Josh Windass speaks on decision to sign for Wrexham after leaving Sheffield Wednesday

Josh Windass speaks on the decision to sign for Wrexham after leaving fellow Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday ahead of 2025/26.

The Welsh outfit have signed 31-year-old forward on a three-year deal after his departure from Sheffield Wednesday, who faced financial issues and wage payment delays.

Windass, who found the net 46 times in 163 appearances for the Owls, joins Wrexham as they prepare for their first second tier season in 43 years.

He aims to contribute goals and assists, earn his teammates’ respect, and help the team climb the league. Wrexham, coming off three consecutive promotions, have also signed Danny Ward, Ryan Hardie, Liberato Cacace, and George Thomason this summer.

That’s my boy

— Dean Windass (@DWindass10) July 23, 2025

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wrexham AFC (@wrexham_afc)

STATEMENT:

Wrexham AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Josh Windass on a free transfer following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday, pending registration and international clearance.

The attacking midfielder joins the Club on a three-year deal until the end of the 2027/28 season.

Windass, 31, made 153 appearances for the Owls in total, scoring 53 goals and winning promotion to the EFL Championship in the 2022/23 season.

The creative midfielder played an integral role during that campaign, scoring the winning goal in the play-off final and being named in the EFL League One Team of the Season.

He also counts Accrington Stanley, Rangers and Wigan Athletic among his former professional teams.

On signing for Wrexham, Windass said: “I’m looking forward to getting going. I’ve spoken to the manager, who has showed me his plans for the season and what he expects from the group, and I’ve really bought into that.

“I’d describe myself as honest and hard-working, I like to contribute goals and assists from midfield and that’s what I’m looking to bring to Wrexham.

“First and foremost, I want to get into the team and earn the respect of my team-mates – I want to be professional, be someone to look up to and then get the team as high up the league as possible.”

Interviewer: “Josh, welcome to Wrexham. How is it all feeling so far?”

Josh: “Thank you. Yeah, it’s been a long day, obviously, with medicals and stuff, but glad to finally be here now and ready to get going.”

Interviewer: “What was it about Wrexham that made the move right for you?”

Josh: “A lot of things. I spoke to the manager. He obviously showed me his plans for the upcoming season and what he expects from the group. And, yeah, I was really, bought into what he wants, and I’m looking forward to being here.”

Interviewer: “How would you describe your journey to get to this point?”

Josh: “Long, hardworking. I’ve obviously overcome some obstacles in my career like everyone else, but, yeah, it’s been a good ten sort of years playing professionally now. And, yeah, I’m looking forward to this year and making a success.”

Interviewer: “So thinking back into the past now, is there any sort of standout moments or career highlight that really resonates with you?”

Josh: “Yeah. Just a a lot like the usual football. I just think some of the goals I’ve scored and all that sort of stuff along the way has been really nice. Obviously, lucky enough to play for some massive clubs, and to come here and carry on the journey that the club’s been on the last three years, which has obviously been incredible looking from the outside in. I wanna be a part of that.”

Interviewer: “Have you crossed paths with any of the lads? I know you mentioned one when we were before we were talking.”

Josh: “Yeah. Ryan Hardy was in the, Rangers youth team when I was playing there. So he came up through the youth, and, obviously, I’ve been in the change room with him before. And, yeah, he’s a nice guy. So, I’m looking forward to seeing seeing him again.”

Interviewer: “So for the fans, how would you just sum up your style and the way you play?”

Josh: “Just honest, hardworking. Try to produce moments of quality in in the games and get goals and assists from midfield. And, yeah, that’s what I’m looking to bring.”

Interviewer: “So what do you wanna achieve personally this season? Any any specific goals?”

Josh: “Just first and foremost, getting the team, get the respect to my teammates straight away. Be professional, be someone to look up to. And then, obviously, in terms of the team, get as high up the league as possible and carry on the success that the club’s been having.”

Interviewer: “And lastly, anything you’d like to say to the Wrexham fans before you start your new chapter?”

Josh: “Just, obviously, I’ve seen loads of comments already of, obviously, the rumours and stuff like that. And just thank you for all the messages, and I can’t wait to wear the badge.”

Windass began his youth career with Huddersfield Town, before starting senior football with Harrogate Railway Athletic after being released by the Terriers.

He gained his first professional move in July 2013 as he signed for Accrington Stanley in Sky Bet League Two.

The Hull-born midfielder enjoyed a successful spell across the Pennines, scoring 16 goals in the 2015’16 season which earned him a move to Rangers.

He spent two seasons in Scotland, finishing as the Gers’ joint-top goalscorer in the 2017/18 campaign across all competitions.

Windass departed Rangers to join Wigan in 2018, before moving to Sheffield Wednesday on loan during the 2019-20 season.

Wednesday made his move a permanent one, where Windass stayed for a successful five-year spell until his departure by mutual consent earlier this month.

On his signing, Phil Parkinson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Josh to the Club. He’s a player with a lot of Championship experience and I’m looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons.”

Sheffield Wednesday’s North Stand faces closure and Josh Windass declines interview on club’s plight

Twitter users gave their reaction as Josh Windass speaks on his decision to sign for Wrexham after leaving Sheffield Wednesday…

@pauljones_wxm: Croeso i’r Wrecsam Josh

@toniliscious: And he’s here for free! #WxmAFC

@matevans01: Could be the biggest signing of our window, probably will be. Been crying out for someone who plays behind the strikers. Some goals from midfield and a bit of a character too

@Gzone77: Good player with the correct attitude! Would have loved him at Cardiff and always wanted his Dad to come. Both are Cardiff players in abundance but never happened. We will have to wait for Windass jnr.

@Harleyrhys_: Best signing we’ve made so far. Absolutely massive addition. Welcome Josh!

@tcswfc: he‘ll love the attention old josh

@welshy1000: Welcome to the Circus pal. Smith, Hardie & Windass hellooo!