1
00:00:07,507 --> 00:00:11,302
It's Wrexham at Christmas,
everyone's favorite season,
2
00:00:11,303 --> 00:00:14,305
But the fans are worried,
and this is the reason.
3
00:00:14,306 --> 00:00:16,015
{\an8} Whiteman hooks it
across to the far post.
4
00:00:16,016 --> 00:00:20,686
{\an8}Ricochets around. Drilled in!
Preston equalize and it's Armstrong,
5
00:00:20,687 --> 00:00:23,689
{\an8}and Wrexham will be frustrated
to concede like that.
6
00:00:23,690 --> 00:00:25,316
{\an8} Points just get lost
every single week.
7
00:00:25,317 --> 00:00:28,820
Wrexham managed to hang on
for their ninth draw in the Championship.
8
00:00:29,404 --> 00:00:33,616
The highest number of draws
by any team in all of the top four tiers.
9
00:00:33,617 --> 00:00:36,827
{\an8} Too many losses
and frustrating draws,
10
00:00:36,828 --> 00:00:40,164
While many speculate,
not one knows the cause.
11
00:00:40,165 --> 00:00:43,626
{\an8} It was a terrible,
piss-poor performance.
12
00:00:43,627 --> 00:00:46,796
A blow for Wrexham tonight.
How do you bounce back?
13
00:00:46,797 --> 00:00:50,174
What a game to knock you out
of the Christmas spirit that was.
14
00:00:50,175 --> 00:00:53,636
What we're seeing is a team
that isn't quick,
15
00:00:53,637 --> 00:00:56,889
isn't super powerful,
doesn't create chances.
16
00:00:56,890 --> 00:00:59,058
There's O'Brien.
Wrexham lose the ball.
17
00:00:59,059 --> 00:01:00,518
Oh, fucking hell.
18
00:01:00,519 --> 00:01:03,980
So, the lights are low
and the table looks grim,
19
00:01:03,981 --> 00:01:06,691
The glow from the Cae Ras
is flickering dim.
20
00:01:06,692 --> 00:01:07,775
{\an8} Nice touch…
21
00:01:07,776 --> 00:01:11,821
{\an8} One mistake from Arthur Okonkwo
was louder than all,
22
00:01:11,822 --> 00:01:14,866
And down to 15th our Wrexham fall.
23
00:01:15,784 --> 00:01:21,914
{\an8} And that is the final whistle,
and Wrexham throw away a point at Swansea.
24
00:01:21,915 --> 00:01:25,001
It's just we saw everything bad
about that Wrexham team
25
00:01:25,002 --> 00:01:26,670
in one entire performance.
26
00:01:27,170 --> 00:01:28,504
That's a game we should have
27
00:01:28,505 --> 00:01:30,715
at the very least
be coming away with a point.
28
00:01:30,716 --> 00:01:33,551
But the beauty of football
when spirits are low,
29
00:01:33,552 --> 00:01:37,431
Is a second chance waiting
beneath fresh fallen snow.
30
00:01:38,056 --> 00:01:41,142
The dragon's not done,
nor the story all told,
31
00:01:41,143 --> 00:01:45,814
As from the winter's dark gray
may come bright New Year's gold.
32
00:01:47,232 --> 00:01:50,443
♪ Don't forget where you came from ♪
33
00:01:50,444 --> 00:01:53,195
♪ Don't forget what you're made of ♪
34
00:01:53,196 --> 00:01:56,073
♪ The ones who were there ♪
35
00:01:56,074 --> 00:01:59,243
♪ When no one else would care ♪
36
00:01:59,244 --> 00:02:02,413
♪ Don't be afraid to cry now ♪
37
00:02:02,414 --> 00:02:06,501
♪ Even when the world comes crashing in ♪
38
00:02:08,712 --> 00:02:12,674
♪ Don't forget to sing when you win ♪
39
00:02:17,804 --> 00:02:21,933
♪ Don't forget to sing when you win ♪
40
00:02:28,690 --> 00:02:32,610
Wrex. All right, mate?
Merry Christmas.
41
00:02:32,611 --> 00:02:35,905
{\an8}It's a Great British
footballing tradition is
42
00:02:35,906 --> 00:02:38,449
{\an8}an absolute shed load of fixtures
around Christmas,
43
00:02:38,450 --> 00:02:39,575
but I bloody love it.
44
00:02:39,576 --> 00:02:41,452
I mean, I just… I love that basically
45
00:02:41,453 --> 00:02:44,747
from sort of around December the 23rd
until January the 2nd,
46
00:02:44,748 --> 00:02:46,165
it's just nonstop football.
47
00:02:46,166 --> 00:02:47,542
Seasons greetings!
48
00:02:48,126 --> 00:02:51,087
Come on, you Reds!
49
00:02:51,088 --> 00:02:52,672
Christmas is huge, isn't it?
50
00:02:52,673 --> 00:02:55,300
{\an8}It's like probably my favorite time
of the year for football.
51
00:02:55,884 --> 00:02:57,718
{\an8} 'Cause you can get to Christmas
and be 20th,
52
00:02:57,719 --> 00:02:59,136
{\an8}and then get to the end of the year
53
00:02:59,137 --> 00:03:03,349
{\an8}and you can be…
…a few points off making the playoffs.
54
00:03:03,350 --> 00:03:04,934
Three wins in a row and…
55
00:03:04,935 --> 00:03:06,936
{\an8}- Everything changes.
- …they could be right back in the mix.
56
00:03:06,937 --> 00:03:09,647
{\an8}The holiday period,
four games in ten days,
57
00:03:09,648 --> 00:03:13,401
{\an8}and we've got to come out of that
with a good haul of points
58
00:03:13,402 --> 00:03:16,320
to keep our promotion push in place.
59
00:03:26,957 --> 00:03:30,334
This is me in my den.
I don't play as much anymore.
60
00:03:30,335 --> 00:03:33,839
My friends are gonna say, "Yes, you do."
But I don't think I do.
61
00:03:34,589 --> 00:03:36,425
{\an8}At the moment, I'm playing 2K26.
62
00:03:38,260 --> 00:03:41,679
I used to be a huge gamer.
Call of Duty was my game.
63
00:03:41,680 --> 00:03:43,806
It's so hard to be a gamer
and play football.
64
00:03:43,807 --> 00:03:45,766
Like… …they don't correlate.
65
00:03:45,767 --> 00:03:48,018
What do you do
with your time off, normally?
66
00:03:48,019 --> 00:03:49,395
Watch TV.
67
00:03:49,396 --> 00:03:51,939
What, watching
endless football matches? No?
68
00:03:51,940 --> 00:03:53,816
At the moment,
you wanna know what I'm watching?
69
00:03:53,817 --> 00:03:54,942
I'm watching Twilight.
70
00:03:57,779 --> 00:03:59,780
Which is actually really good.
71
00:03:59,781 --> 00:04:02,116
When we normally play rival teams,
72
00:04:02,117 --> 00:04:04,953
I think there's certain teams
that I don't like.
73
00:04:06,329 --> 00:04:09,039
Can I… Can I even… Oh, no, I shouldn't.
74
00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:10,834
Should I just say the teams I don't like?
75
00:04:11,334 --> 00:04:13,962
Welcome to Swansea.
76
00:04:16,214 --> 00:04:18,549
{\an8}Tipped over well by Okonkwo.
77
00:04:18,550 --> 00:04:19,967
I was having a really good game.
78
00:04:19,968 --> 00:04:22,803
An inswinger, left-footed
again, swept to the far post.
79
00:04:22,804 --> 00:04:24,930
Okonkwo comes, takes that comfortably.
80
00:04:24,931 --> 00:04:28,476
But it will fall for a shot,
which Okonkwo gets right behind.
81
00:04:28,477 --> 00:04:30,312
Free kick on the halfway line.
82
00:04:31,062 --> 00:04:34,231
Okonkwo's coming,
and punches, rather up in the air.
83
00:04:34,232 --> 00:04:37,026
It's headed into the goalmouth,
Okonkwo goes back.
84
00:04:37,027 --> 00:04:39,111
Mishandles it! It's a horrible mistake!
85
00:04:39,112 --> 00:04:41,071
Oh, what happened there?
86
00:04:41,072 --> 00:04:44,867
{\an8} In the moment, I wanted
the world to just swallow me whole.
87
00:04:44,868 --> 00:04:46,452
{\an8} He shouldn't
have come out for it.
88
00:04:46,453 --> 00:04:50,164
{\an8}Mistakes-wise, it was as… pretty
much as bad as they come for a goalkeeper.
89
00:04:50,165 --> 00:04:55,294
Horrible way to lose a derby.
But what a mistake by Okonkwo.
90
00:04:55,295 --> 00:04:56,879
Obviously, I was fuming,
91
00:04:56,880 --> 00:04:59,966
but you know, I can't…
I can't really show that.
92
00:05:00,801 --> 00:05:03,844
I don't think I'm that type of person
to bring the team down,
93
00:05:03,845 --> 00:05:05,889
like, because I'm feeling
a certain type of way.
94
00:05:07,474 --> 00:05:08,892
{\an8}It's really hard to take.
