When Wrexham travelled to face Leicester City, many fans saw it as another opportunity for the club to test themselves against high-quality opposition. The fixture was expected to provide a stern examination of Wrexham’s resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to compete at a higher standard. In the end, the game finished in a 1–1 draw, with Leicester’s James opening the scoring in the 36th minute before Broadhead equalised for Wrexham in the 77th minute.
On paper, this was a solid result — a draw against a former Premier League side packed with technical quality. Yet, the headlines emerging after the match were not about Broadhead’s goal or the positives from the performance. Instead, much of the fan reaction focused on the glaring struggles of one player: Ryan Longman. His display, riddled with errors and questionable decision-making, has sparked widespread criticism among Wrexham supporters. Many now believe his time at the club should come to an end.
This report dives into the details of Longman’s performance, the fans’ reactions, and what this situation could mean for both the player and the club moving forward.
Match Context
The clash between Leicester and Wrexham was always going to be challenging. Leicester, even outside of the Premier League, maintain a deep squad filled with pace, pressing ability, and tactical sharpness. For Wrexham, the test was to hold their shape defensively while also looking for opportunities to counter-attack.
The game began competitively, with Wrexham managing to frustrate Leicester for stretches of the first half. However, defensive cracks began to show, and Ryan Longman’s name was at the centre of those concerns. His positioning often left Wrexham vulnerable down the flank, while his lack of composure on the ball disrupted Wrexham’s rhythm in transition.
By the time Leicester took the lead through James in the 36th minute, much of the frustration in the stands and online was already being directed at Longman.
Ryan Longman’s Performance Breakdown
1. Positional Errors
One of the clearest issues in Longman’s performance was his defensive positioning. Against a side like Leicester, maintaining compact defensive lines is crucial. Longman, however, frequently drifted out of position. At times he pushed too high, leaving space behind him for Leicester’s wide players to exploit. On other occasions, he tucked too far inside, failing to track runners down the wing.
Fans pointed out that many of Leicester’s most dangerous attacks stemmed from Longman’s flank. While not directly responsible for James’ goal, his poor anticipation contributed to the sustained pressure that allowed Leicester to build momentum.
2. Sloppy Passing
A hallmark of Wrexham’s recent success has been their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack. That requires players who can keep the ball under pressure and distribute it intelligently. Longman, unfortunately, struggled badly in this area.
Multiple passes went astray, either underhit or overhit, killing counter-attacking opportunities before they developed. On at least two occasions, he gave the ball away cheaply in his own half, handing Leicester dangerous opportunities. Supporters were quick to highlight these mistakes as unacceptable at this level.
3. Lack of Confidence in Attack
Longman was signed with the expectation that he could provide attacking width and penetration. Yet, against Leicester, he looked hesitant going forward. Instead of driving at defenders or delivering early crosses, he often cut back or played safe sideways passes. This slowed down Wrexham’s tempo and left Broadhead isolated up front.
When he did attempt to take players on, his dribbles frequently ended with him being dispossessed. Fans watching grew increasingly frustrated with his inability to provide any spark on the wing.
4. Body Language and Attitude
While statistics and technical details are one part of the equation, body language often tells its own story. Several fans noted that Longman appeared disinterested or lacking in urgency. In high-pressure moments, he was slow to track back or close down opponents.
For a club like Wrexham, whose rise has been fuelled by relentless effort and determination, such lapses in commitment stand out even more.
Fan Reaction
The backlash from Wrexham fans was swift and unforgiving. Social media channels were filled with criticism of Longman’s display, with many calling for him to be dropped immediately — or even sold altogether.
Common themes in fan comments included:
- “He offers nothing in attack or defence — what’s the point of playing him?”
- “Every time he gets the ball, the move breaks down.”
- “We’ve seen enough. He’s the worst player in this squad.”
- “Broadhead saved him tonight — if not for the equaliser, Longman would be the full story of this game.”
It is rare for supporters to turn so quickly and collectively against a player, but the frustration had clearly been building for some time. This performance against Leicester seems to have been the tipping point.
Comparisons Within the Squad
Another reason fans are so critical is because other players in the squad have consistently stepped up. Broadhead’s goal showed his sharpness and determination, while the midfield displayed grit to keep Leicester at bay. Compared to these performances, Longman’s weaknesses looked even more glaring.
Supporters argue that younger, hungrier players deserve a chance in his position. They believe the team dynamic would improve significantly if Longman were replaced with someone more reliable and energetic.
The Manager’s Dilemma
For Wrexham’s manager, this situation presents a difficult decision. On the one hand, dropping Longman immediately would appease the fans and potentially strengthen the side. On the other, doing so risks damaging the player’s confidence completely and losing squad depth.
Managers often value loyalty and perseverance, but in football, results and fan sentiment carry enormous weight. If Longman continues to underperform, keeping him in the lineup could harm the club both on the pitch and in the stands.
What This Means for Longman’s Future
It is becoming increasingly clear that Ryan Longman faces a crossroads in his Wrexham career. To win back the fans, he will need to deliver a complete turnaround in performances — showing defensive discipline, sharper passing, and much more aggression in attack.
If not, the calls for his exit will only grow louder. In the modern football landscape, fan pressure often influences club decisions, especially at ambitious clubs like Wrexham.
Broader Implications for Wrexham
The backlash against Longman highlights a wider truth about Wrexham’s current status. The club has risen in profile dramatically, attracting worldwide attention and higher expectations. With that rise comes far less patience for underperforming players.
A few years ago, a bad performance might have gone under the radar. Now, with global supporters and heightened ambitions, mistakes are magnified. Every player must match the club’s vision and intensity — or risk being left behind.
Conclusion
The 1–1 draw with Leicester could have been remembered as a strong performance against a higher-level opponent. Instead, it has become defined by the struggles of Ryan Longman. His positional errors, sloppy passing, and lack of attacking impact have led fans to conclude that he is the weakest link in the squad.
The message from supporters is clear: they have seen enough. Unless Longman delivers a dramatic improvement, his future at Wrexham looks increasingly uncertain. For a club with ambitions of climbing further up the football pyramid, there is little room for passengers.
In the end, Broadhead’s equaliser may have salvaged a point on the night — but for Ryan Longman, it may not be enough to salvage his standing among the fans.
