Wrexham legend Mickey Thomas has been speaking about current star Ollie Rathbone recently.
While some younger fans may not be familiar with the name, Mickey Thomas is a real club legend.
Thomas, born in Mochdre, Wales, began his senior playing career with Wrexham in 1972.
He spent six years at the club where he won two Welsh Cups and won the Football League Third Division in the 1977/78 campaign.
The former winger then went on to have an illustrious playing career away from Wrexham, lining out for the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Thomas would return to the Racecourse Ground in 1991 at the back end of his career, playing a crucial role in the club winning promotion from the fourth tier in 1992/93.
The now 70-year-old is a real icon to the older generation of Wrexham fans and remains a fan of the club to this day.
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Wrexham legend reveals Ollie Rathbone prediction
Recently, Thomas made a Wrexham League One promotion prediction, backing the club for success once more in 2024/25.
In the same interview, the Welshman spoke about one of the club’s current stars, Ollie Rathbone.
Wrexham signed Rathbone for £500,000 in the summer transfer window – a club record fee at the time before Modou Faal broke it a few weeks later.
Now, Thomas has revealed that after the ex-Rotherham United man joined the Red Dragons, his father predicted that he will be the ‘next Mickey Thomas’ at the club.
He said: “Mick – Ollie’s dad – spoke to me and said Ollie’s going to be the next Mickey Thomas at Wrexham although he won’t be as good!”
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Ollie Rathbone unhappy with Wrexham playing time
Rathbone started the majority of league games for Rotherham in the 2023/24 season but his importance has diminished this term.
After losing to Harrogate Town in the FA Cup, Wrexham were told they need something different to Rathbone.
Following that defeat, the 28-year-old did not start the following two league games but injuries and suspensions have seen him in from the off versus Exeter City and Lincoln City.
However, though he is getting some minutes, Rathbone spoke about his Wrexham playing time, admitting it has been difficult to make an impact.
He said: “I respect the manager’s decision. I think the lads that have been playing have done really well.
“We’ve been getting results so I’ve not had any kind of issues with that, but it’s obviously difficult.
“I’ve been coming on and doing my best, and trying to make as much impact as possible, but it is kind of difficult to really make a proper impact when you have 20 or 30 minutes.”
Rathbone is certainly yet to reach the highest of Thomas at Wrexham as predicted by his dad, but his career in Wales is still in its early days and there is plenty of time for him to reach his true ability.