Ryan Hardie is convinced he can make the most of his Championship experience after completing his move to Wrexham from Plymouth Argyle.
As revealed by DragonSports last week, the 28-year-old Scottish striker has become Phil Parkinson’s first signing of the transfer window as the club gears up for life back in the second tier for the first time in over four decades.
Hardie has arrived on a three-year deal following an undisclosed agreement between the clubs, and is expected to add sharpness and experience to Wrexham’s already crowded attacking department.
"I'm delighted to get the move done, I'm really happy to get it done so early and I cannot wait to get going," said Hardie.
“The last couple of seasons, it’s been good getting experience in the EFL Championship and it's experience I can lean on now.”
Hardie spent five years at Home Park, where he found the net 74 times in 248 appearances and played a key role in the Pilgrims’ rise to the Championship.
He also etched his name into Plymouth folklore with a dramatic FA Cup winner against Liverpool in the fourth round last season.
Reflecting on what lies ahead at the STōK Cae Ras, the former Rangers and Blackpool forward underlined the value of being part of Wrexham’s pre-season from the outset.
“To get a full pre-season will be a massive benefit,” he said.
“To get integrated into the squad and learn the way the manager plays and get to know everyone will be important.”
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Despite Argyle’s relegation from the Championship in May, Hardie’s individual record remains impressive, with 22 goals across 61 league starts over the past two campaigns, plus additional contributions off the bench.
He will add to considerable forward power at Wrexham, who already boast Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott, Mo Faal, and January arrivals Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez.
The departures of Steven Fletcher and Sam Dalby have opened up some space, but more exits may be on the horizon with seven strikers now vying for game time.
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Still, Parkinson is confident Hardie will be a valuable addition to his evolving squad.
"I'm delighted to welcome Ryan Hardie to the club,” said the Wrexham boss.
“We're looking forward to working with him and I'm sure everyone will give him a warm welcome to the STōK Cae Ras.”
Hardie, who began his professional journey with Rangers and spent time on loan with Raith Rovers, St Mirren and Livingston, says the move to Wrexham represents a fresh opportunity at a club on the rise — and one he didn’t want to pass up.
“I’ve enjoyed playing [in the Championship] and I’ve managed to score a few goals so, hopefully, that can continue.”
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