Wrexham supporters have been left baffled by Josh Windass's subdued celebration despite playing a pivotal role in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against QPR. The Red Dragons appeared destined for defeat as their Championship clash at Loftus Road approached its conclusion on Saturday afternoon
Steve Cook's 80th-minute header had given QPR a 2-1 advantage, leaving Wrexham facing a frustrating setback. However, the narrative shifted dramatically in added time as Windass entered the fray from the substitutes' bench just four minutes after Cook's goal, providing an immediate impact.
The forward unleashed a magnificent effort from the edge of the area in the 93rd minute to draw his team level. Two minutes afterwards, Windass switched to creator, teeing up Ollie Rathbone to smash home a 95th-minute winner that pushed Phil Parkinson's squad into sixth position in the standings.
Despite his crucial involvement, it was Windass's understated response that triggered discussion. The 31-year-old displayed little emotion following his leveller and initially seemed reserved after the late winner, only participating as teammates rushed away in celebration.
The behaviour did not escape attention, with some fans turning to social media following the fixture to query whether Windass is completely content at the club.
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One fan posted on X, asking: "Why didn't he celebrate his goal? It just looks wrong to me!" Another wrote: "Body language is well off. Not a happy bunny." A third person added: "Agree with comments, what's Josh not happy about? Compare his 'celebration' with Ollie's a short time later."
However, it was later pointed out that Windass's subdued celebrations are not unusual, as a similar issue arose during his stint at Sheffield Wednesday. He addressed the topic in January 2023, saying that he tends not to celebrate too exuberantly.
As reported by the Sheffield Star at the time, he said: "I've been doing that for the majority of my time here, so I don't know why it's just all of a sudden become a subject – maybe because it was on TV or whatever and everyone noticed it. But its how I usually celebrate.
"There's genuinely no reason, when I score I just don't get the urge to run around and go mad. I obviously feel happy when I score, but I don't get overexcited."
The explanation might alleviate concerns about Windass's contentment at Wrexham. However, his mum, Helen French, stoked the speculation on Saturday night by posting a series of cryptic messages on X before subsequently deleting her account.
The remarks led fans to speculate whether Windass was disgruntled about being left out of the starting line-up.
She posted: "Get in josh so proud of you under the circumstances", before adding: "One goal one assist = 8 mins," alongside a thinking face emoji. Tagging the official Wrexham X account, she continued: "@Wrexham_AFC SUBS SUBS SUBS SUBS SUBS END OFF (sic)".
Windass later took to Instagram himself, making no mention of the rumoured reaction. Referencing the timing of Wrexham's dramatic late strikes, he posted: "93 and 94. Don't leave games early troops. Another big game next week looking forward to returning to Hillsborough for the first time."
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson also commended the "professionalism" of his squad in his post-match comments. The ex-Sunderland boss's observations came whilst acknowledging players such as Rathbone and Windass would be justified in feeling "disgruntled" about being named amongst the substitutes.
Windass has registered eight goals and four assists following his free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday to Wrexham last summer. Whilst enjoying success on the field, he has faced issues away from it and was recently linked with a potential return to Scottish heavyweights Rangers, where he previously spent just over two years.
Earlier this month, his father Dean Windass made a heartfelt plea for Josh to reach out, likening their strained relationship to the rift between Brooklyn Beckham and his parents, David and Victoria. The Hull City icon confessed he'd lost touch with both of his sons, saying that the deterioration of their relationship is "breaking my heart".
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