Rodriguez enjoying League One welcome at Wrexham

He has had a welcome to Wrexham from co-owner Ryan Reynolds, but Jay Rodriguez is still getting acquainted with a new experience.

The 35-year-old has played 258 games in the Premier League, scoring 46 top-flight goals and amassing close to £30m in transfer fees.

Then there are the two promotions with his beloved Burnley, part of a story where he made more than 300 appearances for his hometown club.

English football’s third tier, though, is a new chapter and unfamiliar territory.

Rodriguez had never played at the level prior to his late January window signing for Wrexham, the deal followed by a video call from one of the club’s celebrity owners.

He would not have needed an introduction to Deadpool star Reynolds, nor the story of Wrexham’s meteoric rise thanks to a high-profile documentary beamed into the frontrooms of fans both sides of the Atlantic.

“I’ve followed it from afar,” said the forward, who also tasted top-flight life with Southampton and West Brom.

“It’s been a great story to watch, and now to be part of it I feel very privileged. To be a part of this group, these players, staff, fans, this area, it’s really important.

“Ryan sent me a really nice message, which is just another touch from the club to make myself and my family feel welcome. The story and the journey the club have been on I really want to be a part of.”