95
00:05:10,060 --> 00:05:13,896
{\an8} Young players or any player's
gonna make mistakes, it's how you respond,
96
00:05:13,897 --> 00:05:16,607
{\an8}and Arthur's always got our full support
because he cares a lot
97
00:05:16,608 --> 00:05:20,320
{\an8}and he's been instrumental into getting
Wrexham, you know, into this division.
98
00:05:21,655 --> 00:05:24,157
Get your feet right.
Focus on your contact.
99
00:05:24,783 --> 00:05:26,367
Strike it at them.
100
00:05:26,368 --> 00:05:28,911
Here we go, Cal. Keep the focus.
101
00:05:28,912 --> 00:05:30,288
{\an8}Hit him in his nose.
102
00:05:32,165 --> 00:05:34,041
It's all about
how he bounces back now.
103
00:05:34,042 --> 00:05:36,669
Arthur's save percentage has
been ludicrous.
104
00:05:36,670 --> 00:05:39,797
I think it was up near the 75, 78 mark
last time I looked.
105
00:05:39,798 --> 00:05:42,216
So, he's done…
he's got more credit in the bank.
106
00:05:42,217 --> 00:05:44,677
Get those fucking feet going.
107
00:05:44,678 --> 00:05:46,637
I'm glad that
Parky came out afterward
108
00:05:46,638 --> 00:05:48,389
and said,
"Look, he's been a colossus for us.
109
00:05:48,390 --> 00:05:50,975
Let's move past it,"
because that's what you've gotta do.
110
00:05:50,976 --> 00:05:52,811
Let's just see how he recovers.
111
00:05:58,233 --> 00:06:01,110
Can I please have a flat white please?
112
00:06:01,111 --> 00:06:03,362
- And then, do you want a hot chocolate?
- Yeah.
113
00:06:03,363 --> 00:06:05,990
Can you make it so it's not too hot?
114
00:06:05,991 --> 00:06:08,451
And then Manu's going
to have a cinnamon roll.
115
00:06:10,036 --> 00:06:14,415
I'm Maxine. I'm a journalist,
originally from North Wales.
116
00:06:14,416 --> 00:06:16,834
I am based in the United States,
117
00:06:16,835 --> 00:06:21,338
and I'm also the Welsh translator
for Rob and Ryan.
118
00:06:21,339 --> 00:06:22,590
Thank you. Here we go.
119
00:06:22,591 --> 00:06:23,675
And mark.
120
00:06:24,509 --> 00:06:27,720
- Hello, my name is Rob McElhenney.
- My name is Ryan Reynolds.
121
00:06:27,721 --> 00:06:29,930
Hello, my name is Rob McElhenney.
122
00:06:29,931 --> 00:06:32,058
And I'm Ryan Reynolds.
123
00:06:32,893 --> 00:06:35,477
Never, ever say that Wales is in England.
124
00:06:35,478 --> 00:06:37,313
- Oh, God.
- Oh, we're aware of that.
125
00:06:37,314 --> 00:06:39,399
- We're very, very, very aware of that.
- We're aware of that.
126
00:06:41,067 --> 00:06:43,402
Oh, you're enjoying that, aren't you?
127
00:06:43,403 --> 00:06:47,031
I would say being Welsh
plays a role in everything I do.
128
00:06:47,032 --> 00:06:48,908
Yeah.
129
00:06:48,909 --> 00:06:51,076
Whether it's bringing up my children
130
00:06:51,077 --> 00:06:53,495
and teaching them about Wales
and speaking Welsh to them.
131
00:06:53,496 --> 00:06:56,915
How's this compared
to the ones in America? Better?
132
00:06:56,916 --> 00:07:00,002
Or my work broadcasting through Welsh.
133
00:07:00,003 --> 00:07:02,463
Congress hasn't declared war.
134
00:07:02,464 --> 00:07:04,089
It's very important to me.
135
00:07:04,090 --> 00:07:08,177
So, how do you feel
about being back this time?
136
00:07:08,178 --> 00:07:11,430
Well, I feel better… obviously.
137
00:07:11,431 --> 00:07:13,307
You look much better.
138
00:07:13,308 --> 00:07:15,392
I look like a hedgehog.
139
00:07:15,393 --> 00:07:16,935
I think your hair looks great.
140
00:07:16,936 --> 00:07:18,604
Your background as a journalist…
141
00:07:18,605 --> 00:07:22,150
Did that have any impact
in what you've been through?
142
00:07:22,734 --> 00:07:23,901
Yes.
143
00:07:23,902 --> 00:07:26,987
This is the turning point
in the interview. Duh-duh-duh.
144
00:07:33,870 --> 00:07:38,624
I've just had a shower
this morning and, um…
145
00:07:38,625 --> 00:07:41,043
This is what's in the sink.
146
00:07:41,044 --> 00:07:42,836
Disgusting, isn't it?
147
00:07:42,837 --> 00:07:47,174
My initial instinct
when I was diagnosed with cancer
148
00:07:47,175 --> 00:07:49,635
was to pick up a camera and document it.
149
00:07:54,224 --> 00:07:57,352
When you go through so much trauma
in such a short period of time,
150
00:07:57,977 --> 00:08:00,145
I think it's really hard
to come out of that.
151
00:08:00,146 --> 00:08:05,484
And the people that are there with you
along the way, who support you,
152
00:08:05,485 --> 00:08:09,322
you feel even more grateful for.
153
00:08:09,989 --> 00:08:13,325
- Welsh cakes. So, flour--
- What is a Welsh cake?
154
00:08:13,326 --> 00:08:16,954
The Welsh name for Welsh cake is
Pice ar y maen.
155
00:08:16,955 --> 00:08:19,998
And it's kind of like a flat scone.
156
00:08:19,999 --> 00:08:21,125
A scone?
157
00:08:21,126 --> 00:08:22,793
No, it's… it's a scone.
158
00:08:22,794 --> 00:08:25,254
{\an8}- Scone. Flat scone.
- It's a flat scone.
159
00:08:25,255 --> 00:08:28,465
{\an8}Over the years, working closely with Rob,
160
00:08:28,466 --> 00:08:31,844
we've gotten to know each other
and each other's family.
161
00:08:31,845 --> 00:08:35,180
You have to, like, make it
until it's kind of like crumbs.
162
00:08:35,181 --> 00:08:37,641
{\an8}- So, you gave me the dirty job, basically.
- Yes, I did.
163
00:08:37,642 --> 00:08:40,602
{\an8}- You did that very intentionally.
- I know.
164
00:08:40,603 --> 00:08:43,522
{\an8}Since meeting Jill, Rob's stepmother,
165
00:08:43,523 --> 00:08:47,568
there's something quite similar
about us, maybe.
166
00:08:47,569 --> 00:08:51,196
Um, I don't know if Jill would like to…
…hear that or not.
167
00:08:51,197 --> 00:08:54,825
How many hands… How many hands can we put
in this Welsh cake?
168
00:08:54,826 --> 00:08:57,494
As soon as I was
diagnosed with cancer,
169
00:08:57,495 --> 00:08:59,955
she was the most obvious person
for me to call
170
00:08:59,956 --> 00:09:02,958
because I knew
that she went through cancer herself.
171
00:09:02,959 --> 00:09:05,085
I think we talked plainly to one another.
172
00:09:05,086 --> 00:09:06,378
- Yes, like directly.
- Right.
173
00:09:06,379 --> 00:09:09,339
When somebody has a diagnosis
that is catastrophic,
174
00:09:09,340 --> 00:09:12,301
and potentially, you know,
life-threatening,
175
00:09:12,302 --> 00:09:15,471
it creates opportunities to really deepen
176
00:09:15,472 --> 00:09:18,808
and create a very intimate relationship
with your support system.
177
00:09:21,102 --> 00:09:24,772
When I was going through chemo,
and when I was doing all my treatment,
178
00:09:24,773 --> 00:09:28,859
I looked on my phone
and I had an email from the Eisteddfod…
179
00:09:37,077 --> 00:09:40,370
…saying that I was
gonna be inducted into the Gorsedd,
180
00:09:40,371 --> 00:09:41,872
to be made a bard.
181
00:09:45,376 --> 00:09:47,796
To be invited is…
182
00:09:48,755 --> 00:09:53,759
I guess it would be compared to something
like being knighted in England.
183
00:09:53,760 --> 00:09:59,515
So, I-I was due to have a double
mastectomy, the week of the Eisteddfod,
184
00:09:59,516 --> 00:10:03,477
and I asked the surgeon to delay it
and to move everything.
185
00:10:05,188 --> 00:10:07,315
…Maxine John Conwy.
186
00:10:11,820 --> 00:10:13,779
It was just so meaningful
for me, you know,
187
00:10:13,780 --> 00:10:18,867
to have this happen to me
during this period of my life,
188
00:10:18,868 --> 00:10:22,996
in this place that has provided
so much positivity
189
00:10:22,997 --> 00:10:25,041
for me and for my children.
190
00:10:26,042 --> 00:10:28,128
{\an8} Hello.
191
00:10:28,878 --> 00:10:31,130
- How are you?
- I'm feeling good.
192
00:10:31,131 --> 00:10:32,631
{\an8}- Excellent.
- Yeah.
193
00:10:32,632 --> 00:10:34,716
{\an8}So, we have some paperwork to do, I guess.
194
00:10:34,717 --> 00:10:36,009
{\an8}- Yeah, I think so.
- Yeah.
