Axed Wrexham struggler’s true character clear with his comments to fans after match

Conor Coady has not played in Wrexham’s last few games, but the former England defender has still made a big impact off the pitch during his time at the Racecourse Ground

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson made a significant decision last month when he left Conor Coady out of his starting line-up. The ex-England star was one of the Red Dragons’ most high-profile signings in the summer, joining from Leicester City for £2million at the beginning of August.

The centre-back, with nearly 200 Premier League appearances under his belt with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton and the Foxes, was anticipated to play a crucial role in Wrexham’s Championship campaign.

Coady featured in each of Wrexham’s first five matches in the second tier, but hasn’t seen any action since their 3-1 home loss to Queens Park Rangers on September 13, with former Blackburn Rovers defender Dom Hyam stepping into his shoes.

Despite falling down the pecking order early in the season, the 32-year-old has still found ways to contribute. Parkinson disclosed how Coady’s knowledge of his former colleagues was instrumental in preparing for the Welsh team’s 1-1 draw at Leicester in mid-week.

His positive attitude in the face of adversity is a testament to his character, as demonstrated by his generous gesture to 48 Wolves fans who embarked on a staggering 6,370-mile round trip to watch their team in Armenia. Coady, who was the club’s skipper at the time, penned individual letters of thanks to fans after they witnessed Wolves’ 4-0 triumph over Pyunik in the Europa League back in August 2019.

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The BBC reported that for some supporters, the trip cost around £1,000, with Coady personally signing each letter and addressing them to the recipients by name. Fan Brian Jones expressed his surprise at receiving a personal note from Coady.

“He’s come through as very iconic really in terms of the development of the club,” he said. “He gives the impression of [having] a real affinity with supporters. I don’t think too many football supporters have a letter from the captain, [it’s] a nice touch.”

A spokesperson for Wolves said: “He came to us, he wanted to come up with an idea to say ‘thank you’ to the travelling fans. It was such a big effort for those 48 to go there [with] no direct flights and [it costing] something like over and above £1,000 to get there with the flights and hotel.

“He has got quite a big connection with the fans and they’ve got a connection with him. It’s not something he’s done as a publicity stunt, but a genuine thank you to the fans.”

Off the pitch, Coady is recognised for his staunch support for LGBTQ+ inclusion within football. He clinched the Football Ally Award at the 2021 British LGBT Awards and has been vocal in backing any player contemplating coming out.

Upon accepting the accolade, as reported by Sky Sports News, he said: “I am always there for any footballer who wants the support of a senior professional, and an ally, if they want to take the next step on their personal journey to come out as LGBT+.

“I want to reiterate that every single person, no matter their gender or sexuality, deserves to be themselves no matter what path in life they choose to take.

“I hope we can soon get to a day when a football player feels supported enough to be their true selves on the football field, but until that day, we all have some work to do.”

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