Natasha Thomas: Forward hoping Jamaica experience can help Wrexham continue rapid rise

Thomas spent over a decade at Ipswich following a 2015 move from Lowestoft Town.

She is the Suffolk club’s record appearance maker and all-time top scorer, having scored 175 goals in 260 appearances for the Tractor Girls.

“I probably turned down a lot of opportunities to go elsewhere,” Thomas said.

“That was probably because of the family unit I had at Ipswich at that point.

“I made a lot of memories and they taught me a lot and I’m happy that they’ve done that because I can bring that here at Wrexham and help push where we need to go.”

Thomas has joined a team that became semi-professional in 2023 and last season won the Welsh title – the Adran Premier – for the first time.

That meant Wrexham qualified for the Women’s Champions League, one of the factors behind Thomas’ decision to join the north Wales club.

“It was one of the reasons, but not the main reason,” Thomas added.

“I’ve played for Jamaica so I can help and support Wrexham themselves with that.

“But ultimately it was the staff themselves and I had a look around The Rock and the Racecourse.

“For me it was what they said we could bring here and I think I can be a part of that and help support that as well.

“There is a lot going on but I think everyone’s relishing that and for us it’s probably a big part of our journey.”