Wrexham chief sets the record straight on Tom Cairney and Jamie Vardy transfers
A senior figure at Wrexham has poured cold water on rumours linking the Hollywood-owned club with sensational moves for Premier League stars Tom Cairney and Jamie Vardy
Wrexham director Humphrey Ker has set the record straight on the club's transfer business after being linked with several high-profile stars. The Red Dragons, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are expected to spend big in the summer transfer window after securing promotion to the Championship last month.
Fulham captain Tom Cairney, Leicester striker Jamie Vardy and Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford are among the names the club is rumoured to be pursuing. Ker was quizzed specifically about the three players while appearing on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X.
However, the comedian and writer appeared to pour cold water on fans' hopes of seeing them join Wrexham. Ker emphatically answered "no" when asked by Moyles if there was any truth in reports linking them to Vardy and Bamford.
He then added: "Actually, I should stop doing this, because eventually you might say someone where I have to be like, 'Yes.' I will say that one of the things is that – much like Ryan Reynolds – the name Wrexham generates clicks, so we are starting now to get linked with absolutely everybody.
"I'm like, 'Who?' I saw our fans getting absolutely incandescent on Twitter about it. 'What on Earth are they doing trying to sign this guy?' when none of us have heard of him before."
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Moyles then read out a message from a Fulham fan called Daniel, requesting for Ker and Wrexham to steer clear of Cairney. Ker replied: "Daniel, you got it," before adding: "I mean, he's a brilliant player, Tom Cairney, and I'm sure we'd be very grateful to have him.
"But he is the very specific instance where our fans were like, 'I'm not sure about this, I don't know what they're doing. What does this mean about our transfer thing?' Like, we haven't had that conversation yet."
Ker later said: "I will also say I'm a bit of a Grinch about that, because actually one most fun things about being a football fan is speculation about transfers. Why do I want to be out here crushing everyone else's good times?"
Other names Wrexham have been linked with include Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien and Swansea City defender Harry Darling. As far as outgoings are concerned, star striker Paul Mullin has been linked with a shock move away from the Racecourse Ground following reported interest from Wigan Athletic.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson announced his retained list last week, which saw the departures of veteran forward Steven Fletcher, stalwart goalkeeper Mark Howard and homegrown talent Jordan Davies.
The Welsh side are preparing for life in the second tier after achieving an historic third successive promotion. Reynolds and McElhenney have previously made their goal of one day reaching the Premier League very clear.
Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that the pair have taken a backseat on transfer business, with prospective players now more eager to join Wrexham than when they first took over.
Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage
Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'.
But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in...
Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
14 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Monday's briefing: Man City progress as Real win marred by racism allegation
Manchester City hit Al Ain for six Sensational six to secure their place in the next round. 🥶#FIFACWC — FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 23, 2025 Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Al Ain 6-0 to secure their place in the last 16. The Premier League side were far too strong for their Abu Dhabi-based opponents under a closed roof at Atlanta's spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The result seemed certain from the moment Gundogan, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, opened the scoring – perhaps fortuitously – by lobbing the keeper after eight minutes. Teenager Claudio Echeverri marked his first City start by adding the second from a free-kick and Erling Haaland made it 3-0 from the penalty spot. Gundogan finished off a neat move after 73 minutes before substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki struck late on to ensure City and Juventus will progress from Group G. Juventus had earlier beaten Wydad Casablanca 4-1 in Philadelphia to also book their place in the knockout stage. Racism allegation overshadows 10-man Real's win Real Madrid overcame an early red card for defender Raul Asencio to beat Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte and close in on the last 16 of the Club World Cup. Xabi Alonso's side had been held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal in their opening Group H game and were without Mbappe, who is recovering after being discharged from hospital following acute gastroenteritis. Real Madrid saw defender Asencio sent off after just seven minutes for hauling down Salomon Rondon. The LaLiga giants, though, held out against a spell of pressure from the Mexicans to break the deadlock through Jude Bellingham in the 35th minute before Arda Guler doubled the lead ahead of half-time. Federico Valverde volleyed in a third with 20 minutes left, before the Mexicans grabbed a late consolation through Elias Montiel's deflected effort. However, Alonso confirmed in his post-match press duties that Antonio Rudiger had been on the end of alleged racist abuse. 'That's what Rudiger said, and we believe him,' Alonso said. 'It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That's all I can say.' Rashford eyes Yamal link-up England forward Marcus Rashford faces an uncertain future at Manchester United (Adam Davy/PA) Marcus Rashford has revealed he would like to play alongside teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal at Barcelona. Rashford signed a five-year contract with Manchester United in 2023, but spent the second half of the Premier League campaign on loan at Aston Villa. The future of the 27-year-old under Ruben Amorim – who had left him out of several squads – remains uncertain, with Barcelona sporting director Deco last month saying the club 'like' Rashford. England forward Rashford opened up about his ambitions in an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, which was shared by BBC Sport. Asked if he would like to be team-mates with Barca's 17-year-old scoring sensation Yamal, Rashford said: 'Yes, for sure. Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we'll see.' 'It's difficult to put into words what (Yamal) is doing because he's not supposed to be doing that at 16 or 17. I don't think we've seen that before.' What's on today? One last work session in California before heading to Seattle!#FIFACWC — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 22, 2025 After a shock defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo, European champions Paris St Germain will look to get their Club World Cup campaign back on track against Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo head to the Pasadena Rose Bowl to take on Atletico Madrid in their final Group B match.
