13 June 2023 , 13:44
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Former Wales star Jonny Williams has dealt a blow to Wrexham's hopes of back-to-back promotions by snubbing a switch in favour of a move to League Two rivals Bradford City.
The 29-year-old has had something of a journeyman career came at club level but featured during his country's storied run to the European Championship semi-finals in 2016, while also making the squad for the 2020 edition and last year's World Cup. However, the 33-time international has snubbed the chance to represent North Wales outfit Wrexham in League Two next term.
The diminutive ace, who one may recall appeared in popular Netflix series Sunderland 'Til I Die while on loan in Wearside, retired from international duty following the World Cup last winter. However, the Red Dragons' Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds had designs on bringing him to Wrexham following the club's dramatic promotion back to the EFL.
Instead, the midfielder has turned down a move to North Wales and is set to play for his countryman Mark Hughes by joining Bradford City. Williams has extensive experience in England's top two tiers but has spent the past two years in League 2 with Swindon Town.
He joined the Robins from Championship club Cardiff City and has had something of a career renaissance down in the fourth tier, scoring ten times in 37 league appearances last term. He also provided ten assists as the former Premier League side made the League 2 play-offs before losing out to Carlisle United.
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The strength of Williams' performances meant that there was a bit of a clamour for his signature this summer, with Scottish side Hibernian having been linked with a move alongside Gillingham, Notts County and Northampton Town. He had obviously left a lasting impression on former Wales manger Hughes, with his goal proving the difference as Swindon defeated the Bantams back in April.
BRADFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Mark Hughes the head coach / manager of Bradford City during the Sky Bet League Two match between Bradford City and Newport County at Utilita Energy Stadium on March 26, 2022 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)The disappointment of missing out on the popular midfielder - affectionately dubbed 'Joniesta' by Wales fans during his time with the national team - will be softened by the news that Ben Foster will be staying at the Racecourse Ground next season. The former Manchester United goalkeeper was pivotal to the club's successful promotion push last term after coming out of retirement to play in March.
The ex-Premier League star kept three clean sheets in eight outings for the Red Dragons, even making a crucial last-minute penalty save in the 3-2 win over promotion rivals Notts County in the run-in to the season. The 4-year-old put an end to speculation that he would hang up his gloves once more by signing for another year earlier this month.
He explained his delight, telling Wrexham's club website: “I’d decided before the end of last season I wanted to do it, because it feels like home. I’ve never joined a football club and felt at ease so quickly.”