Craig Bellamy has spoken of his admiration for Wrexham’s extraordinary resurgence, describing himself as “captivated” by the club’s journey under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – and believes their progress can only benefit Welsh football as a whole.
Since the takeover in February 2021, Wrexham have climbed from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons, an achievement few would have predicted. Their upward momentum has now attracted established Cymru internationals, with Danny Ward, Kieffer Moore and Nathan Broadhead all signing for the club over the past two transfer windows.
Ward and Broadhead are sidelined through injury and will miss Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan. However, Moore is expected to feature in Astana. Should he do so, the striker would become the first Wrexham player to represent Wales since Steve Evans back in 2008 – when the Dragons were still competing in non-league football.
“I think we’re all captivated by the journey of Wrexham,” said Cymru head coach Bellamy. “It’s been amazing for Welsh football and hopefully now, in a number of years, we’ll see young players coming through. Surely, whether it’s Swansea, Newport, Cardiff or Wrexham, the better they do the better chance we have of being a stronger nation in football.”
Moore, who arrived from Sheffield United in the summer, has hit the ground running with four goals in five games for Phil Parkinson’s side. The 6ft 5in forward continued his fine form at the weekend, finding the net again as Wrexham recorded their first Championship victory – a 2-0 win away at Millwall.
Bellamy added: “There aren’t similarities to how I play to how Wrexham play. It’s different ways, no right or wrong way for this. But the way Wrexham play will definitely suit Kieffer. I feel that when I’ve watched him play for Wrexham.
“It will be nice for Broady (Broadhead) to get a consistent run of playing week in, week out. With the fee Wrexham paid it looks like he will get that, and that leaves me really excited because I believe there’s a really good footballer there. He has the benchmarks, the intensity, to really flourish there.
“Wardy had a tricky spell last year (at Leicester) and came through it mentally as well. I’m delighted to see him playing for Wrexham as it’s his club.”
Moore himself has spoken warmly of his new surroundings, revealing he is “loving” life at the Racecourse Ground as Wrexham continue their remarkable rise through the divisions.