195
00:10:38,429 --> 00:10:40,556
When I went
into my oncologist's office,
196
00:10:40,557 --> 00:10:44,184
and she said,
"You don't have cancer anymore.
197
00:10:44,185 --> 00:10:47,688
You had a complete pathological response
to the chemo
198
00:10:47,689 --> 00:10:49,356
and you've had a mastectomy."
199
00:10:49,357 --> 00:10:54,486
And I said, "Wow, what am I supposed now?
'Cause I'm terrified."
200
00:10:54,487 --> 00:10:56,656
And she said,
"You have to go live your life."
201
00:10:57,240 --> 00:11:00,075
And because of relationships
that I've made through Wrexham,
202
00:11:00,076 --> 00:11:03,787
and the support I'd received
from the community of Wrexham,
203
00:11:03,788 --> 00:11:06,958
I feel so excited about new things.
204
00:11:07,709 --> 00:11:11,880
Now, I feel like
I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
205
00:11:12,422 --> 00:11:16,592
I guess I just feel like
I've had a second chance.
206
00:11:16,593 --> 00:11:19,469
Unbelievable.
207
00:11:23,433 --> 00:11:26,852
With desks adorned
with cheap tinsel and cheer,
208
00:11:26,853 --> 00:11:30,480
The lights that half work,
but come out every year.
209
00:11:30,481 --> 00:11:34,735
So, we have a little competition going on
for best festive workspace area.
210
00:11:34,736 --> 00:11:37,279
- Oh, wow, that's serious.
- It's cozy, isn't it?
211
00:11:37,280 --> 00:11:40,407
He's also killed Santa Claus
for a Christmas competition.
212
00:11:40,408 --> 00:11:42,826
Got work to do now.
213
00:11:42,827 --> 00:11:47,956
Oh, 'tis the season,
obviously. 'Tis the season.
214
00:11:47,957 --> 00:11:51,168
All of Wrexham was buzzing
with Christmas spirit,
215
00:11:51,169 --> 00:11:54,756
And then came great news
with everyone happy to hear it.
216
00:11:55,715 --> 00:11:59,760
Ollie Rathbone has taken
the 25th spot in the squad.
217
00:11:59,761 --> 00:12:00,886
Liam, did we know that?
218
00:12:00,887 --> 00:12:03,055
I-I mean, Parky had mentioned
it was likely to be,
219
00:12:03,056 --> 00:12:04,598
but I don't know that it was confirmed.
220
00:12:04,599 --> 00:12:07,017
So, no, that is exclusive.
221
00:12:07,018 --> 00:12:11,146
{\an8}I think we're on a bit of a rocky run,
we're getting a few draws, and doing okay.
222
00:12:11,147 --> 00:12:13,815
And then we had that kick in the teeth
at Swansea.
223
00:12:13,816 --> 00:12:16,443
It could go either way here.
If you get on a good run, great.
224
00:12:16,444 --> 00:12:19,446
But if it goes the other way, then you're
looking over your shoulder a little bit.
225
00:12:19,447 --> 00:12:20,989
But it's such a tight league, isn't it?
226
00:12:20,990 --> 00:12:23,951
If you get one win,
you're right up that table straight away.
227
00:12:23,952 --> 00:12:26,703
Yeah. I don't think you can kind of get
too high with the good ones
228
00:12:26,704 --> 00:12:28,455
and too low with the bad ones
229
00:12:28,456 --> 00:12:30,999
because the quality
of the division is so high.
230
00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:33,795
I had a really difficult start
to the year.
231
00:12:35,129 --> 00:12:39,132
{\an8} Ollie Rathbone with
five minutes to go in this first half.
232
00:12:39,133 --> 00:12:41,052
Putting Ryan Grant under pressure.
233
00:12:42,053 --> 00:12:44,054
The ball came to me
on the edge of the box.
234
00:12:44,055 --> 00:12:47,307
I think I chested it down,
we were kind of scrapping for the ball.
235
00:12:47,308 --> 00:12:50,270
And then in the middle of it all,
I just felt a big crack.
236
00:12:50,937 --> 00:12:53,439
Yeah, finding out
that I'd ruptured the ligament.
237
00:12:54,107 --> 00:12:56,650
It was really, really difficult,
I can't lie,
238
00:12:56,651 --> 00:12:58,610
because I also felt
a little bit embarrassed.
239
00:12:58,611 --> 00:13:00,988
Kind of last year being,
like, the Player of the Season.
240
00:13:00,989 --> 00:13:03,156
And then, like, a few months later,
kind of not playing
241
00:13:03,157 --> 00:13:06,326
and not getting on the bench
and being injured.
242
00:13:06,327 --> 00:13:08,245
He didn't really say
that much about it,
243
00:13:08,246 --> 00:13:10,205
but I could tell
he was a little bit worried.
244
00:13:10,206 --> 00:13:14,042
{\an8}My name's Mick Rathbone.
I'm Oliver Rathbone's father.
245
00:13:14,043 --> 00:13:15,295
Proud father.
246
00:13:15,837 --> 00:13:18,964
Fifty years in professional football is
my claim to fame.
247
00:13:18,965 --> 00:13:21,049
Predominantly, I played for Blackburn
for seven years,
248
00:13:21,050 --> 00:13:22,259
the bulk of my playing career.
249
00:13:22,260 --> 00:13:24,845
I was physio seven years at Preston,
250
00:13:24,846 --> 00:13:26,888
and then eight years,
I was head of medical at Everton.
251
00:13:26,889 --> 00:13:29,975
But with Oliver, we kind of tried
to get him to do other things,
252
00:13:29,976 --> 00:13:31,894
but he always came back to football.
253
00:13:33,563 --> 00:13:35,105
He slept with a football.
254
00:13:35,106 --> 00:13:37,899
I'll pull onto the drive,
and every single day,
255
00:13:37,900 --> 00:13:40,861
there he was stood there
with the ball under his arm,
256
00:13:40,862 --> 00:13:45,032
and I couldn't go in until we played shots
in the front garden.
257
00:13:45,033 --> 00:13:48,326
And he had to score ten goals
with his left, ten goals with his right.
258
00:13:48,327 --> 00:13:51,163
Then I found out when I was a lot older,
he used to, like, sometimes park
259
00:13:51,164 --> 00:13:53,790
at the bottom of the road
and wait for it to go dark.
260
00:13:53,791 --> 00:13:56,335
"No, I can't play now, Son. It's dark."
261
00:13:58,296 --> 00:14:00,922
How frustrating is it,
when you've done all pre-season…
262
00:14:00,923 --> 00:14:02,841
- Mmm.
- …fit as a fiddle, good to go, raring.
263
00:14:02,842 --> 00:14:04,426
And then you get that injury,
and you're out of the team
264
00:14:04,427 --> 00:14:05,510
for the next three, four months.
265
00:14:05,511 --> 00:14:07,095
I came up from Australia
266
00:14:07,096 --> 00:14:09,931
but by the time I'd got fit,
we'd signed Josh Windass, Lewis O'Brien,
267
00:14:09,932 --> 00:14:12,143
Nathan Broadhead, Ben Sheaf.
268
00:14:12,852 --> 00:14:15,854
We basically signed five players
that could play in my position.
269
00:14:15,855 --> 00:14:18,523
You do kind of worry like,
"Oh, if I don't get back playing,
270
00:14:18,524 --> 00:14:20,525
then maybe I'll have to go on loan
in January
271
00:14:20,526 --> 00:14:22,153
or get some game time elsewhere."
272
00:14:22,779 --> 00:14:24,946
Like, the whole group was
kind of, like, getting together,
273
00:14:24,947 --> 00:14:27,365
and they were all getting
to know each other and training together,
274
00:14:27,366 --> 00:14:29,451
and I was kind of just, like,
a spare part.
275
00:14:29,452 --> 00:14:32,287
Just, like, waiting to get back involved.
276
00:14:32,288 --> 00:14:34,539
For your whole life, you say,
"Oh, I'm a footballer."
277
00:14:34,540 --> 00:14:36,167
When you're injured,
you don't feel like that.
278
00:14:37,335 --> 00:14:40,629
I think it's quite hard
for people outside of football
279
00:14:40,630 --> 00:14:43,006
to understand
how psychologically damaging an injury is
280
00:14:43,007 --> 00:14:48,513
because it is a player's
entire sense of self and being.
281
00:14:49,013 --> 00:14:51,014
And while you're recovering
from an injury,
282
00:14:51,015 --> 00:14:53,225
you're watching the guy
who's playing in your position,
283
00:14:53,226 --> 00:14:54,935
he's doing very well,
and you're wondering,
284
00:14:54,936 --> 00:14:57,020
"Am I ever gonna get
to dislodge that player?
285
00:14:57,021 --> 00:14:58,606
Am I gonna get to be part of this?"
286
00:14:59,690 --> 00:15:03,443
It's hard to kind of keep positive and…
all the time.
287
00:15:03,444 --> 00:15:05,070
You just gotta kind of keep the faith
288
00:15:05,071 --> 00:15:07,739
that you're gonna get your opportunity
at some point,
289
00:15:07,740 --> 00:15:10,159
and when you do,
you just gotta make sure you're ready.
290
00:15:15,498 --> 00:15:17,374
Yeah, Ollie. Ollie.
