Ex-Premier League star to pocket six-figure salary at Wrexham without kicking a ball as Phil Parkinson all-but confirms key squad decision

Wrexham named their 24-man Championship squad in early September, with Andy Cannon, Jay Rodriguez, Ollie Rathbone, and Danny Ward all left out. Ward, Rodriguez, and Cannon are all injured, but it seems Rathbone is nearing a return. With the squad list set until January, the other three cannot play for the Welsh side until the start of 2026.

Rodriguez is reportedly earning £25,000 a week at Wrexham, meaning he will pocket around £500,000 before he can play for the club this term. The former Burnley man, who spent many seasons in the Premier League with the Clarets and Southampton, joined the Red Dragons in January on an 18-month deal, but so far, he has been an underwhelming signing. A return of two goals in 17 matches isn't much to write home about.

EFL rules dictate that Wrexham can still add one more player to their Championship squad, and Parkinson has all-but confirmed it will be Rathbone. "We need Ollie back, he’s a key player for us. He was instrumental for us last year," the Wrexham boss has said. "He’s a player who has played in the Championship; first year did well, second one was a difficult one at Rotherham because they had a very weak squad. But he’s played at this level, and when he signed for us, he was determined to get back into the Championship… His energy and his quality, I can’t wait to get Ollie back out with us."

Wrexham, who secured a timely 3-2 win at Norwich City on Saturday, are back in Carabao Cup action on Tuesday when they host League One outfit Reading in the third round of the competition. It remains to be seen when Rodriguez, 36, will play for them again.