The Championship club and worldwide phenomenon, Wrexham AFC, have announced their 30-player squad set to embark on a journey to Australia and New Zealand this month for three friendly matches against Isuzu UTE A-League teams.
With Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the helm, Wrexham is marking their inaugural trip down under, taking on Melbourne Victory on July 11, Sydney FC on July 15, and Wellington Phoenix on July 19.
Fresh from an extraordinary run of three consecutive promotions, the Red Dragons are gearing up for their first campaign in English football’s second tier since the 1981-82 season.
The squad boasts an impressive lineup featuring several notable former Premier League players.
Joining the tour is 44-cap Wales international and ex-Liverpool and Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward, who has recently returned to his hometown club.
Captain James McClean will lead Wrexham; the winger, who has earned 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland, has made 158 appearances in the Premier League with Sunderland and West Brom.
Aussie and Kiwi football aficionados might also recognise striker Jay Rodriguez for his stints in England’s top division with Southampton, West Brom, and Burnley, where he has racked up 258 matches and scored 46 goals.
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One of the highlights of Wrexham’s globally acclaimed documentary, Ollie Palmer, will also be part of the squad as the 33-year-old striker aims to impress manager Phil Parkinson ahead of the upcoming Championship season.
Another key player to keep an eye on is new £700,000 (A$1.5m) signing Ryan Hardie, who transfers from Plymouth Argyle after achieving double-digit goals in each of the past four seasons. Interestingly, Hardie played 16 matches alongside Wellington Phoenix talent Ben Waine!
Here’s the complete Wrexham squad set to face Victory, Sydney, and Wellington:
- Arthur Okonkwo
- Callum Burton
- Danny Ward
- Max Cleworth
- Aaron James
- Dan Scarr
- Eoghan O’Connell
- Max Purvis
- Lewis Brunt
- Tom O’Connor
- Ryan Longman
- Ryan Barnett
- Matty James
- George Evans
- George Dobson
- Andy Cannon
- Alex Moore
- Ollie Rathbone
- Elliot Lee
- Harry Ashfield
- James McClean (C)
- Jacob Mendy
- Seb Revan
- Ryan Hardie
- Sam Smith
- Callum Edwards
- Mo Faal
- Ollie Palmer
- Jack Marriott
- Jay Rodriguez
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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