Veteran striker Jay Rodriguez is on the brink of a rare honour: collecting promotion medals from two different clubs in the same season. The 35‑year‑old began the campaign at Burnley, making twelve Championship appearances and scoring four goals before joining Wrexham on loan in January. Those early contributions helped the Clarets clinch immediate Premier League return, satisfying the EFL’s ten‑game threshold for a medal. Since landing in north Wales Rodriguez has proved equally decisive, notching eight goals in sixteen League One outings, including a crucial equaliser at Lincoln that steadied the promotion march.
League regulations award medals to anyone with ten appearances, so barring injury the marksman will pocket a second piece of silverware. Only Chris Iwelumo in 2008 and Ben Davies in 2021 have previously achieved the feat. Rodriguez credits Paul Mullin’s mentorship and Wrexham’s possession‑centric style, which mirrors Vincent Kompany’s approach at Burnley, for his smooth transition. Off the field he embraced Hollywood glare, joining Ryan Reynolds for a promotional shoot that aired during an NFL broadcast, further boosting the club’s American profile.
Burnley fans hold no grudges; Turf Moor erupted in applause when his name was announced at their own title party, and Kompany sent a congratulatory video to Wrexham’s dressing room. Supporters at the Racecourse have launched a petition urging a permanent deal, and Rodriguez says he’ll decide his future after a family holiday. Wherever he ends up the season of double glory is destined for the trivia books.
