One Wrexham player came under particularly heavy fire from supporters in the second half of the 2024/25 season.
Wrexham were promoted from League One on April 26, seeing off Nathan Jones’ Charlton Athletic to earn second place in the division.
The Dragons set a personal points record, with 92 the most they have ever managed in a single EFL season.
They have also become the first side in history to win three promotions in a row when beginning in the fifth tier or above.
However, it was not all plain sailing in the second half of the campaign, with Wycombe Wanderers running Wrexham close until the penultimate fixture.
And fans of the Red Dragons made their feelings on one man in particular very well known when things were not going their way.
Andy Morrell on Wrexham fans not liking Jay Rodriguez
Jay Rodriguez was signed alongside Sam Smith at the back end of the January transfer window to try and add some much-needed goals to Phil Parkinson’s attack.
However, Wrexham fans weren’t happy with Rodriguez and quickly turned on the attacker, who started every league fixture following the 3-2 defeat to Stevenage.
He partnered Smith in every match, while long-time favourites Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer lost their place in the squad.
Rodriguez was called poor by Wrexham fans, with some suggesting he only got into the side on a consistent basis because of his wage.
However, when appearing on the Fearless In Devotion podcast, club legend Andy Morrell has spoken about fans’ negative reaction to the striker and was quick to highlight how he helps the team.
He said: “I don’t think that helps anybody at any point. You can have your opinions about what he’s done. What has happened is that we’ve got a shedload of points while he’s played. And whether that is because he’s helping defensively too much and we’re still in games in 70 minutes when Fletcher comes on and we’re a bit more creative when we get into that latter part of the game, you can argue what you want.
“But evidently his running stats are through the roof; he does more high-intensity runs than some do in 90 minutes in his 70 minutes. So these types of things, they don’t get put out, a lot of people don’t see what work he is doing for the team.”
How Jay Rodriguez could improve
Morrell also mentioned what he wants to see more of from Rodriguez.
He added: “I personally think he needs to play further up the pitch. I’d love to see him up.
“I just think he’s just got to leave the team to it. They’re good enough to deal with it. Help a little bit, but you’re in the team to go and header Longman crossing, that’s what I wanted to see you do, and I’ve just not seen quite that.”
In total, the 35-year-old scored two goals and provided two assists in 17 League One fixtures for Wrexham.
He remains under contract with the club until the summer of 2026.