Charlton Manager Nathan Jones Clarifies Wrexham ‘Circus’ Remark
Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has stepped in to clarify comments he made ahead of his team’s crucial League One clash with Wrexham. The two promotion-chasing sides are set to face off this weekend, with Charlton sitting in fourth place and Wrexham in second. In a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, Jones described the upcoming game as “a bumper game,” before adding, “we have to go to the circus and see what we can get.” His choice of words sparked a reaction, particularly given Wrexham’s high-profile ownership by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The 51-year-old Welsh coach, however, has since addressed the controversy and insisted that his remarks were taken out of context or misunderstood. Speaking with BBC Radio London, Jones clarified that he did not intend any disrespect toward Wrexham’s players, staff, or the club itself. “I was a bit misquoted or misunderstood when I mentioned the word ‘circus,’” he said. “It wasn’t aimed at the club or anyone involved in it. Wrexham is a very well-run, excellent football club.”
Jones went on to praise the work done by Reynolds and McElhenney since they took over the club in 2021. Under their stewardship, Wrexham have climbed from the National League and are now in a strong position to secure a third successive promotion. Their rise has drawn international attention, bolstered by a popular Disney+ documentary that has chronicled their journey.
“The owners have done an outstanding job,” Jones said. “They haven’t just revitalised a football club they’ve brought new life to a community. It’s a Welsh community, one with real heart, and they’ve embraced that magnificently.”
Explaining his original comment further, Jones pointed to the increased media attention that often accompanies Wrexham. “What follows Wrexham is a lot of coverage cameras, press, scrutiny. There’s a lot of pomp and ceremony. That’s what I meant by ‘circus.’ Not the team or the club itself, but the environment that surrounds them. It can be a distraction at times, and we just want to stay focused on our own game.”
Charlton recently gave their promotion hopes a big boost with a 4-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers, pushing Wrexham back into second place. Wrexham, on the other hand, could seal promotion this weekend if they defeat Charlton and Wycombe fail to win at Leyton Orient.
Jones’ remarks, while initially perceived as dismissive, now seem more an observation about the heightened profile Wrexham has developed than any criticism of the club. His clarification highlights both respect for Wrexham’s achievements and a desire to keep the focus on football amid the surrounding spectacle.