291
00:15:17,375 --> 00:15:19,793
Everyone's saying,
"Oh, you'll get your chance."
292
00:15:19,794 --> 00:15:22,212
But then, it's very much…
…down to you to take your chance.
293
00:15:22,213 --> 00:15:24,506
You know, if he gives you a chance,
and you don't take it,
294
00:15:24,507 --> 00:15:26,592
then you are really on the back foot.
295
00:15:27,385 --> 00:15:30,011
Big round of applause
for Rathbone,
296
00:15:30,012 --> 00:15:34,432
{\an8}whose injuries, of course, have limited
his chances, comes onto the pitch.
297
00:15:34,433 --> 00:15:35,892
Ollie! Ollie!
298
00:15:35,893 --> 00:15:37,644
Windass with the away swinger.
299
00:15:37,645 --> 00:15:42,440
Steps up, stands it beyond the far post,
a great header by Pollock.
300
00:15:42,441 --> 00:15:46,862
Rathbone, edge of the area.
In for the shot! Rathbone scores!
301
00:15:46,863 --> 00:15:50,866
The hummingbird strikes! Oh, what a hit!
302
00:15:50,867 --> 00:15:52,451
What a story!
303
00:15:52,994 --> 00:15:55,997
♪ Guess who's back ♪
304
00:15:56,581 --> 00:15:58,039
{\an8}♪ Guess who's back ♪
305
00:15:58,040 --> 00:15:59,876
{\an8}♪ The king is back, whoa ♪
306
00:16:00,668 --> 00:16:02,170
I was just so happy.
307
00:16:03,129 --> 00:16:05,589
Just pure, pure joy.
308
00:16:05,590 --> 00:16:07,717
And yeah,
just not looked back since, really.
309
00:16:08,509 --> 00:16:11,636
{\an8} Wrexham
against Preston North End.
310
00:16:11,637 --> 00:16:13,471
{\an8}Broadhead. He's got Thomason outside him.
311
00:16:13,472 --> 00:16:18,393
{\an8}Inside to Dobson now, 25 yards out.
Plays the killer ball! Rathbone!
312
00:16:18,394 --> 00:16:20,187
♪ This is a moment of greatness ♪
313
00:16:20,188 --> 00:16:21,855
♪ Championship, how I played it ♪
314
00:16:21,856 --> 00:16:24,733
{\an8} The super sub strikes again.
315
00:16:24,734 --> 00:16:27,110
{\an8}Ollie's return to the side has
been enormously exciting.
316
00:16:27,111 --> 00:16:29,654
He's brought energy.
He's brought dynamism.
317
00:16:29,655 --> 00:16:34,451
He's brought his patented 4'4" rascalness.
318
00:16:34,452 --> 00:16:38,246
I don't know how tall… Everyone's about
the same height to me when I look down.
319
00:16:38,247 --> 00:16:41,917
{\an8}Wrexham, at Blackburn Rovers,
looking to build
320
00:16:41,918 --> 00:16:44,669
on those two excellent home performances.
321
00:16:44,670 --> 00:16:47,589
And then Ollie Rathbone's dad is
a legend here.
322
00:16:47,590 --> 00:16:50,467
Mick Rathbone is
having a presentation today.
323
00:16:50,468 --> 00:16:54,804
One of three players who have been brought
into their equivalent of the Hall of Fame.
324
00:16:54,805 --> 00:16:57,849
And I think Ollie Rathbone…
Well, what's he played so far this season?
325
00:16:57,850 --> 00:17:01,061
About ten minutes in the Championship
and already got two goals to his name.
326
00:17:01,062 --> 00:17:03,856
Ollie's class.
I missed him all season to be fair.
327
00:17:04,357 --> 00:17:07,067
Love him.
Didn't get to see Mickey Thomas play, but…
328
00:17:07,068 --> 00:17:09,444
Maybe it's just the hair,
but shades of Mickey Thomas, I think,
329
00:17:09,445 --> 00:17:10,695
got a goal in him.
330
00:17:10,696 --> 00:17:13,573
Rathbone intercepts
and now goes scurrying forward.
331
00:17:13,574 --> 00:17:14,658
Only Longman ahead of him.
332
00:17:14,659 --> 00:17:17,035
He's taken late,
and that's gonna be a card.
333
00:17:17,036 --> 00:17:21,122
Free kick. Matty James is on it.
Little run behind the line by Hyam.
334
00:17:21,123 --> 00:17:22,832
It's swept in across the bodies,
335
00:17:22,833 --> 00:17:24,918
and will drop for Rathbone
who hooks it in.
336
00:17:24,919 --> 00:17:26,378
Oh! What a goal!
337
00:17:26,379 --> 00:17:31,466
{\an8}At the ground that his dad
served Blackburn with such quality.
338
00:17:31,467 --> 00:17:33,260
{\an8}His son nails it!
339
00:17:33,261 --> 00:17:36,096
Ollie! Ollie! Ollie! Ollie!
340
00:17:36,097 --> 00:17:38,974
The crowd is singing my name, and
I'm looking up at my mom and dad, like,
341
00:17:38,975 --> 00:17:40,850
trying hard for like, my lip not to quiver
342
00:17:40,851 --> 00:17:42,519
and kind of not to well up, because
343
00:17:42,520 --> 00:17:43,979
it was just such a great moment.
344
00:17:43,980 --> 00:17:47,440
Well, this boy is
on absolute fire at the moment.
345
00:17:47,441 --> 00:17:50,402
{\an8} That is
an impressive performance.
346
00:17:50,403 --> 00:17:52,195
I'm fortunate to have
an amazing family.
347
00:17:52,196 --> 00:17:53,989
My parents were
always confident in, you know,
348
00:17:53,990 --> 00:17:55,407
this is just a setback, this happens.
349
00:17:55,408 --> 00:17:58,201
Just kind of making sure
that I didn't drop my standards…
350
00:17:58,202 --> 00:17:59,786
and kind of gave everything every day.
351
00:17:59,787 --> 00:18:01,204
Because it's easy
sometimes when you think,
352
00:18:01,205 --> 00:18:02,789
"Oh, God, I'm not getting a game
at the moment
353
00:18:02,790 --> 00:18:04,583
so I'm gonna, sack it off today,"
354
00:18:04,584 --> 00:18:07,419
and they kinda just made me promise like,
don't let that happen.
355
00:18:07,420 --> 00:18:09,213
Which they were absolutely spot-on to do.
356
00:18:10,298 --> 00:18:11,840
How proud are you of him?
357
00:18:11,841 --> 00:18:13,551
For sticking around,
and coming through that injury?
358
00:18:14,552 --> 00:18:15,760
Beyond words.
359
00:18:15,761 --> 00:18:16,846
Oh.
360
00:18:17,513 --> 00:18:22,100
Ollie! Ollie! Ollie!
361
00:18:22,101 --> 00:18:25,771
Ollie! Ollie! Ollie!
362
00:18:26,606 --> 00:18:28,274
He's a good lad, isn't he?
363
00:18:29,734 --> 00:18:31,694
Yeah. The best.
364
00:18:35,406 --> 00:18:37,616
The revelation for me
over the last couple of weeks,
365
00:18:37,617 --> 00:18:39,075
and I'm really pleased for this.
366
00:18:39,076 --> 00:18:41,286
I just feel we've hit a groove
at the moment.
367
00:18:41,287 --> 00:18:44,831
Probably the most enjoyable
chunk of football.
368
00:18:44,832 --> 00:18:46,166
What a great, great time.
369
00:18:46,167 --> 00:18:50,879
We start on Boxing Day against
our old foes from Sheffield United.
370
00:18:50,880 --> 00:18:52,130
{\an8}Come on, Josh.
371
00:18:52,131 --> 00:18:55,342
{\an8} Right-footed! It's 5!
372
00:18:56,510 --> 00:18:58,428
Get in!
373
00:18:58,429 --> 00:19:02,932
{\an8} Wrexham 5, Sheffield United 3.
374
00:19:02,933 --> 00:19:04,476
Happy Christmas.
375
00:19:04,477 --> 00:19:08,104
And then with Preston
and Blackburn on New Year's Day,
376
00:19:08,105 --> 00:19:10,315
which set us up for the last game
at Derby.
377
00:19:10,316 --> 00:19:11,941
{\an8} Thomason takes a touch,
378
00:19:11,942 --> 00:19:14,986
{\an8}hooks it in the goalmouth,
good defend by Sanderson.
379
00:19:14,987 --> 00:19:17,739
He alters his balance well to clear.
380
00:19:17,740 --> 00:19:19,574
Poor clearance, though.
Matty James hits it!
381
00:19:19,575 --> 00:19:21,993
Oh, yes!
382
00:19:21,994 --> 00:19:25,121
Get in! Fucking get in, lads!
383
00:19:25,122 --> 00:19:27,332
Is that enough
celebration for you?
384
00:19:27,333 --> 00:19:29,000
- Yes!
- Come on!
385
00:19:29,001 --> 00:19:30,418
Come on!
386
00:19:30,419 --> 00:19:34,547
{\an8} And that is the final whistle.
Wrexham win at Derby.
387
00:19:34,548 --> 00:19:39,386
For the first time ever,
we've won four second tier games in a row.
388
00:19:39,387 --> 00:19:43,223
We are a very happy podcast
because, all of a sudden,
389
00:19:43,224 --> 00:19:45,642
we are 9th in the Championship.
