Josh Windass has scored 15 goals for Wrexham this season, his highest tally in a Championship campaign, keeping the club in the play-off race.
Josh Windass and Wrexham seem an unlikely pairing at a club with a glamorous profile. The 32-year-old rarely plays up to the spotlight, showing little emotion even when scoring crucial goals, such as his midweek winner at Oxford that returned Wrexham to the Championship play-off positions.
As the season nears its conclusion, Windass has embraced his role as an understated leader, now with 15 goals for the campaign. After the Oxford victory, he delivered a refreshingly blunt assessment of Wrexham’s task. 'You're going to get a boring interview because there's not much to say apart from that we need to win the next two games,' Windass said regarding Phil Parkinson’s side’s need to retain their play-off spot.
Wrexham’s hopes of securing a fourth straight promotion hinge on defeating Coventry at the CBS Arena on Sunday and then overcoming Middlesbrough at home on the final matchday. Given Windass’ recent performances, it would not be surprising if he again emerges as the pivotal figure.
Parkinson highlighted Windass’ ability to deliver when it matters most. 'It's not easy to get goals at this level but he's producing goals when it matters most,' the manager noted. 'And that's the sign of a top player.'
Windass has now scored five goals in his last six appearances, or six if his own count is believed—he disputed a reporter’s tally after last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Stoke, insisting he diverted George Thomasson’s corner over the line himself. Even without outward displays of joy, he keeps meticulous track of his contributions.
Regardless of the debate over exact numbers, Windass’ current tally stands as his best seasonal return at this level and the highest single-season total by any Wrexham player in the second tier. 'It doesn't mean anything to me, to be honest – I'm just happy to contribute,' he said regarding this personal milestone.
Yet his dedication is undeniable; his relentless effort and toughness make him an ideal match for Parkinson’s Wrexham. He thrives in tight matches, often making the difference when it counts most. Only Swansea City’s Zan Vipotnik (22 goals and 3 assists) and Hull City’s Oli McBurnie (15 goals, 7 assists) have contributed more to their teams’ scoring than Windass, who has five assists alongside his 15 goals in the second tier this season.
Fellow striker Sam Smith suggested Windass’ subdued celebrations after scoring reflect his composure in front of goal. Windass himself admits he doesn’t feel compelled to celebrate his own goals, often showing more excitement when teammates score. Beneath this unassuming exterior, however, lies a deep hunger and ambition.
His journey to this point has been anything but direct—after being released by Huddersfield Town as a young player, he started in eighth-tier football before earning a chance at lower-league Accrington. Promotion and a first opportunity in the top flight became his goals when he was released from Sheffield Wednesday last summer due to unpaid wages.
There is a twist of fate in the fact that Hull City, Wrexham’s rivals for sixth place, were the team that won a Wembley play-off promotion to the Premier League thanks to a stunning strike from Windass’ father, Dean, 18 years ago.
Windass himself has his own play-off pedigree, having scored a 123rd-minute Wembley winner for Sheffield Wednesday when they secured promotion from League One three years prior. It remains one of the rare occasions he has openly celebrated a goal. With the Championship’s finale approaching, Wrexham will be relying on Windass to step up once more—even if he does so with characteristic reluctance.