Windass can provide spark to ignite Wrexham's season

His celebrations are more stoic than most.

Despite consistently keeping his own emotions in check, the buzz Josh Windass brings to everyone connected to Wrexham is monumental.

The forward did not feature in any of the Red Dragons' pre-season fixtures with Wisla Krakow, Manchester United, Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland due to a calf injury.

It has also kept him out of his side's opening three matches of the 2026-27 campaign.

However, he is poised to return to action against Birmingham City at the Racecourse Ground on Friday night (20:00 BST).

"We've obviously got players coming back in, Windass will definitely be fit for Friday and hopefully we'll have a few more in as well," manager Phil Parkinson said after his side's 1-1 draw with Watford.

A glance at some of the 32-year-old's numbers from his debut campaign in north Wales help to underline his importance to Parkinson.

His total of 17 goals made him Wrexham's top scorer last term and only Issa Kabore (eight) managed more than Windass' six assists across all competitions.

The forward's 16 Championship goals came from an expected goals (XG) tally of just 9.04.

It means he outperformed his XG by 6.96, an incredible rate only the division's top scorer Zan Vipotnik managed to beat in 2025-26.

Given he joined as a free agent after having his Sheffield Wednesday contract ended by mutual consent, his stats make him, pound for pound, one of the most valuable Championship signings from last year.

Windass - who was named the club's player of the season in 2025-26 - is undeniably a real star on the pitch, and his influence off the field cannot be understated either.

During an episode in season five of the club's highly successful Welcome to Wrexham documentary, his leadership was evident.

Parkinson addressed his squad in the aftermath of their chastening 5-1 loss to play-off rivals Southampton during their Championship run-in in April.

Despite his side's top six hopes taking a hefty dent, Windass was quick to speak out after Parkinson's comments.

"Can I just say, I know everyone in here knows and believes we can get in the play-offs, so we don't let a game like that stop that belief. We still keep going," a shirtless Windass said in his side's changing room.

Parkinson has been typically coy on the specifics of his plans for the final stages of the summer transfer window.

Chief executive Mike Williamson was a tad more revealing about the club's aims and hinted Wrexham could seek to add more firepower to their ranks prior to the 23:00 BST deadline on 1 September.

"We have two great strikers (Kieffer Moore and Sam Smith) on the pitch right now," he said.

"We are comfortable with those two guys up top and what we need to just add is quality with a couple of different pieces on the pitch to give them the opportunity to score more goals."

With two years left to run on his deal with the club, Windass will certainly believe he can play a starring role in ensuring Wrexham achieve their dream of making it to the Premier League.

A man of wild shirt swirling, knee slides or TikTok dance trends Windass is not.

But his return to the fold - while some patience will be required given his lack of match sharpness - could be the catalyst for Wrexham to ignite their campaign after an average start.