390
00:19:45,643 --> 00:19:48,561
Just one point off the playoffs.
391
00:19:48,562 --> 00:19:51,439
I don't think
that going into the holiday period,
392
00:19:51,440 --> 00:19:54,776
anybody expected the team
to get 12 points.
393
00:19:54,777 --> 00:19:56,820
But equally, the players were tired.
394
00:19:56,821 --> 00:20:00,073
They haven't had a chance to recover,
yet the same players had to go again.
395
00:20:00,074 --> 00:20:01,908
Come on,
let's get it going then now.
396
00:20:01,909 --> 00:20:04,994
Get it going, this group going.
Let's go, son. Good.
397
00:20:04,995 --> 00:20:07,789
Last one if you put in anymore
then your work's done.
398
00:20:07,790 --> 00:20:10,166
In the Championship, there's 46 games,
399
00:20:10,167 --> 00:20:12,419
where the Premiership have 38 games.
400
00:20:12,420 --> 00:20:15,755
So there's a lot more midweek games,
and it's very intense.
401
00:20:15,756 --> 00:20:17,841
A lot of high-speed running.
402
00:20:17,842 --> 00:20:20,261
The sprint distance is a lot higher
than we're used to.
403
00:20:21,137 --> 00:20:23,096
It's not just gonna be,
you know, flick a switch
404
00:20:23,097 --> 00:20:25,141
and you suddenly
become a Championship player.
405
00:20:25,808 --> 00:20:28,268
You've got to work
on aspects of your game.
406
00:20:28,269 --> 00:20:30,311
The way you live,
the way you prepare for games,
407
00:20:30,312 --> 00:20:33,273
the work you do in the gym,
the work with sports science,
408
00:20:33,274 --> 00:20:36,484
some of the tactical kind of differences
in the division,
409
00:20:36,485 --> 00:20:38,195
and you've got to adapt to all those.
410
00:20:38,904 --> 00:20:42,157
We don't like
to leave any stone unturned
411
00:20:42,158 --> 00:20:45,160
{\an8}in the player's performance
and hydration, nutrition
412
00:20:45,161 --> 00:20:46,453
is really, really key to that.
413
00:20:46,454 --> 00:20:48,288
It's one of the pillars
that we really focus on.
414
00:20:48,289 --> 00:20:51,166
It really helps the players
both physically and mentally
415
00:20:51,167 --> 00:20:54,252
to go the whole way to the end of games,
which is important for us.
416
00:20:54,253 --> 00:20:55,545
To get us to the Premier League,
417
00:20:55,546 --> 00:20:57,672
we're arguably going to have
to be more successful
418
00:20:57,673 --> 00:21:00,592
in the second half of the season,
which is difficult,
419
00:21:00,593 --> 00:21:03,928
particularly with the third round
of the FA Cup coming up
420
00:21:03,929 --> 00:21:05,389
in such a short period of time.
421
00:21:08,100 --> 00:21:11,269
{\an8} So welcome along
to the draw for the FA Cup third round.
422
00:21:11,270 --> 00:21:15,398
{\an8}We are live from St James's Park,
home of Brackley Town,
423
00:21:15,399 --> 00:21:17,901
alongside their wonderful fans
in here tonight.
424
00:21:21,238 --> 00:21:23,615
Right, the Premier League
and Championship clubs,
425
00:21:23,616 --> 00:21:25,950
of course, enter the competition.
426
00:21:25,951 --> 00:21:28,620
We're now down to 65 teams
427
00:21:28,621 --> 00:21:33,833
from 747 who started on the journey.
428
00:21:33,834 --> 00:21:36,294
Joe, you're gonna start us off
with the home teams.
429
00:21:36,295 --> 00:21:37,796
Crouchy's gonna do the away teams.
430
00:21:37,797 --> 00:21:40,715
- So, let's get going.
- All right.
431
00:21:40,716 --> 00:21:43,426
{\an8} It wasn't
in that particular fixture, no. Harsh.
432
00:21:44,512 --> 00:21:48,056
{\an8}- Forty-four.
- Forty-four is Wrexham.
433
00:21:52,728 --> 00:21:54,020
Number 28.
434
00:21:54,021 --> 00:21:56,856
Number 28 is Nottingham Forest.
435
00:21:57,942 --> 00:21:59,943
{\an8} Wrexham versus Forest.
436
00:21:59,944 --> 00:22:03,279
Wrexham! Wrexham! Wrexham! Wrexham!
437
00:22:03,280 --> 00:22:05,949
Um, the FA Cup is a competition
438
00:22:05,950 --> 00:22:08,952
that's open to all football teams
in the UK, pretty much.
439
00:22:08,953 --> 00:22:10,370
I mean, there's a small entrance fee,
440
00:22:10,371 --> 00:22:12,622
but you can enter
into a sort of qualifying round
441
00:22:12,623 --> 00:22:14,958
as an organized football team,
way, way down.
442
00:22:14,959 --> 00:22:17,877
For us now, we now enter the FA Cup
at the third round,
443
00:22:17,878 --> 00:22:19,504
along with the rest
of the Championship teams
444
00:22:19,505 --> 00:22:20,964
and the Premier League teams.
445
00:22:20,965 --> 00:22:22,841
Wrexham has a great history in the FA Cup,
446
00:22:22,842 --> 00:22:25,761
and we would love to win it.
447
00:22:27,763 --> 00:22:31,099
{\an8}Into Cae Ras, the worthy giants came,
448
00:22:31,100 --> 00:22:34,644
{\an8}With a storied history
that brings with them fame.
449
00:22:34,645 --> 00:22:37,814
{\an8}A Premier League side,
this formidable foe,
450
00:22:37,815 --> 00:22:41,568
And not one soul knew
how this night would go.
451
00:22:41,569 --> 00:22:44,779
But we have our own giant,
says mighty Wrexham.
452
00:22:44,780 --> 00:22:48,283
He goes by Arthur and can surely vex them,
453
00:22:48,284 --> 00:22:51,286
As boots meet the grass,
into the fray they proceed
454
00:22:51,287 --> 00:22:54,415
With goals back and forth, to and fro
455
00:22:56,834 --> 00:22:58,251
Who would take the lead?
456
00:22:58,252 --> 00:23:01,921
From a surging class
from the Prem's pedigree,
457
00:23:01,922 --> 00:23:05,383
{\an8}At the last moment,
the score was knotted at three.
458
00:23:05,384 --> 00:23:08,595
{\an8}A draw in this cup
leads to stress penalties,
459
00:23:08,596 --> 00:23:12,766
Leaving every soul in the crowd
feeling quite ill at ease.
460
00:23:13,392 --> 00:23:18,897
In an FA Cup penalty shoot-out,
each team gets five attempts on goal.
461
00:23:18,898 --> 00:23:21,065
And if it's still tied, after that,
462
00:23:21,066 --> 00:23:24,737
the penalties will keep going
until eventually, there's just one winner.
463
00:23:27,281 --> 00:23:28,364
{\an8} So I was back in Philly
464
00:23:28,365 --> 00:23:31,535
{\an8}for the FA Cup match
against Nottingham Forest.
465
00:23:32,828 --> 00:23:38,667
And it turned out to be a hell of a game,
and it all came down to penalties.
466
00:23:39,335 --> 00:23:41,586
Windass. Yes!
467
00:23:41,587 --> 00:23:42,713
Drills it in.
468
00:23:43,631 --> 00:23:46,382
I love penalties. I feel like anyone
that knows me quite well
469
00:23:46,383 --> 00:23:49,385
knows that I do like…
I-I love a penalty shoot-out.
470
00:23:49,386 --> 00:23:51,512
For me, there's no pressure
on a penalty shoot-out,
471
00:23:51,513 --> 00:23:54,724
because you as the player,
have more pressure than me.
472
00:23:54,725 --> 00:23:56,893
Jesus steps up right-footed.
473
00:23:56,894 --> 00:23:58,061
Saved!
474
00:23:58,062 --> 00:24:00,064
Great save by Okonkwo!
475
00:24:00,773 --> 00:24:03,191
Callum Doyle next, left-footed.
476
00:24:03,192 --> 00:24:06,235
Drills it!
He's really got the atmosphere going.
477
00:24:06,236 --> 00:24:10,198
Hudson-Odoi. 2-2. The tension continues.
478
00:24:10,199 --> 00:24:12,158
Thomason, left-footed, drills it.
479
00:24:12,159 --> 00:24:15,161
Williams steps up. It's in.
480
00:24:15,162 --> 00:24:17,330
Jay Rodriguez steps up.
481
00:24:17,331 --> 00:24:18,791
Oh, it's a good pen.
482
00:24:20,167 --> 00:24:22,085
Just felt like everyone was switched on.
483
00:24:22,086 --> 00:24:24,337
We wanted
to put a bit of fire in their bellies,
484
00:24:24,338 --> 00:24:27,716
wanted to… to send a message.
485
00:24:28,384 --> 00:24:30,760
So, this is it.
4-3 to Wrexham.
486
00:24:30,761 --> 00:24:32,346
The last penalty of the ten.
487
00:24:34,765 --> 00:24:37,977
Saved! Wrexham are through!
