Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been stung with a “footballing reasons” transfer jibe by rivals that consider Wrexham to be “anomalies”.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Welsh outfit able to outspend rivalsFind themselves back in third tierHold obvious appeal to new recruitsWHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Dragons have been able to outspend rivals when blazing a trail out of the National League and through League Two. They are now back in the third tier of English football, where the playing field begins to level out when it comes to financial muscle.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Hollywood co-owners in North Wales have, however, continued to make the funds available that have allowed shrewd business to be carried out. A few League One rivals have been fended off when landing top targets, with Bolton among those being forced to concede that they cannot compete.
WHAT BOLTON BOSS SAID
Trotters boss Ian Evatt has, however, told the that he has no interest in signing players that are motivated by money. He has said: “Every player has a value, and this summer the board have given us everything we would require, they have been absolutely amazing. Our values and processes remain the same, even though we can spend more and have offered more – and I have told you we have offered some big transfer fees and contracts out there – unfortunately other clubs can still offer more. That is not just in the Championship, it is at our level as well. There are a couple of anomalies, and I don’t need to name names, but they have spent money I didn’t think I’d ever see spent in League One.
“You are up against that but if people are making a football decision, we are in a really strong place. This football club has rich history, an unbelievable fanbase, brilliant stadium, an aesthetically pleasing way of playing, an ideology players enjoy, there is a lot going for us. If that decision becomes financial, they are probably not the right player for us, that’s the way I see it. We want players here who want to be here for football reasons, to get this club back to where it belongs, not for financial benefit. We are always fair in the market, and we will offer what we think people deserve, or even at the top end of that. We won’t be held to ransom, though, and if it becomes a financial decision and not a footballing one, then they are probably not right for us.”
FXWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
While Wrexham are able to handsomely reward new signings on the salary front, they also present the opportunity to work with Reynolds and McElhenney – while starring in an award-winning documentary. Those perks hold obvious appeal to plenty, with the Red Dragons making no secret of the fact that they intend to reach the Premier League at some stage.