Wrexham snapped up Danny Ward earlier this week, and the goalkeeper could make history very early into his second spell at the club.
Wrexham’s second season has been secured, and it’s fair to say this one has divided opinion.
Danny Ward completed his return to Wrexham on Tuesday, penning a two-year deal at the STōK Cae Ras.
This is an emotional homecoming as Ward joined Liverpool from Wrexham back in 2012.
More than a decade on, the 32-year-old is back and competing with Arthur Okonkwo for a starting role, though some are surprised to see him take that role.
Ward is delighted to have rejoined Wrexham, coming back to his boyhood club to play a part in the rise under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
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Danny Ward could end Wrexham drought
Ward may have to settle for being second-choice upon his arrival, but there could be chances for him to play.
Okonkwo may yet be called up by Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning Ward could step up.
Ward will be desperate to make that first competitive start for Wrexham, having come up through the ranks but departed before a senior debut.
One exciting feature from Ward’s move is that he could make history as the first Wrexham player to play for Wales in 15 years.
Defender Neil Taylor was called up by Wales in 2010, just weeks before his move to Swansea City went through.
Since then, Wrexham have gone more than a decade without somebody representing Wales – but that may be about to end.
Ward is a regular in the Wales squad and has recorded 44 caps since his debut back in 2016.
Ward played six times for Wales in 2024 and will be looking to add to that tally during his time at Wrexham, ending the 15-year wait for a Wrexham cap in the Welsh squad.
Wrexham-born stars key for Wales
Wrexham’s long spell in non-league football meant Welsh call-ups were always going to be a struggle, especially during the rise under Chris Coleman.
We are seeing plenty of Wrexham-born players in the Wales setup, though, with Ward just one of them.
Fulham’s Harry Wilson has been a star man for Wales in recent times, and Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams has a key role to play.
Wrexham target Tom Lawrence has returned to the international fold and could yet join Ward in representing both Wrexham and Wales at the same time.
Owen Beck is another hometown Wrexham target who is looking to make an impact on the international stage.
Called up to face Turkey in 2024, Beck pulled out through injury but will surely win a first cap under Craig Bellamy soon.
Seeing so much Wrexham representation in the squad is something to be proud of, and we would love to see more Wrexham players in the Wales squad alongside Ward down the line.