Wrexham sign ex-Manchester United academy star in bid to maintain promotion push

Wrexham have signed a former Manchester United academy star and an Iceland international as they look to maintain another promotion push.

The Red Dragons, who have sealed promotion in the last two seasons, are currently second in League One as they look to break into the Championship and eventually the Premier League.

Phil Parkinson’s side have taken 24 points from 12 games so far this season but their progress is being threatened by an injury crisis at the club, with several key players sidelined.

Wrexham have responded to the injury blows by signing two new players in ex-Manchester United academy star Matty James and Iceland forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

Both have moved to the Racecourse Ground on short-term deals until January and could make their debuts on Saturday when Wrexham face Charlton at The Valley.

‘I’d like to welcome Jon and Matty to the club,’ said Parkinson, who has been in charge of Wrexham since 2021.

‘With injuries to George Evans, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher, it was important to bring them in, and we look forward to working with the two of them.’

Former England U20 midfielder James spent three years in Manchester United’s academy before signing his first professional contract in 2009.

While he never played for United and was sold to Leicester City in 2012, James was an unused substitute under Sir Alex Ferguson.

James made more than 100 appearances for Leicester and his most recent club Bristol City but was released by the Robins at the end of last season.

Speaking out on his move to Wrexham, James said: ‘It feels great to be given the opportunity to play again and to join a club that’s moving in a direction that everybody’s watching.

‘I’m over the moon, and can’t wait to get started. It was a weird process for me, not being in a routine.

‘I was training at Leicester, which I’m thankful for, but to be back inside a men’s environment here with the lads – they’re a fantastic bunch of lads and I’ve loved every minute so far.

‘I want to enjoy playing football again, to try to help – be around the group, and whatever the gaffer wants me to do, I’ll do.

‘I want to build up in terms of fitness and game time – and there’s a lot of games coming up, so I want to earn some minutes and move forward from there.’

Bodvarsson, meanwhile, was most recently at Bolton Wanderers but has also played for the likes of Millwall, Reading and Wolves.

‘It’s great to be at a club like Wrexham,’ the 32-year-old said. ‘Everyone knows the history by now and it’s just a very exciting club to be a part of.

‘I’m delighted to be here, and hopefully I can help the club achieve further success. It’s good to be back in the dressing room. I really missed it – I think my wife was going crazy!

‘I’ve been training and trying to keep myself fit, but it’s good to be back in the environment and to work on getting my sharpness back.

‘The manager and the coaches have been really good with me, getting straight back into it.

‘It’s about finding myself again over the next few months. I want to get my confidence back for myself, work hard for the club, and see where it gets me.’

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