Wrexham sign striker after Ipswich Town transfer exit as Cardiff City star joins rivals

Wrexham have strengthened their squad with the signing of Ipswich Town forward Natasha Thomas, continuing an active summer transfer window for the Red Dragons.

Thomas becomes Wrexham’s third signing of the off-season, following the arrivals of Mikayla Cook and Lucy Farrell-Shrouder, as the club continues to bolster its ranks ahead of a highly anticipated UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign.

A proven goalscorer arrives in North Wales

The 30-year-old forward departs Ipswich Town after more than a decade of service with the Tractor Girls, leaving as a true club icon. Thomas is Ipswich’s record appearance maker and leading goalscorer, having made 260 appearances and scored 175 goals during her time at the club.

Last season, she added a further three goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, continuing to play an important role as Ipswich competed in Women’s Super League 2, the second tier of English football.

On the international stage, Thomas brings further pedigree, having earned six caps for Jamaica.

Her arrival also comes ahead of Wrexham’s involvement in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, offering her the chance to compete at the highest level of European club football.

Wrexham will host their group fixtures at the Racecourse Ground. The semi-finals take place on Wednesday 22 July, with Wrexham facing American champions FC Pyunik at 7pm, while Glentoran meet Riga FC earlier in the day at 1 pm.

The action then continues on Saturday, 25 July, when the third-place play-off kicks off at 12 pm, followed by the final at 6 pm.

“The right club for me” – Thomas on joining Wrexham

Speaking to the club’s official website, Thomas said she was excited by the move and confident it was the right step in her career.

“I’m really excited to be here,” she said.

“I always wanted the next club to be the right one for me but also to know I’m the right person for the club as well.

“I had previously looked at Wrexham, and seeing the team win two trophies last season was a big thing for me.

“I always like to win silverware, and I think that I can do that here with the club.

“I am 30 years old, so I can bring an abundance of experience to this team. I have that international experience as well. I am a fast player who likes to score goals, and I hope to score many at Wrexham.”

Jenny Sugarman praises “experience and quality”

Head coach Jenny Sugarman says Thomas will play a key role in Wrexham’s development both domestically and in Europe and is looking forward to integrating her into the squad ahead of a historic moment for the club.

“I’m delighted to be able to bring a player of Tash’s experience and quality to Wrexham, and I’m excited to see how she will help elevate this team further.

“Tash has shown both with Ipswich and Jamaica her ability to link play, as well as creating and scoring goals, and her qualities will help us with our domestic and European ambitions.

“We look forward to integrating Tash into the squad over the next few weeks and getting her up to speed with her teammates ahead of our historic first-ever European game later this month.”

Another notable move in the Adran Leagues

Elsewhere in the Adran Leagues, The New Saints have also made a statement signing, bringing in Fiona Barry from Cardiff City as clubs across the league continue to strengthen ahead of the new season.

Barry spent two seasons with the Bluebirds, during which she won the Adran Premier title once and lifted the Welsh Cup on two occasions.

Over the course of her spell at Cardiff City, the forward made 51 appearances and scored 26 goals, averaging a strike every other game.

Speaking to TNS, Fiona said: “I’m really excited to be joining The New Saints. Having spoken to the coaching staff about the club’s ambitions, I could tell straight away this was the right next step for me.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win trophies and play in Europe with Cardiff, and I want to bring that same winning mentality here. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and get started.”

She becomes the club’s third signing at The New Saints following the arrivals of Abbie Iddenden and Hannah Snape, who both arrived from Wrexham.