Wrexham may still have some business to do on deadline day but Friday brought a pair of major additions to Phil Parkinson’s squad.
Wrexham came into January with one need seemingly emerging as the priority.
Reports going back to November suggested that Wrexham wanted to sign a new striker.
Since then, Wrexham fans have seen some pretty toothless performances in the final third.
We have seen so many names linked with arriving to boost Wrexham’s attack, but Phil Parkinson completed a double swoop on Friday.
Wrexham paid a club-record fee to sign Sam Smith from Reading before adding veteran Jay Rodriguez from Burnley.
Sam Smith sends emotional message to Reading
Shaun Harvey hinted at Wrexham spending money and that proved to be the case with Smith.
Wrexham have paid a seven-figure fee for Smith, completely shattering the club’s previous transfer record.
Smith and Rodriguez impressed Wrexham fans together on Saturday, helping secure a 2-1 win over Crawley Town despite not finding the net.
Smith’s exit is a crushing blow for Reading, with the Royals losing their top striker amid major off-field problems in recent years.
The former Manchester United talent has taken to Instagram to send a heartfelt message explaining his move.
Smith highlighted that he simply couldn’t turn down Wrexham given the closer to proximity to Manchester.
Smith admitted some ‘amazing memories’ in his second spell as a Reading player as he said an emotional goodbye to the Royals.
“I didn’t think I’d be writing this now, but it’s time to say goodbye for the second time, Royals,” said Smith.
“I can wholeheartedly say I gave everything and It was a honour to be able to return and live out my teenage ambition of scoring goals and leading the line for this football club.
“It’s been a tough decision but a project I couldn’t turn down and an opportunity to move back home closer to my family. We had some amazing memories in difficult circumstances and I hope everything off the field can be resolved in the near future as it’s what everyone associated with the club deserves.
“To those I’ve shared the pitch with, thank you, I’ve made friends for life & played with some amazing people. To the fans, thank you for your support, from my academy days to my return to now, you’ve been there throughout it all. See you soon, Sam,” he added.
Reading stars react to Sam Smith exit
Reading players responded to Smith by generally rushing him the best with his move to Wrexham.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Jeriel Drosett, Amadou Mbengue, Andy Yiadom and Jayden Wareham all sent their best wishes to Smith.
Lewis Wing added that Smith is a ‘massive loss’ for Reading but still supported his switch to the STōK Cae Ras.
‘Massive loss for us brother but all the very best,’ said Wing, who is clearly sad to see Smith go.
Smith doesn’t have to wait too long to return to Reading with Wrexham visiting on March 11.
Smith will seemingly receive a warm welcome from his former teammates when he does return, but he will ultimately be looking to take them down and secure a Wrexham win.