Wrexham AFC has formally introduced the signing of striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle, marking their first acquisition since securing promotion to the Sky Guess Championship. The 28-year-old Scotsman has penned a contract extending by way of to the top of the 2027-28 season, embarking on a brand new chapter at The Racecourse Floor after a formidable five-and-a-half years with the Pilgrims.
Born in Stranraer, Scotland, Hardie’s soccer journey started at Rangers, the place he made 17 senior appearances and gained invaluable expertise by way of mortgage spells at Raith Rovers, St Mirren, and Livingston. In July 2019, he transferred to Blackpool, earlier than initially becoming a member of Plymouth on mortgage in January 2020. Throughout that preliminary stint, he made an instantaneous influence by scoring in every of his first three substitute appearances, contributing seven objectives in 13 video games as Plymouth earned promotion from League Two.
Hardie’s reference to Plymouth deepened as he returned on mortgage for the 2020-21 season, later making the transfer everlasting in January 2021. Over the following years, he turned a cornerstone of the staff, netting 74 objectives in 248 appearances and taking part in a pivotal function within the membership’s rise by way of the English Soccer League tiers. His goal-scoring feats included a hat-trick at Crewe Alexandra, an important double towards Exeter Metropolis, and a memorable penalty that knocked Premier League champions Liverpool out of the FA Cup in February 2025.
Final season, regardless of Plymouth’s relegation to League One, Hardie maintained his kind by ending because the membership’s main scorer with 12 objectives in all competitions. This achievement earned him the 2024-25 Participant of the 12 months award, underscoring his significance to the aspect. Notably, on February 1, 2025, he scored his a hundredth profession purpose towards West Bromwich Albion at House Park, a milestone celebrated by followers and teammates alike.
Wrexham’s acquisition of Hardie reportedly concerned a payment within the area of £700,000, facilitated by a decreased launch clause following Plymouth’s relegation. This strategic signing displays Wrexham’s ambition as they put together for his or her first Championship marketing campaign in 43 years, a return to English soccer’s second tier that has generated important pleasure amongst supporters and the soccer group.
Hardie expressed his enthusiasm about becoming a member of Wrexham, stating on the membership’s official web site, “I’m delighted to get the transfer carried out, I’m actually completely satisfied to get it carried out so early and I can not wait to get going. To get a full pre-season might be an enormous profit, to get built-in into the squad and be taught the best way the supervisor performs and get to know everybody might be vital.” He emphasised the worth of his latest Championship expertise, including, “The final couple of seasons, it’s been good getting expertise within the EFL Championship and it’s expertise I can lean on now. I’ve loved taking part in there, and I’ve managed to attain just a few objectives, so hopefully that may proceed this season.”
Hardie additionally highlighted his appreciation for Wrexham’s group spirit, remarking, “I really like how family-oriented the membership is, the group is all collectively and it truly is a one-club metropolis. The whole lot is to do with the soccer, and I’m actually excited to be part of that – I’ll give every part I’ve bought for the badge.” His phrases replicate the tight-knit tradition fostered on the membership, which has been amplified by the high-profile possession of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and the worldwide consideration introduced by the Disney+ documentary collection chronicling the membership’s journey.
Supervisor Phil Parkinson welcomed Hardie warmly, stating, “I’m delighted to welcome Ryan Hardie to the membership. We’re trying ahead to working with him and I’m certain everybody will give him a heat welcome to the STōK Cae Ras.” Parkinson’s squad already encompasses a robust attacking lineup together with Sam Smith, Jay Rodriguez, Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, and Jack Marriott. The addition of Hardie provides depth and flexibility as Wrexham goals to compete robustly within the Championship.
Sports activities reporter Brent Pilnick of BBC Sport supplied evaluation on Hardie’s taking part in model and up to date kind, noting, “Wrexham might be getting a seasoned Championship scorer in Hardie. The pacey Scot enjoys taking part in off the shoulder of the final defender and is a superb finisher – supplied he can get the service.” Pilnick additionally highlighted Hardie’s fluctuating goal-scoring spells, explaining, “When he has been in techniques which swimsuit his model of play – comparable to below Steven Schumacher and latterly Miron Muslic – he has proved a wonderful weapon, however he’s susceptible to lengthy spells with out objectives as properly – he bought simply two below Wayne Rooney within the first half of final season earlier than scoring 10 below Muslic from the beginning of February.” This perception means that Hardie’s success at Wrexham could hinge on tactical alignment and constant service from teammates.
Hardie’s arrival coincides with a interval of transition for Wrexham, who’re bolstering their squad to satisfy the calls for of Championship soccer after three consecutive promotions. The membership’s pre-season tour to Australia and New Zealand subsequent month will present Hardie and his new teammates with very important preparation forward of the league marketing campaign beginning in August 2025.
Apparently, Hardie might be reunited with former Plymouth teammates Callum Burton and Dan Scarr at Wrexham, each of whom have been a part of the Pilgrims’ 2022-23 League One title-winning squad. This reunion may foster on-field chemistry and ease Hardie’s adaptation to his new membership.
As Wrexham followers eagerly anticipate the brand new season, Hardie’s signing symbolizes the membership’s dedication to assembling a aggressive and skilled squad able to sustaining their Championship standing. His confirmed goal-scoring document, Championship expertise, {and professional} angle place him as a invaluable asset in Wrexham’s formidable venture.
With a full pre-season forward and the backing of a passionate fanbase, Ryan Hardie’s journey at Wrexham is ready to be a compelling story to observe. Whether or not he can replicate his prolific kind and assist the Dragons set up themselves within the Championship stays to be seen, however the early indicators are promising for each participant and membership.
