Jay Rodriguez believes Wrexham can eventually enjoy the weekly bun fight that is the Premier League.
The current starting option among the club’s thirtysomething man-bun strikers – ahead of rival Steven Fletcher – Rodriguez has no doubts the club is right to hold big ambitions.
The forward has played for three clubs in the Premier League and knows what it takes to rise from the Championship. His first goal for Wrexham might just prove a significant moment in retracing his own footsteps.
The veteran striker, who joined the Hollywood-backed club from Burnley in January, finally broke his duck after ten games, firing home a rebounded penalty in a scrappy 1-0 win over Stockport County at the weekend.
It was far from a spectacular goal, but it could prove priceless in Wrexham’s push for promotion, lifting them into the automatic spots in League One with just eight games left.
For Rodriguez, the goal was a relief—and a reminder of the big dreams he still holds.
“I feel like you have to dream big, otherwise there's no point in turning up every day and working hard,” said the 35-year-old.
“The best place to be is the Premier League. Obviously, we've got this mammoth challenge now, and you can't look too far ahead, but you can always dream.
“This club should aim as high as possible. It's really admirable that the club have gone from where they were to now and are still pushing.”
Wrexham have already secured back-to-back promotions and are now within touching distance of another historic leap, potentially becoming the first club to rise from the National League to the Championship without stopping.
But their football is more about grit than glamour. The win over Stockport marked their 12th 1-0 victory of the season—built on defensive resilience, experienced goalscorers, and a fanbase driving them forward.
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Rodriguez’s goal came in the 29th minute after James McClean’s header struck Stockport defender Ibby Touray’s arm.
The referee’s decision to award the penalty sparked controversy, and Rodriguez’s initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Corey Addai before he squeezed home the rebound.
Stockport manager Dave Challinor was furious.
“I am not going to get myself into trouble by saying what I truly believe,” he said.
“It’s not cost us three points because we weren’t good enough to score, but it has cost us a point because it was a really, really poor decision.”
For Rodriguez, though, the moment mattered more than the method.
“It was a big thing for me to leave my home-town club, Burnley,” he admitted.
“It had to be a really big project, and obviously Wrexham is a massive project, so I was very grateful to accept the opportunity.”
READ MORE: The Wacky Race To The Championship Leaves Wrexham Needing Full Throttle
The former England forward was later replaced by fellow striker Fletcher, his friendly rival in the battle of Wrexham’s ‘Man Bun Brothers.’
“It’s a really healthy competition for places here, and we all help each other out,” Rodriguez added.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson had named Rodriguez as the designated penalty taker before the game, a decision that ultimately proved decisive.
“Jay’s physical output is the highest on the pitch, which is extraordinary really,” said Parkinson.
“That’s the level you’ve got to get to be a Premiership or Championship player.
“His intelligence, the positions he takes up when we’ve got possession, has helped the team a lot.
But of course, everyone wants to get those moments. You live for those moments, you dream for those moments. It doesn't matter whether you're 25 or 35.”
Stockport’s frustration boiled over when defender Brad Hills received a second yellow card in the 80th minute, leaving them with ten men.
Their woes deepened when a Stockport fan was arrested at half-time after allegedly attempting to confront home captain James McClean as the Wrexham winger walked towards the tunnel.
But while Stockport left the Racecourse Ground seething, Rodriguez left with renewed belief.
His first Wrexham goal may not have been pretty, but it was a vital step in turning his dream into reality.
