Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones has sparked controversy after dismissively referring to Wrexham AFC as “the circus” ahead of their potentially season-defining clash. His comments haven’t gone down well with Wrexham’s passionate fanbase, many of whom have taken to social media to criticize what they saw as a disrespectful and dismissive remark.
Since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club in 2021, Wrexham have experienced a massive surge in popularity, both locally and globally. Their journey has been documented through the hit Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham, drawing international attention and new supporters from all corners of the world.
The Welsh club is on the cusp of securing a third successive promotion under manager Phil Parkinson, following their recent 2-1 win against Blackpool. That vital victory allowed them to leapfrog Wycombe Wanderers in the League One standings, taking second place while Charlton sit four points behind in the promotion chase. Now, with just a few matches left in the season, Wrexham’s meeting with Charlton this weekend could determine who clinches a place in the Championship alongside title-holders Birmingham City.
In the build-up to the game, Jones appeared to downplay the occasion and throw shade at Wrexham, stating: “It’s a bumper game, we have to go to the circus and see what we can get.” That phrase intended as a jab quickly spread online, with Wrexham fans responding sharply. Some labelled him a hypocrite, others mocked his attempt to play mind games, and many simply saw the comment as unnecessary and inflammatory.
Supporters came to the defense of their team and its owners, pointing out that Jones’s dig only increased the pressure on his own players. One fan said Charlton would be the real clowns if they failed to get a result, while others questioned the maturity of his remarks. Despite the distraction, Parkinson remains focused on keeping his team grounded and motivated.
Parkinson has been rallying his squad, urging them to take pride in how far they’ve come and to embrace the moment. He emphasized the importance of enjoying these high-stakes matches, reminding the players of the effort it has taken to reach this point. He wants the team to reflect positively on their performance once the dust settles, regardless of the final outcome.
With their meteoric rise and a growing global following, Wrexham’s story continues to captivate football fans. While some might see the club as entertainment-driven due to its celebrity owners and media exposure, those within the team remain focused on the task at hand: winning football matches and achieving greatness on the pitch.