EP153 ‘So Close….’
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Wrexham narrowly missed out on the Championship playoffs in their first season back in the second tier, finishing seventh — their highest-ever league position — after a heartbreakingly close 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. The hosts, Jamie and Daz (via pre-recorded messages), dissect the season with raw honesty, acknowledging both the triumph of defying expectations and the sting of falling just short. They critique key moments: a disastrous early goal conceded due to poor goalkeeping from Danny Ward, a defensive lapse that allowed Middlesbrough to equalize, and a missed chance by Josh Windass that sealed their fate. Yet, they argue that the season was a monumental success — not just because of the record finish, but because Wrexham built a competitive squad from scratch, beat established clubs, and exceeded all prior projections. The episode also covers the emotional release of key players and staff, including the departure of long-time women’s football lead Gemma Owen and star player Rosie Hughes, sparking reflections on loyalty, growth, and the bittersweet nature of professional football. Finally, the podcast closes on a high note with Jamie winning the 'Chip Shop League' — a fun prediction competition — after a nail-biting final tally that saw Daz narrowly miss out.
Wrexham finished seventh in the Championship — their highest-ever league position — despite narrowly missing the playoffs.
The team's success was built on a brand-new squad that coalesced over the season, beating established Championship sides despite limited resources.
Danny Ward's poor performance in the final game, including a critical error on Middlesbrough's opening goal, was a major factor in the playoff miss.
The club's women's team underwent a major overhaul, releasing key players and ending Gemma Owen's 13-year tenure — a move both necessary and emotionally painful.
Despite the disappointment, the hosts argue the season was a massive success, with the team exceeding all expectations and proving they belong in the Championship.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Chaos: Football, Folly, and a Licked Straw
The episode opens with chaotic football commentary, a bizarre Singapore scandal involving a man licking a juice machine straw, and a humorous confession about a bacterial chest infection. The tone sets a mix of absurdity and passion, establishing the podcast’s signature blend of football obsession and irreverent humor.
The Playoff Collapse: A 2-2 Heartbreak
“When that ball falls to Windass and you see how far out he is and you think of all the people in our team you'd want to be on the end of that, it would be just Windas. I honestly thought he was in. And the fact that he, like you say, as soon as it goes over, yeah, I agree. I was probably feeling the same thing of... Yeah, it's just not going to happen.”
The Season in Retrospect: Success Beyond Expectations
“For me as well, I think... No, you're right, you can't fluke coming seventh. You can't fluke coming seventh. It's not possible. You can't fluke coming seventh. For me as well, I think... No, you're right, you can't fluke coming seventh.”
The Cost of Growth: Players and Staff Departures
“It's sad, it's disappointing, but it happens and I think what we have to do now is we have to look forward and we have to say well, I tell you what, it's going to be exciting to see what happens over the summer.”
The Chip Shop League: A Nail-Biting Victory
“Fucking bullshit! 64 points! 64 points. Daz? Gets nine points from the men's and women. So he gets 66 points. So Jamie basically just needs to get six points or more to win this year's chip shop league.”
“Without her there would be no women's team. It's not an understatement to say that.”
“For me as well, I think... No, you're right, you can't fluke coming seventh. You can't fluke coming seventh. It's not possible. You can't fluke coming seventh.”
“You can't give it to a defender when you concede as many goals as we have this season. You just can't.”
Host
Guest
wrexham fc
organization
jamie
person
middlesbrough
organization
danny ward
person
wrexham stadium
organization
josh windass
person
daz
person
gemma owen
person
rosie hughes
person
welcome to wrexham
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