488
00:24:38,519 --> 00:24:42,230
{\an8}Arthur Okonkwo, the hero,
diving to his left!
489
00:24:42,231 --> 00:24:46,192
I've trained and played my whole life
to create moments like that,
490
00:24:46,193 --> 00:24:48,319
to-to be a hero in a penalty shoot-out.
491
00:24:48,320 --> 00:24:50,363
So yeah, it's a moment I'll never forget.
492
00:24:50,364 --> 00:24:52,573
Big Arthur!
493
00:24:52,574 --> 00:24:55,034
Anyway, it went really well.
494
00:24:55,035 --> 00:24:58,454
And that night,
I was with all of my Philly friends,
495
00:24:58,455 --> 00:25:01,041
which meant I got really drunk.
496
00:25:01,834 --> 00:25:05,003
We earnt our swagger and proved our worth,
497
00:25:05,004 --> 00:25:07,256
Leaving the fans a reason for mirth.
498
00:25:07,923 --> 00:25:10,591
Though the forest loomed
imposing and tall,
499
00:25:10,592 --> 00:25:14,929
Wrexham rose up
and caused their opponents to fall.
500
00:25:17,683 --> 00:25:18,976
Wrexham!
501
00:25:26,191 --> 00:25:28,234
{\an8}- Hi, guys.
- Hello.
502
00:25:28,235 --> 00:25:30,361
The Wrexham shop
luckily gave us
503
00:25:30,362 --> 00:25:34,490
nine T-shirts to do a snood workshop.
504
00:25:34,491 --> 00:25:37,493
These tops, don't even worry
about cutting them up
505
00:25:37,494 --> 00:25:39,829
because it's tops
that would've gone into landfill.
506
00:25:39,830 --> 00:25:44,125
So see, on the back of that one,
the vinyl has all come off.
507
00:25:44,126 --> 00:25:45,418
So they can't sell that.
508
00:25:45,419 --> 00:25:48,047
They've given 'em us for this.
509
00:25:52,509 --> 00:25:55,804
I'm Gemma Oakley,
and I run Wrexham Sewing Studio.
510
00:25:58,640 --> 00:26:01,602
So, we're just gonna go
a little bit further over. That's it.
511
00:26:02,644 --> 00:26:03,687
Oh, she's on it.
512
00:26:04,271 --> 00:26:06,982
♪ Over the hill, just down the road ♪
513
00:26:08,067 --> 00:26:11,194
♪ There's a place, I loved it though ♪
514
00:26:11,195 --> 00:26:14,238
This is a safe space
for people to come in,
515
00:26:14,239 --> 00:26:16,240
learn something that they didn't know.
516
00:26:16,241 --> 00:26:18,284
It's just somewhere you can go
517
00:26:18,285 --> 00:26:21,245
where you don't have to worry
about your day-to-day life,
518
00:26:21,246 --> 00:26:22,790
apart from me being in it,
519
00:26:23,665 --> 00:26:26,668
causing absolute carnage wherever I go.
520
00:26:29,588 --> 00:26:33,466
I've been doing voluntary groups
for about four years
521
00:26:33,467 --> 00:26:35,928
because I've got a colorful past.
522
00:26:43,519 --> 00:26:47,231
My whole life has
been drink, drugs, fighting.
523
00:26:49,233 --> 00:26:53,278
I got done for going equipped
with a bladed article.
524
00:26:54,071 --> 00:26:56,573
They said they were going
to take all the kids off us.
525
00:26:57,157 --> 00:26:59,617
And that was make or break really.
526
00:26:59,618 --> 00:27:01,077
And I didn't go to prison.
527
00:27:01,078 --> 00:27:05,082
So, so close, though,
and that was a turning point, really.
528
00:27:06,208 --> 00:27:07,625
- Mum.
- What, mate?
529
00:27:07,626 --> 00:27:10,169
- I can get you some cobblestone.
- What you gonna build? What about a house?
530
00:27:10,170 --> 00:27:11,838
Shall I build the house with the bricks?
531
00:27:11,839 --> 00:27:17,385
Now, I look back and I think
I'm glad that I've done all of that stuff,
532
00:27:17,386 --> 00:27:22,390
because I'm in a good place now
where I can say to people, "Don't do it.
533
00:27:22,391 --> 00:27:27,103
Do something else, craft,
or… just do something different."
534
00:27:27,104 --> 00:27:30,815
I remember when Gem was
participating in the classes,
535
00:27:30,816 --> 00:27:35,486
{\an8}and then, obviously, she learned
her skills, she did her courses.
536
00:27:35,487 --> 00:27:38,239
{\an8}Like, you see how much she's smashed life
537
00:27:38,240 --> 00:27:40,116
and it's to be able
to show other people now,
538
00:27:40,117 --> 00:27:42,661
- "If Gemma can do it, you can do it."
- Yeah. yeah.
539
00:27:43,370 --> 00:27:47,623
I'd just say sewing's changed
my life, like, it's given me structure.
540
00:27:47,624 --> 00:27:49,334
It's given me confidence.
541
00:27:50,460 --> 00:27:52,421
And I want to give it back
542
00:27:53,046 --> 00:27:56,757
to help others
that are in the same position as me.
543
00:27:56,758 --> 00:28:01,346
So this is a Wrexham bear
out of upcycled materials.
544
00:28:02,389 --> 00:28:05,349
I got the idea for the bears
from a lady downstairs.
545
00:28:05,350 --> 00:28:08,352
She told me, "You need to get
one of them bears to Ryan Reynolds."
546
00:28:08,353 --> 00:28:12,565
And I was like,
"You, my friend, are a little superstar."
547
00:28:12,566 --> 00:28:17,862
{\an8}So we are going to take them over
to Mike in the Wrexham shop,
548
00:28:17,863 --> 00:28:22,034
{\an8}and he is going to tell us
whether he wants us to make these for him.
549
00:28:23,869 --> 00:28:25,745
- Are you Mike? Are you Mike?
- Hey, hiya.
550
00:28:25,746 --> 00:28:27,872
{\an8}- Yes. Yes.
- Gemma, nice to meet you.
551
00:28:27,873 --> 00:28:30,750
{\an8}- Nice to meet you. How are you?
- Look, I come bearing gifts.
552
00:28:30,751 --> 00:28:32,126
{\an8}- Yeah.
- What do you think?
553
00:28:32,127 --> 00:28:34,170
That's cute. Those are from the shirts
that we gave you?
554
00:28:34,171 --> 00:28:35,421
- Yes.
- Yeah.
555
00:28:35,422 --> 00:28:40,301
The mission for me now is
if you do accept us to do them…
556
00:28:40,302 --> 00:28:42,929
- Uh-huh.
- …I'm not gonna be just me doing them.
557
00:28:42,930 --> 00:28:47,726
It's gonna be my charity,
as in Ali, my other girls.
558
00:28:48,602 --> 00:28:51,605
I just want people to know
that there's a space for them.
559
00:28:52,230 --> 00:28:55,066
It's just an opportunity
that doesn't happen all the time
560
00:28:55,067 --> 00:28:58,694
for people like me to get another chance.
561
00:28:58,695 --> 00:29:02,365
These would fit in perfectly for us here.
562
00:29:02,366 --> 00:29:06,411
I mean, we-we even have our own little
"Made in Wrexham, Made in Wales" section.
563
00:29:07,496 --> 00:29:11,375
{\an8}Just to help highlight all of the great
things that are made here locally.
564
00:29:12,459 --> 00:29:15,211
We'll find a spot
that we'll put it right in,
565
00:29:15,212 --> 00:29:18,130
and we'll just have…
we'll have all the bears, you know?
566
00:29:18,131 --> 00:29:20,633
- Can I take a picture?
- Yeah, sure.
567
00:29:20,634 --> 00:29:24,637
I'm so proud, like, because
this is one hell of an opportunity.
568
00:29:24,638 --> 00:29:27,306
I was so scared. I was so scared,
569
00:29:27,307 --> 00:29:31,185
'cause I just… I just didn't think
my work was good enough.
570
00:29:31,186 --> 00:29:32,269
Oh, no. It's great.
571
00:29:32,270 --> 00:29:34,898
- They're super adorable.
- I don't… What's wrong with me?
572
00:29:36,483 --> 00:29:39,276
I never, ever thought this would happen.
573
00:29:39,277 --> 00:29:41,654
So I think that I am proof
574
00:29:41,655 --> 00:29:44,615
when the community have seen me go
575
00:29:44,616 --> 00:29:48,328
from being so bad to so good.
576
00:29:48,912 --> 00:29:52,331
It does happen to people. It can happen.
577
00:29:52,332 --> 00:29:55,043
And I… And I want that to happen
for more people.
578
00:29:55,919 --> 00:29:58,630
I want my teddy bears
to go to Ryan Reynolds.
579
00:30:00,257 --> 00:30:02,092
I'll get there one day.
580
00:30:02,926 --> 00:30:07,139
Ali, I can't believe it.
581
00:30:09,433 --> 00:30:12,351
Once again, the faithful gathered near,
582
00:30:12,352 --> 00:30:15,104
Their voices loud and singing with cheer.
583
00:30:15,105 --> 00:30:20,484
Hey! QPR away? Town away? We're havin' it.
584
00:30:20,485 --> 00:30:23,904
Great to come to an iconic ground,
I must say.
