From construction labourer to record-breaking goal scorer
In short: Before signing professional contracts and breaking club records, Josh Windass spent his days working in construction. His journey from the non-league circuit to the heights of the English Championship is a remarkable study in persistence and professional evolution.
Joshua Dean Windass's path to professional football was far from linear. After a decade in the Huddersfield Town youth system, he was released in April 2012. He briefly trialled with Bradford City before entering the semi-professional ranks with Harrogate Railway Athletic in December 2012. During this period, he balanced his burgeoning football career with manual labour as a construction worker.
His professional ascent accelerated in July 2013 when he signed with Accrington Stanley. A pivotal moment in his career occurred in November 2015, when, acting on his father's advice, he turned down a new contract at the club. This decision paved the way for a move to the Scottish giants Rangers in July 2016. The transfer, which included a reported £60,000 compensation fee, saw him become a significant figure in Glasgow, finishing the 2017–18 season as the club's joint top scorer with 18 goals.
Windass later became a central figure at Sheffield Wednesday. After a period on loan, his move became permanent in September 2020. He eventually became the club's leading goal scorer of the 21st century, surpassing Marcus Tudgay's record with 53 goals. Despite facing recurring hamstring injuries, his impact was undeniable, earning him spots in the EFL League One Team of the Season and multiple player of the month awards.
Now playing for Wrexham in the EFL Championship, Windass continues to demonstrate his versatility as both an attacking midfielder and forward. Interestingly, the prolific scorer maintains a stoic approach to his success, noting that he rarely celebrates goals in the moment, preferring instead to watch the replays later.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Josh Windass
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