Wrexham completed three January signings to bolster Phil Parkinson’s squad but also allowed a number of players to leave the STōK Cae Ras.
Wrexham continue to chase another promotion under Phil Parkinson but the January transfer window was always going to be pivotal.
New signings were absolutely paramount in January with Parkinson needing further additions to make the leap into the Championship.
Wrexham snapped up Ryan Longman in a £500,000 move, landing the wing back from Championship side Hull City.
Wrexham then landed Sam Smith from Reading, agreeing a club-record deal to sign the striker before Jay Rodriguez followed from Burnley.
Whether that business gets Wrexham over the line remains to be seen, with Parkinson now sitting five points off an automatic promotion spot.
Burton Albion sign another former Wrexham ace
As much as those incomings were exciting, Wrexham also needed to offload some players to clear space for incomings.
Strangely, three players departing Wrexham in the January window have all joined the same club.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson signed for Burton Albion as his Wrexham contract came to an end before James Jones also joined the Brewers.
Gary Bowyer’s side are attempting to avoid relegation from League One and are now just two points away from safety.
Bodvarsson has made a big impact for Burton and he has now been joined by yet another former Wrexham player.
Wrexham released wide man Anthony Forde as the transfer window ended, allowing him to move on and find a new club.
Forde had fallen out of the Wrexham plans and hadn’t even been registered for League One action.
The Irishman was a popular figure though as Wrexham players sent well-wishes to Forde upon his departure.
Forde is now back in the game though with Burton Albion confirming his arrival on a contract arrival until the end of the season.
“I can’t wait to get going and hopefully be a part of something good – I’m delighted to sign,” said Forde.
“My standards are pretty high and it’s up to me to show what I can do now. I’d like to think I have a lot of experience and have played most of my career in League One. When I came in and trained last week I could tell what a great group and great place it is,” he added.
Burton Albion boss Bowyer added that Forde is a ‘good addition’ who has impressed whilst training with the club, believing that he brings ideal versatility to the squad.
“We’re delighted to have Fordey here. He’s another good addition and has a wealth of experience at this level,” said Bowyer.
“He’s been training with us for a short period now, so we know what he’s about as both a player and a person. He makes our squad stronger and can play across a number of positions, so we’re happy to add that further versatility as well,” he added.
Rob McElhenney reacts to Anthony Forde deal
Wrexham fans will certainly wish Forde all the best at Burton, except when they face Wrexham in April.
Rob McElhenney has now reacted to Forde’s move with a heartfelt message on social media.
McElhenney admitted that Forde’s switch is ‘wonderful news’, suggesting that Burton have not only signed a ‘killer on the pitch’ but a ‘gem of a human being’ too.
McElhenney congratulated both Forde and Burton on the deal, adding that he is sure that Forde will give his all for the Brewers.
This echoes McElhenney’s emotional farewell to James Jones as he joined Burton and Forde will be looking to make a big impact alongside Jones and Bodvarsson before the season ends.