585
00:30:23,905 --> 00:30:25,531
Wrexham have got a great following.
586
00:30:25,532 --> 00:30:28,200
It's a capacity crowd here at Loftus Road,
587
00:30:28,201 --> 00:30:31,120
one of the traditional
Great British grounds,
588
00:30:31,121 --> 00:30:33,081
you know, QPR, a proper League club.
589
00:30:33,623 --> 00:30:36,709
From gloomy depths to a winning streak,
590
00:30:36,710 --> 00:30:39,920
Wrexham's rise was beginning to peak.
591
00:30:39,921 --> 00:30:43,007
Wrexham looking for a third away win.
592
00:30:43,008 --> 00:30:44,884
Well, another big Championship game.
593
00:30:44,885 --> 00:30:46,052
Can't see us scoring many goals.
594
00:30:46,053 --> 00:30:48,637
I hope I'm wrong, but, uh, it could
be a tough watch at times.
595
00:30:48,638 --> 00:30:51,223
I'm just pleased
they're doing so well, actually.
596
00:30:51,224 --> 00:30:54,268
{\an8}The table now shows a delightful sight.
597
00:30:54,269 --> 00:30:58,856
{\an8}A place in the playoff spots could
be theirs with just one more fight.
598
00:30:58,857 --> 00:31:01,484
As we're close to the playoffs now,
we've gotta go for it.
599
00:31:01,485 --> 00:31:03,069
I don't think we're ready.
600
00:31:03,070 --> 00:31:05,613
You're playing
against sides that are established.
601
00:31:05,614 --> 00:31:07,573
We are still learning
about the Championship.
602
00:31:07,574 --> 00:31:08,783
It's the toughest league in England.
603
00:31:08,784 --> 00:31:11,118
It's just a crazy
sort of league, so competitive,
604
00:31:11,119 --> 00:31:14,414
and if you're not at it, boy,
are you gonna get punished.
605
00:31:16,124 --> 00:31:17,416
So, here we go.
606
00:31:17,417 --> 00:31:20,087
Will Wrexham get a win
and get into the playoff spots?
607
00:31:20,837 --> 00:31:23,714
On the angle, Kief! Kief, from the angle!
608
00:31:23,715 --> 00:31:25,674
O'Brien dropping off diligently.
609
00:31:25,675 --> 00:31:27,802
Now he's got driving forwards
from his own half,
610
00:31:27,803 --> 00:31:29,512
poor pass by him, though,
611
00:31:29,513 --> 00:31:31,388
and Madsen drives to the edge of the D.
612
00:31:31,389 --> 00:31:32,473
Crowd tell him to shoot.
613
00:31:32,474 --> 00:31:34,058
That's a good ball to Dembele,
who hits it.
614
00:31:34,059 --> 00:31:36,519
Hit the bar! Bounces back out.
615
00:31:36,520 --> 00:31:38,854
- Handball!
- Big shout for handball.
616
00:31:38,855 --> 00:31:41,315
Tremendous, powerful strike.
617
00:31:41,316 --> 00:31:44,735
And it's drilled in!
Sensational finish by Vale.
618
00:31:44,736 --> 00:31:47,154
{\an8}Handball shout looked like
it had something to it.
619
00:31:47,155 --> 00:31:49,115
I think it might've hit an arm in there.
620
00:31:49,116 --> 00:31:51,576
Not sure if it was too close to the body,
but QPR won't care.
621
00:31:52,160 --> 00:31:54,955
Okonkwo had no chance
and Wrexham go behind early on.
622
00:31:55,580 --> 00:31:57,582
This is, uh, not the best of starts
for Wrexham.
623
00:31:58,166 --> 00:31:59,500
Switch on!
624
00:31:59,501 --> 00:32:01,335
Norrington-Davies swings in the cross.
625
00:32:01,336 --> 00:32:03,629
Kone chests it down. Big chance, this.
626
00:32:03,630 --> 00:32:06,882
- And it's in the side netting.
- Fuckin' hell!
627
00:32:06,883 --> 00:32:10,052
Very lucky to only be one down after that.
628
00:32:10,053 --> 00:32:13,347
Wrexham continue to struggle
to really find a foothold.
629
00:32:13,348 --> 00:32:15,224
Fucking hell. Don't laugh at me.
630
00:32:15,225 --> 00:32:17,309
This is a fucking joke performance,
by the way.
631
00:32:17,310 --> 00:32:19,436
I feel like these players
haven't really gotten
632
00:32:19,437 --> 00:32:20,813
into this game at all yet.
633
00:32:20,814 --> 00:32:24,024
This feels very much
like a case of survival.
634
00:32:24,025 --> 00:32:25,818
Short corner, Dembele's got blocked.
635
00:32:25,819 --> 00:32:28,655
Bobbling around in the box.
Sheaf gets a head to it.
636
00:32:29,406 --> 00:32:31,490
Wrexham will get…
Dembele tries an overhead kick.
637
00:32:31,491 --> 00:32:33,117
Just over the bar.
638
00:32:33,118 --> 00:32:34,743
Clewie, you gotta be closer!
639
00:32:34,744 --> 00:32:36,287
Wrexham have just got to hang in there,
640
00:32:36,288 --> 00:32:38,873
somehow get a hold of this football,
because at the moment,
641
00:32:38,874 --> 00:32:41,292
QPR just look
like they're going to score a second.
642
00:32:41,293 --> 00:32:42,877
And that is halftime
643
00:32:42,878 --> 00:32:45,796
{\an8}and the QPR fans delighted
with what they've seen.
644
00:32:45,797 --> 00:32:47,965
{\an8}Wrexham just weathered the storm.
645
00:32:47,966 --> 00:32:50,718
Zero shots at half time. Ouch.
646
00:32:50,719 --> 00:32:55,139
Can Wrexham turn in
an improved second half performance?
647
00:32:55,140 --> 00:32:56,933
I mean, we need to.
648
00:32:57,767 --> 00:33:00,769
{\an8} Wrexham going
into the second half a lot more fresher.
649
00:33:00,770 --> 00:33:04,357
You know, they know now
what QPR's game plan is.
650
00:33:05,233 --> 00:33:08,194
Right-footed,
delivers an inswinger into a good area.
651
00:33:08,195 --> 00:33:11,614
Hits the bar, and Okonkwo does well
to catch the rebound.
652
00:33:11,615 --> 00:33:14,450
Arthur Okonkwo, really not
been tested in this second half.
653
00:33:14,451 --> 00:33:16,660
But at some point,
Wrexham are gonna have to go in
654
00:33:16,661 --> 00:33:17,995
a little bit stronger.
655
00:33:17,996 --> 00:33:21,290
Here's Okonkwo now.
Drilling it through the middle.
656
00:33:21,291 --> 00:33:24,668
That's a hell of a ball for Broadhead,
left side of the area.
657
00:33:24,669 --> 00:33:26,462
He breaks onto it. Moore's inside.
658
00:33:26,463 --> 00:33:29,256
Broadhead takes on his man.
Good tackle by Dunne.
659
00:33:29,257 --> 00:33:30,466
And the shot comes in!
660
00:33:30,467 --> 00:33:31,927
Hell of a save by the keeper.
661
00:33:32,969 --> 00:33:35,721
Here's Broadhead now, feeding a good ball
to Doyle on the overlap.
662
00:33:35,722 --> 00:33:37,056
Hits the shot!
663
00:33:37,057 --> 00:33:40,476
And scores his first goal for Wrexham!
A screamer!
664
00:33:40,477 --> 00:33:44,021
{\an8}Tight angle, but it was on his left foot
and he's going nuts!
665
00:33:44,022 --> 00:33:46,690
{\an8}Punching the air
in front of the Wrexham fans!
666
00:33:46,691 --> 00:33:50,277
Wrexham, just felt like suddenly
turned up the intensity times ten.
667
00:33:50,278 --> 00:33:51,279
Game on.
668
00:33:52,155 --> 00:33:55,741
Broadhead is coming off now
for Rathbone to come on.
669
00:33:55,742 --> 00:33:58,160
We need to turn on the attack mode.
670
00:33:58,161 --> 00:34:01,580
Enter Rathbone,
so I think his energy can be very helpful.
671
00:34:01,581 --> 00:34:03,499
Ollie! Ollie! Ollie!
672
00:34:03,500 --> 00:34:08,462
Rathbone coming off the bench
and going, "No, we want the win here."
673
00:34:08,463 --> 00:34:10,798
To float it
towards the near post! What a header!
674
00:34:10,799 --> 00:34:14,510
What a goal! And QPR catch Wrexham out.
675
00:34:14,511 --> 00:34:18,974
{\an8}It's across Okonkwo,
and Wrexham go behind again.
676
00:34:20,934 --> 00:34:25,938
Frustration for Wrexham after turning
this game round so effectively.
677
00:34:25,939 --> 00:34:29,858
QPR just turned the screw again,
getting on those second balls.
678
00:34:29,859 --> 00:34:34,114
- Windass is ready to come on.
- Wrexham! Wrexham!
679
00:34:35,448 --> 00:34:37,825
Feeds it to the edge
of the area. Hayden tries to curl it.
680
00:34:37,826 --> 00:34:40,619
Puts it over.
It's QPR now with the wind in their sails.
681
00:34:40,620 --> 00:34:42,204
Putting more pressure
on the Wrexham players.
