Why Josh Windass snubbed Rangers to join Wrexham after Sheffield Wednesday exit - He's revealed it | OneFootball

Josh Windass made the switch from Sheffield Wednesday to Wrexham in the summer

Wrexham forward Josh Windass has explained that the timing wasn't right to return to Scottish giants after leaving Sheffield Wednesday as he opted for a move to North Wales instead.

The forward departed Sheffield Wednesday through mutual consent after he handed in his notice following multiple instances where his wages went unpaid on time amid Dejphon Chansiri's chaotic reign in charge.

He made the switch to the Red Dragons, opting to remain in the Championship after spending the previous two campaigns at that level with the Owls.

Windass was a free agent, and had the opportunity to pick his next club, making the decision to join Wrexham following their automatic promotion from League One.

The 31-year-old scored the first goal of the season for Phil Parkinson’s side against Southampton back in August, their first in the second tier of English football in over 40 years, and has taken his strong goalscoring form at Sheffield Wednesday with him to the StoK Cae Ras.

Josh Windass reveals Rangers, Wrexham transfer decision

Windass has claimed that the timing wasn’t right for a return to Rangers despite there being an opportunity to go back to Ibrox after his Sheffield Wednesday exit.

He admitted that the decision to leave Hillsborough was easy, and that he had almost left a year prior as well but for Danny Rohl remaining in charge. The 31-year-old also conceded that it wasn't the right time to return to Rangers, where he scored 19 goals from 73 appearances between 2016 and 2018 before returning to Wigan Athletic.

“It was quite easy,” said Windass, via The Athletic.

“I nearly left [Sheffield Wednesday] the previous summer but with the manager staying, I ended up staying too.

“This time, I was ready to move on to a fresh challenge. I could have gone back [to Rangers] this summer. I had some really good times there, a great club.

“But I didn’t think it was right at this time.”

Wrexham confirmed the signing of Windass in July, with the player agreeing terms on a three-year deal with the Red Dragons.

Estimated figures from Capology suggest that the 31-year-old is now earning £15,000 per week with the Championship side.

He has been an important part of Parkinson’s side since joining the club in the summer, with the Welsh outfit aiming to earn their survival in the division beyond this one year.

This is Wrexham’s first season back in the second tier of English football since 1982, having earned consecutive promotions in the last three years.

Josh Windass signing has been good for Wrexham

Losing Windass was a huge blow for Sheffield Wednesday, as he was crucial to their 12th place finish in the Championship last season, scoring 13 goals.

Wrexham will be hoping he can reach a similar tally by the end of this campaign, as that would go a long way to ensuring their status at this level beyond just one year.

The club had a very busy summer, with a number of new arrivals joining Parkinson’s side, and Windass has proven a valuable addition.

Stepping up and scoring their penalty against Southampton on the opening day was a very positive start, and he has continued to perform well in the weeks since, even adding a couple of more goals against the likes of Norwich City.