Can Wrexham's Josh Windass Follow in His Father's Footsteps?

The Windass family has a rich history in football, particularly when it comes to achieving Premier League promotion. Josh Windass, currently playing for Wrexham, is looking to replicate the success of his father, Dean Windass, who famously brought Hull City into the Premier League nearly two decades ago.

In a recent match against Oxford United, Josh scored the decisive goal that secured a 1-0 victory for Wrexham, allowing them to leapfrog Hull City in the race for the Championship playoffs. This was Windass's fifth goal in five starts, although he humorously claims it should be six after a corner he touched in was credited as an 'Olimpico' to his teammate George Thomason.

As it stands, Wrexham is in the playoff places, thanks to Hull's draw against Leicester City. With only two regular-season games left, the pressure is mounting for Wrexham to maintain their position. Windass, who has been in exceptional form, is optimistic about their chances. "It’s every little boy’s dream to get promoted to the Premier League," he stated, emphasizing the need to focus on the playoffs rather than getting ahead of themselves.

The goal that Windass scored against Oxford was a testament to his skill and ability to capitalize on opportunities. Receiving a long ball from Sam Smith, Windass managed to create space and fired a powerful shot from 25 yards, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance. His understated reaction to scoring reflects his focus on the game rather than personal accolades. "I don’t get that happy when I score," he remarked, indicating a preference for maintaining composure.

This season has been remarkable for Wrexham, marking their highest league position in history. They have surpassed their previous best of 15th place set in the 1978-79 season, and they are currently the top Welsh team in the English league system. This achievement is particularly significant as it has been 25 years since Wrexham has been in a position to look down at their Welsh rivals.

The club's resurgence is attributed to substantial investment, with £33 million spent last summer to strengthen the squad. This investment is paying off, as evidenced by the performance against Oxford, where many new signings contributed to the win. As Wrexham prepares for their final matches against Coventry City and Middlesbrough, the focus will be on continuing their strong form and securing a playoff spot.

Windass's journey is not just about personal success; it's about the legacy of his family and the aspirations of Wrexham. If they can maintain their momentum, who knows, Windass might even find himself celebrating another goal in the playoffs, just as his father did years ago.