682
00:34:42,205 --> 00:34:43,956
Plays the big diagonal.
683
00:34:43,957 --> 00:34:45,582
Looking for Moore,
who heads it down beautifully.
684
00:34:45,583 --> 00:34:48,085
O'Brien is there.
Poor touch. Lays it back.
685
00:34:48,086 --> 00:34:50,879
Shot comes and it's blocked.
O'Brien. Windass again.
686
00:34:50,880 --> 00:34:53,258
- It ricochets into the keeper's hands.
- Fucking hell!
687
00:34:55,468 --> 00:34:57,052
With time running down,
688
00:34:57,053 --> 00:34:59,597
their hope of getting a place
in a playoff spot
689
00:34:59,598 --> 00:35:01,473
might have to wait a little longer.
690
00:35:01,474 --> 00:35:02,808
Wrexham! Wrexham!
691
00:35:02,809 --> 00:35:05,561
I can't believe
there's only four minutes of added time,
692
00:35:05,562 --> 00:35:08,565
I've got to say, especially in a game
which has twisted and turned.
693
00:35:09,232 --> 00:35:12,401
Yeah, Wrexham really need
to dig in and get through this.
694
00:35:12,402 --> 00:35:14,153
Just relax, everybody, a bit!
695
00:35:14,154 --> 00:35:16,572
Rathbone lays it off, desperate stuff.
696
00:35:16,573 --> 00:35:20,160
Windass, long range shot, good power.
Good save by the keeper.
697
00:35:21,119 --> 00:35:23,287
Inswinging corner
from the right-hand side.
698
00:35:23,288 --> 00:35:24,956
O'Brien is on it. He signals.
699
00:35:25,915 --> 00:35:28,876
Sweeps it under the bar.
Keeper comes, punches one-handed.
700
00:35:28,877 --> 00:35:35,299
{\an8}It's driven in! What a finish by Windass!
It bounced so high, but he didn't care!
701
00:35:35,300 --> 00:35:40,512
{\an8}He volleys it in! Oh, that's…
That's a hit and a half, isn't it?
702
00:35:40,513 --> 00:35:44,224
Technique.
What a… What a hit.
703
00:35:44,225 --> 00:35:48,771
'Cause that bounce is up near his waist,
but he gets his body outside of the ball
704
00:35:48,772 --> 00:35:51,523
and he hits down on it,
which keeps it down.
705
00:35:51,524 --> 00:35:55,278
Arrowed across
and flies into the roof of the net.
706
00:35:56,237 --> 00:35:57,821
No celebration.
707
00:35:57,822 --> 00:36:00,074
Annoyed that he's not starting
this football match.
708
00:36:00,075 --> 00:36:02,869
But still, what a hit.
709
00:36:03,536 --> 00:36:06,289
Who are ya? Who are ya? Who are ya?
710
00:36:10,251 --> 00:36:11,252
Wrexham!
711
00:36:13,088 --> 00:36:16,256
Brilliant technique.
You felt like QPR were just cracking.
712
00:36:16,257 --> 00:36:18,467
They'll be so frustrated not to cling on.
713
00:36:18,468 --> 00:36:20,469
Come on, keep us going! Come on!
714
00:36:20,470 --> 00:36:22,388
Just under a minute probably left
in this game.
715
00:36:22,389 --> 00:36:23,931
- Are we gonna see a winner?
- Go for the win.
716
00:36:23,932 --> 00:36:25,392
Get up to the ball!
717
00:36:26,267 --> 00:36:28,936
Wrexham! Wrexham! Wrexham!
718
00:36:28,937 --> 00:36:30,479
Now a draw won't do.
719
00:36:30,480 --> 00:36:33,108
Wrexham need a win
to get into that playoff spot.
720
00:36:34,776 --> 00:36:38,946
Now here, Wrexham are pushing on again.
O'Brien helps it wide.
721
00:36:38,947 --> 00:36:41,366
And it's Windass driving
down the left-hand side.
722
00:36:42,117 --> 00:36:44,827
Fed back to Doyle,
Doyle chips into the box.
723
00:36:44,828 --> 00:36:48,914
There's a scramble, and Kolli just
smashes it to the halfway line.
724
00:36:48,915 --> 00:36:50,916
Boy, oh, boy.
725
00:36:50,917 --> 00:36:55,087
Rathbone now, whips it into the box
and its attack… Drops loose!
726
00:36:55,088 --> 00:36:58,090
Moore is there, can't quite get there.
It's hacked away.
727
00:36:58,091 --> 00:37:00,175
Rathbone. Constant this.
728
00:37:00,176 --> 00:37:02,344
We've got nine seconds left
of the four added minutes.
729
00:37:02,345 --> 00:37:05,014
Ref should add another minute on.
Rathbone long-ranger.
730
00:37:06,099 --> 00:37:10,728
Oh, my! Oh, my word!
What a goal by Rathbone!
731
00:37:10,729 --> 00:37:12,521
I love that man!
732
00:37:12,522 --> 00:37:15,983
{\an8}Ollie Rathbone, have my children!
Please, take them!
733
00:37:15,984 --> 00:37:18,193
{\an8}Oh… Sorry, Ben.
734
00:37:18,194 --> 00:37:21,406
You can't go with Ollie.
Oh, my God, though.
735
00:37:24,534 --> 00:37:27,286
You know, as a young lad
that's loved football all his life,
736
00:37:27,287 --> 00:37:29,998
you kind of literally grow up
picturing that moment.
737
00:37:30,749 --> 00:37:33,959
To be the one fortunate enough
to score the winner is
738
00:37:33,960 --> 00:37:35,628
just everything I've ever dreamed of.
739
00:37:37,005 --> 00:37:39,798
Okonkwo is up there
at the away end celebrating!
740
00:37:39,799 --> 00:37:42,718
Ollie Rathbone! Ollie Rathbone.
741
00:37:42,719 --> 00:37:45,804
{\an8} Well, I'm nearly
on Ollie Rathbone's back as well in here,
742
00:37:45,805 --> 00:37:48,223
{\an8}because that is sensational.
743
00:37:48,224 --> 00:37:51,977
QPR, what a disaster, but who cares?
744
00:37:51,978 --> 00:37:55,648
Ollie Rathbone, yet again,
off the bench with a goal.
745
00:37:56,441 --> 00:37:57,442
Impact.
746
00:37:59,152 --> 00:38:02,446
Wrexham in a playoff spot,
now who could believe?
747
00:38:02,447 --> 00:38:06,451
A holiday miracle
that only hope could conceive.
748
00:38:07,035 --> 00:38:08,660
That's a fucking huge win for us today.
749
00:38:08,661 --> 00:38:10,788
It gets us right in the fucking mix
and do you know what?
750
00:38:10,789 --> 00:38:12,539
It's because we've got
a fucking good team.
751
00:38:12,540 --> 00:38:17,586
We're in the playoff positions.
Who would ever believe it?
752
00:38:17,587 --> 00:38:20,172
Going through that is probably…
753
00:38:20,173 --> 00:38:22,549
My cardiologist will probably
have words to say to me,
754
00:38:22,550 --> 00:38:24,259
but now I am just delighted.
755
00:38:24,260 --> 00:38:27,095
♪ Oh, Ollie Rathbone
You are the love of my life ♪
756
00:38:27,096 --> 00:38:30,682
♪ Oh, Ollie Rathbone
I'd let you shag my wife ♪
757
00:38:30,683 --> 00:38:32,477
♪ Oh, Ollie Rathbone ♪
758
00:38:33,061 --> 00:38:35,395
I couldn't put it better myself,
to be honest.
759
00:38:35,396 --> 00:38:36,939
That… That's about it, really.
760
00:38:45,031 --> 00:38:48,116
{\an8}Football and-and Christmas in the UK
just go hand in hand, don't they?
761
00:38:48,117 --> 00:38:51,745
{\an8}They just… Everybody's up for it,
everybody's in the pub celebrating.
762
00:38:51,746 --> 00:38:54,706
Just to see grown adults in tears
because they're happy.
763
00:38:54,707 --> 00:38:58,335
And kids, and-and I couldn't believe,
like, how lucky we are as a town,
764
00:38:58,336 --> 00:39:00,587
and how lucky I am
as a local little business owner.
765
00:39:00,588 --> 00:39:04,091
And I get teary, I get emotional,
just like a Christmas morning,
766
00:39:04,092 --> 00:39:05,217
because you think, you know,
767
00:39:05,218 --> 00:39:07,678
I'm just like tens of thousands
of other Wrexham fans.
768
00:39:07,679 --> 00:39:09,638
That's all we are, is we're fans,
we put our money in,
769
00:39:09,639 --> 00:39:11,765
and we go in the hope
that we're gonna win football games.
770
00:39:11,766 --> 00:39:14,602
Life really couldn't get much better,
could it, as a Wrexham fan, you know?
771
00:39:15,603 --> 00:39:19,398
Wrexham's rise,
a second chance that burns like a flame,
772
00:39:19,399 --> 00:39:23,402
Not just on the pitch,
but in the hearts that bear its name.
773
00:39:25,071 --> 00:39:28,782
For the people of Wrexham
who struggle and persevere,
774
00:39:28,783 --> 00:39:33,871
Find hope in a comeback
that only comes this time of year.