Wrexham’s Ollie Rathbone Reflects on Turning Point Against Watford Ahead of New Season
Ollie Rathbone has shared that his late equaliser for Wrexham against Watford last season marked a pivotal moment in his career. The attacking midfielder scored just moments after coming off the bench, securing a 2-2 draw with the Hornets in December.
This marked Rathbone’s first league appearance of the season after he spent several months sidelined due to a serious ankle injury that he sustained during the pre-season. “It was definitely a huge moment in my season, and in my career really,” Rathbone reflected on his goal against Watford. “It’s definitely one that I look back on because I could close the chapter on a difficult period and then I kicked on from there. So, I look back on that with fond memories.”
As Wrexham prepares to welcome Watford to the Racecourse Ground for their first home game of the 2026-27 season on Saturday at 15:00 BST, Rathbone aims for a third successive start. He has already played from the outset against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup and Cardiff City in the Championship opener on Monday.
The 29-year-old believes he is in a strong position to demonstrate his best form this season after facing challenges last term. “To see how much further forward I am than last year, it’s chalk and cheese really,” said Rathbone, who netted eight goals in 30 appearances across all competitions last season.
“I’m delighted because I think it did really hold me back, especially at the start of last year. You don’t really understand how big and important pre-season is until you miss it.” He noted that returning late to training made it difficult to catch up.
“But I feel really good and really excited for the season ahead. As you’re progressing your career and you’re getting a bit older, you kind of learn what works for you and what doesn’t. I think I’ve found that balance now.”
Ollie Rathbone says his last-gasp equaliser for Wrexham against Watford last season helped end a difficult period in his career.
The attacking midfielder scored within a minute of coming off the bench to salvage a 2-2 draw with the Hornets in December.
Advertisement
It was Rathbone’s first league outing of the season after he missed several months of action due to a serious ankle injury sustained during pre-season.
“It was definitely a huge moment in my season, and in my career really,” he said of his strike against Watford.
“It’s definitely one that I look back on because I could closed the chapter on a difficult period and then I kicked on from there.
“So, I look back on that with fond memories.”
Phil Parkinson’s side host Watford at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday (15:00 BST) in the club’s first home game of the 2026-27 season.
Advertisement
Rathbone will be seeking a third consecutive start having played from the outset against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup and then at Cardiff City in Wrexham’s Championship opener on Monday.
The 29-year-old feels he is well placed to show his best form this season given his struggles last term.
“To see how much further forward I am than last year, it’s chalk and cheese really,” added Rathbone, who scored eight goals in 30 appearances across all competitions last season.
“I’m delighted because I think it did really hold me back, especially at the start of last year.
“You don’t really understand how big and important pre-season is until you miss it.
Advertisement
“When I came back into the fold, I just felt really far behind and it took me a while to catch up.
“But I feel really good and really excited for the season ahead.
“As you’re progressing your career and you’re getting a bit older, you kind of learn what works for you and what doesn’t. I think I’ve found that balance now.”
[/gpt3]