Championship outfit and global sensation Wrexham AFC have confirmed their 30-player squad to travel to Australia and New Zealand for three friendlies against Isuzu UTE A-League opposition this month.
Owned by Hollywood a-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney, Wrexham are coming down under for the first time in their history to take on Melbourne Victory (July 11), Sydney FC (July 15) and Wellington Phoenix (July 19).
After back-to-back-to-back promotions, the Red Dragons are preparing for their first season in English football’s second tier since 1981-81.
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Their squad is headlined by some high-profile former Premier League stars.
44-time Wales international and former Liverpool and Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward will be on the plane after joining his hometown club this month.
Captain James McClean will be leading Wrexham out; the winger boasts 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland and played 158 times in the Premier League across stints with Sunderland and West Brom.
Aussie and Kiwi football fans will also likely remember striker Jay Rodriguez from his exploits in England’s top-flight with Southampton, West Brom and Burnley, amassing 258 matches and scoring 46 goals.
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One of the stars of Wrexham’s world famous documentary Ollie Palmer will also be on the tour, with the 33-year-old striker being given a chance to impress manager Phil Parkinson ahead of the Championship season.
Another player to watch will be new £700,000 (A$1.5m) signing Ryan Hardie, who arrives from Plymouth Argyle, where he reached double figures for goals in each of his last four seasons. Hardie played 16 matches alongside Wellington Phoenix product Ben Waine!
Here is Wrexham’s full squad to take on 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
