Wrexham are back in League One action for the final time in 2024 as Wigan Athletic become the latest visitors to the STōK Cae Ras on Sunday afternoon.
Wrexham bring the curtain down on another successful year on Sunday afternoon.
Phil Parkinson oversaw a second straight promotion back in April and now has Wrexham in a strong position for a third promotion in a row.
Wrexham sit third heading into Sunday’s clash with Wigan Athletic and will be looking to end the year on a high before starting the January transfer window amid speculation linking Patrick Bamford with Wrexham.
Wrexham’s Boxing Day win over Blackpool was a perfect boost after a pair of disappointing draws with Cambridge United and Bristol Rovers.
Paul Mullin dazzled Wrexham fans with a stunning goal against Blackpool and another home win against Wigan Athletic could certainly send fans home happy.
Wrexham to face former winger
Wigan will pose a real threat here and won away from home on Boxing Day, beating Rotherham United 1-0 on the road.
Parkinson will be wary of Wigan repeating the trick and he will certainly have one eye on stopping winger Jonny Smith.
Smith may be familiar to Wrexham fans having emerged in the STōK Cae Ras ranks, joining Wrexham at the age of just 10.
Smith made just three first-team appearances for Wrexham in 2016 before leaving the club for a move to Bristol City.
An ‘undisclosed fee’ was agreed for the then-18-year-old with Bristol City’s official website noting that Wrexham legend Joey Jones had compared Smith to Gareth Bale.
“I’m trying to live up to it!” said Smith after being dubbed ‘Jonny Bale’.
“I got given it by Joey Jones and it’s lived with me ever since. That’s what the lads call me at Wrexham.
“I’m a winger. My attributes are that I’m quick and I like to get in behind teams. I’m left footed and I play on the right side, so I like to cut inside and have plenty of shots,” he added to Bristol City’s official website.
That comparison didn’t quite pan out as Smith never even managed a first-team appearance for the Robins and spent his time out on loan at Cheltenham Town, AFC Fylde, Tranmere Rovers, Oldham Athletic and Swindon Town.
Burton Albion pounced for Smith in 2021 and after two years at the Pirelli Stadium, the 27-year-old winger headed to Wigan Athletic.
This will be just a third game against Wrexham since leaving the club for Smith and Parkinson must be wary of the threat he can provide.
Jonny Smiths stats this season
Smith missed out in the first eight games of the season but has now started each of Wigan’s last six League One games.
A goal against Northampton Town offered a glimpse into why Smith earned those Bale comparisons as he cut in from the right flank and unleashed a stunning left-footed strike into the corner.
Smith was a threat on Boxing Day too, skipping away from one Rotherham defender before teeing up Baba Adeeko to score.
Add in two goals and one assist in two FA Cup games and Smith has shown that he can be a real threat in the final third.
Parkinson will be wary of Jason Kerr’s quality in the heart of the Wigan back line but Smith is certainly a key man at the other end of the pitch.
Wigan Athletic winger returns to Wrexham after eight years since leaving as a teenager, drawing comparisons to Gareth Bale
Exciting news for Wrexham fans as former youth product and now established winger, John Smith, has returned to the club after eight years away with Wigan Athletic. The 26-year-old’s return has sparked excitement among fans, with many drawing comparisons between Smith and Welsh superstar Gareth Bale.
Smith, who left Wrexham as a promising teenager, has developed into a dynamic and skillful winger during his time at Wigan. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal, Smith has often been compared to Bale for his playing style and impact on the pitch.
Fans have high hopes for Smith’s return to Wrexham, with many expecting him to light up the pitch and help lead the team to success in the upcoming season. The winger himself has expressed his excitement to be back at the club where it all began and is eager to make a significant impact.
With Smith’s return, Wrexham fans can look forward to watching an exciting talent grace the pitch once again and potentially follow in the footsteps of the legendary Gareth Bale. It’s definitely a homecoming worth celebrating for Wrexham supporters.
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