Championship boss fires fresh dig at Wrexham fans after ‘circus’ taunts
Nathan Jones’ Charlton were beaten 1-0 by Wrexham in the Championship and the Addicks boss has taken another swipe at the Welsh side’s supporters after they mocked him
Nathan Jones has reignited his war of words with Wrexham supporters following his side’s defeat, claiming Charlton “gifted” the victory to their opponents. The Cardiff-born boss caused controversy last season when he branded Wrexham “the circus” before a crucial encounter in April, with both clubs chasing automatic promotion from League One.
His comments provoked a strong response from Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson, who branded Jones disrespectful. Jones subsequently attempted to explain his comments, insisting he was referring to the media attention surrounding the Red Dragons, who are co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
Wrexham had the last laugh as they beat Charlton 3-0 at the Racecourse Ground to secure second place, though the Addicks still achieved Championship status via the play-offs. Before the two teams met again in the second tier on Saturday, Jones maintained there were no hard feelings on his side.
However, he was greeted with chants of “football in a circus” upon his arrival in North Wales as home fans were keen to remind him of his unfortunate comments. Wrexham were victorious once more at the weekend following a late Josh Windass penalty which secured their third consecutive home win.
Jones was serenaded again by Wrexham supporters as the final whistle neared as they sang: “You’ve seen the circus, now f*** off home.” The 52-year-old, who was linked with the Cardiff City City manager’s job over the summer, seemed irritated by the stick he received from the home supporters at various points.
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And he couldn’t help but fire back during his post-match media briefing, claiming Wrexham fans were silent unless they were having a go at him. Jones also insisted there was no way Parkinson’s side would have found the net without Charlton substitute Onel Hernandez inexplicably handling a James McClean cross in the 77th minute.
He said: “Obviously, we didn’t really hear Wrexham too much or the only thing they do is the chant I gave them. I’m proud of our fans. They travel everywhere and they get behind us. We’re in a really good place.
“Could we be better? We could, because we’re disappointed today. But it’s three games in a week and when you pick up injuries it really tests you. This is an unforgiving league.
“Wrexham needed that today. They needed us to gift them something and we did. I didn’t see them scoring and I didn’t see them breaking our defence, but I only have pride in the group.”
Jones’ side went into the match on an unbeaten streak of five games but failed to make the most of their opportunities during the opening 45 minutes. Wrexham dominated the second half and Windass converted confidently following Onel’s blunder as he netted his fifth goal of the campaign from the penalty spot.
The Charlton boss was quick to point out his squad’s depleted numbers ahead of the match, with a host of players battling illness or injury. Jones dubbed Wrexham as the “Bermuda Triangle” after suggesting they had faced similar issues before April’s promotion showdown.
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He added: “Some of the group went through pain and illness. I don’t want to overplay it, but that’s it. This is the second time we’ve come here and been depleted. It just seems that this place is a bit of a Bermuda Triangle when we come here.”
Jones’ remarks drew mockery from Wrexham supporters after footage of the interview was posted by Charlton’s official X account. One said: “No mention of Wrexham doing well, a dig at the home crowd. Some really respectful clubs in this division but Charlton need to learn a bit of humility.”
Another commented: “Must’ve been a different game to the one I watched and heard from behind the goal. Suggest he gets his hearing tested during the international break if he thought the Wrexham fans were quiet with only one song.”
A third chimed in: “Men against boys second half. Stop making excuses.” Meanwhile, a fourth fan quipped: “Didn’t hear Wrexham mate? You sure you weren’t at another game.”
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