. Those insights have genuinely elevated my finishing this year.” For Wrexham’s co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, along with manager Phil Parkinson, such endorsements from a player who worked closely with one of football’s most iconic figures are sure to be encouraging.
Rooney’s influence wasn’t merely confined to words, according to Hardie. The ex-England captain frequently participated in shooting drills, demonstrating the technical excellence which made him one of Europe’s elite strikers. “He’d join the training and showcase just how high the bar could be set,” Hardie added, noting the invaluable experience gained even if Plymouth’s collective fortunes faltered. “I’m genuinely disappointed things didn’t work out for him at Argyle, but the lessons I learned were superb.”
Hardie’s football journey began north of the border with Rangers, where he made his professional breakthrough in 2014 and went out on multiple loans to gain experience in the Scottish leagues. After a permanent move to Blackpool, Hardie found his stride at Plymouth, racking up 74 goals in 248 appearances, helping them earn promotion to the Championship and reaching the EFL Trophy Final in 2023.
Upon finalising his move to the Racecourse Ground, Hardie expressed both relief and excitement. “I’m delighted to have signed – doing it early means I can get a full pre-season, get to understand the manager’s plans, and settle into the team,” he said. “Having played in the Championship, I feel ready to contribute as Wrexham steps up to a higher level.” Hardie also commented on Wrexham’s unique character as a “one-club city” with a sense of unity and community that he finds “truly special”.
The club, transformed into an international phenomenon under the stewardship of Reynolds and McElhenney and the global exposure from the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary, is setting its sights higher than ever. With back-to-back promotions, the challenge ahead is keeping pace in the fiercely competitive Championship – and new acquisitions such as Hardie could be pivotal in that effort.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson welcomed his new striker warmly, stating, “Ryan’s professionalism, Championship experience, and obvious goal threat will be a huge asset. We’re excited to see what he brings to the group, and I know our fans will make him feel right at home.”
As Wrexham prepare for their return to Championship football after a wait of over four decades, it is clear they are assembling a squad with not only quality and depth but also the hunger and know-how acquired from some of football’s biggest names. The leadership of figures like Rooney, however brief, continues to ripple through the game – a testament to how influence can stretch beyond the final whistle. For Hardie and for Wrexham, the new campaign promises plenty to look forward to.