Ex-Wales international Johnny Williams has snubbed Wrexham in favour of Bradford City, in a blow to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s sides promotion push.
Williams has 33 caps for Wales, over an international career that started in 2013. He was part of Wales’ World Cup squad in Qatar – but he made no appearances for Rob Page’s side under the winter sun.
In March 2023, Williams announced he had decided to retire from the international team, and a couple of months later, he left Swindon on a free transfer. However, despite being linked with Wrexham, Williams opted to join Bradford, according to The Sun.
Wrexham are gearing up for their first season in the Football League since 2008, when they dropped out into the footballing wilderness.
READ MORE: Experts say Wrexham could make Premier League but will need one key change to get there
The Hollywood owners had tried to convince Williams’ ex-international teammate Gareth Bale to join Wrexham earlier this year. The winger hung up his boots after the World Cup, but it didn’t stop Wrexham from trying to lure him back to Wales.
However, Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett said he no longer has the desire to play football: “I think for him, it [retirement] was the right time.
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(Image: PA)
“He’s achieved everything he wanted to achieve — he played for Wales at the highest level of the World Cup, which is what he really wanted to do, and I think he knew his body wasn’t up to it anymore. He’s had a hard time with his body the last few years.
“He’s had a great career. He’s enjoyed himself, but he is having a great life now. He is with his family, which is the most important thing. He’s spending a lot of time with his children and that’s what he wants to do.”