Conor Coady says Wrexham aim to “upset and disrupt” Championship teams on their return to the second tier of English football. The defender, a summer signing, insists Phil Parkinson’s squad can handle the fierce spotlight that comes with their Hollywood owners and rapid rise.
Wrexham marked their return after a 43-year absence with a 2-1 defeat at Southampton on Saturday. Coady, 32, who has Premier League experience with Wolves, Everton and Leicester, said: “We know what we are. We know how we’re going to play and we’re here to upset and disrupt a few teams in this division.”
The club’s celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were not at St Mary’s but are expected for Saturday’s home game against West Brom. Coady, one of seven debutants at Southampton, admitted to being shocked by the huge interest in the Welsh club, noting that striker Ollie Palmer “got mobbed” during a pre-season friendly in the Netherlands.
“It’s amazing to see where this club has gone,” Coady said. “We’re at a point now where we don’t just enjoy being here. We want to improve and mix ourselves with teams like this. Maybe go higher, but to do that we have to make sure we’re dominant at this level.”
Wrexham host Hull in the Carabao Cup first round on Tuesday. Coady added: “Let’s enjoy the ride. Southampton were in the Premier League last season, Wrexham were in League One. We’re fighting with these teams, showing we can play.”
