Former Wrexham transfer target reveals regret after turning down move

Aston Villa youth product and former Championship forward Ward has revealed his regret over turning down a move to Wrexham after being impressed by the Racecourse Ground. The Northern Irishman, who later spent time at Sheffield United, Derby and Nottingham Forest, was at the centre of a transfer tussle between Wrexham, Stockport and Torquay United after being released by Villa and eventually signed for the latter.

Wrexham are in a totally different position these days compared to 20 years ago. They were a League Two side in 2005-06 but would soon drop into the fifth tier of English football, where they would reside until current owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds took over and led them to three successive promotions to the Championship.

Speaking on the Undr The Cosh podcast, Ward said: "After the Stockport loan, I was done at Villa. Getting in that environment and knowing that I was actually capable of playing league football at a young age was the kick up the backside I probably needed.

"I had Stockport, Wrexham and Torquay after me, and I decided to go to Torquay. I was worried about Stockport struggling again, so that's why I didn't go there. I actually don't know why I didn't choose Wrexham, because the stadium was nice.

"I think the thing that swung it for me at Torquay is that the manager was from Birmingham, so he knew how far I was away from home. He said to me, 'Listen, if you're ever struggling and you want to go home for a few days, all you have to do is tell me.'

"That was a nice option to have where you can just get in the car, get up the road free and you're back with your family three hours later."

Wrexham are still tracking potential transfer targets for their upcoming Championship campaign, with players with Premier League experience being targeted by manager Phil Parkinson. They are also weighing up the future of striker Paul Mullin, who barely played last season and has been linked with a move away from Wales.