Rhyl Journal
19 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Monday's briefing: Man City progress as Real win marred by racism allegation
Real Madrid got their first victory in the United States after recovering from an early red card to beat Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte despite missing Kylian Mbappe, while Juventus again impressed. Sensational six to secure their place in the next round. 🥶#FIFACWC — FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 23, 2025 Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Al Ain 6-0 to secure their place in the last 16. The Premier League side were far too strong for their Abu Dhabi-based opponents under a closed roof at Atlanta's spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The result seemed certain from the moment Gundogan, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, opened the scoring – perhaps fortuitously – by lobbing the keeper after eight minutes. Teenager Claudio Echeverri marked his first City start by adding the second from a free-kick and Erling Haaland made it 3-0 from the penalty spot. Gundogan finished off a neat move after 73 minutes before substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki struck late on to ensure City and Juventus will progress from Group G. Juventus had earlier beaten Wydad Casablanca 4-1 in Philadelphia to also book their place in the knockout stage. 🫲 Boom 🫱 — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 22, 2025 Real Madrid overcame an early red card for defender Raul Asencio to beat Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte and close in on the last 16 of the Club World Cup. Xabi Alonso's side had been held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal in their opening Group H game and were without Mbappe, who is recovering after being discharged from hospital following acute gastroenteritis. Real Madrid saw defender Asencio sent off after just seven minutes for hauling down Salomon Rondon. The LaLiga giants, though, held out against a spell of pressure from the Mexicans to break the deadlock through Jude Bellingham in the 35th minute before Arda Guler doubled the lead ahead of half-time. Federico Valverde volleyed in a third with 20 minutes left, before the Mexicans grabbed a late consolation through Elias Montiel's deflected effort. However, Alonso confirmed in his post-match press duties that Antonio Rudiger had been on the end of alleged racist abuse. 'That's what Rudiger said, and we believe him,' Alonso said. 'It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That's all I can say.' Marcus Rashford has revealed he would like to play alongside teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal at Barcelona. Rashford signed a five-year contract with Manchester United in 2023, but spent the second half of the Premier League campaign on loan at Aston Villa. The future of the 27-year-old under Ruben Amorim – who had left him out of several squads – remains uncertain, with Barcelona sporting director Deco last month saying the club 'like' Rashford. England forward Rashford opened up about his ambitions in an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, which was shared by BBC Sport. Asked if he would like to be team-mates with Barca's 17-year-old scoring sensation Yamal, Rashford said: 'Yes, for sure. Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we'll see.' 'It's difficult to put into words what (Yamal) is doing because he's not supposed to be doing that at 16 or 17. I don't think we've seen that before.' One last work session in California before heading to Seattle!#FIFACWC — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 22, 2025 After a shock defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo, European champions Paris St Germain will look to get their Club World Cup campaign back on track against Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo head to the Pasadena Rose Bowl to take on Atletico Madrid in their final Group B match.
Rhyl Journal
19 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Ilkay Gundogan double helps Man City thrash Al Ain at Club World Cup
The Premier League side were far too strong for their Abu Dhabi-based opponents under a closed roof at Atlanta's spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The result seemed certain from the moment Gundogan, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, opened the scoring – perhaps fortuitously – by lobbing the keeper after eight minutes. A magnificent Manchester City display. ✨ #FIFACWC — FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 23, 2025 Teenager Claudio Echeverri marked his first City start by adding the second from a free-kick and Erling Haaland made it 3-0 at half-time from the penalty spot. Gundogan finished off a neat move after 73 minutes before substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki struck late on to ensure City and Juventus will progress from Group G. The two sides will meet in Orlando on Thursday to settle top spot, with Real Madrid potentially lying in wait in the first knockout round. City, who made 11 changes from their opening win over Wydad Casablanca, were quick to take charge, although it was not obvious if Gundogan intended his chip as an attempt on goal. The Germany midfielder beat a challenge and delicately lofted the ball in the direction of Haaland at the back post, but no extra touch was required as the ball dropped into the net. Despite their clear superiority, City did still have some awkward moments at the back and one such saw Nassim Chadli break through on goal but Stefan Ortega touched the former Morocco youth international's shot behind. 💥 NUMBER 6! Rayan Cherki joins the party with a clean finish — City running wild! Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MCIAIN — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 23, 2025 There was a lengthy delay as Echeverri, making his first City start, required treatment following a collision. The Argentinean's problem was clearly not too serious as moments later he stepped up to curl in City's second after Matheus Nunes was hauled down after 27 minutes. Haaland could have added another within seconds after robbing Park Yong-woo and rounding Khalid Eisa but he shot across goal from a tight angle. As the first Mexican waves of the evening gathered momentum, Josko Gvardiol went even closer when he headed against the post. Haaland dragged another effort wide after being played in by Bernardo Silva but he finally got his goal after City were awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time. A defining day in Group G, but all to play for in Group H. 🤯#FIFACWC — FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 23, 2025 The referee initially ignored City's claims after Manuel Akanji was wrestled to the ground by Ramy Rabia but the decision was changed after a VAR review. Haaland, who attracted criticism after handing a penalty to Omar Marmoush – who subsequently missed – in the FA Cup final, calmly sent the keeper the wrong way. Nunes went close to adding to the score after a clever flick and turn but his volley flew narrowly side. Phil Foden, who came on at half-time, picked out Haaland with a low cross from the left but Eisa denied him with a double save. The fourth goal came when Gundogan took a pass from Silva and brilliantly dinked over Eisa. City rammed home their advantage in the closing minutes as Bobb fired a shot inside the post and new signing Cherki struck with a low effort from the edge of the area.
