The atmosphere surrounding Wrexham AFC has taken an unexpected turn this week after star player, one of the club’s recent signings, deleted all references to Wrexham from his social media accounts. The decision came in the aftermath of a wave of online trolling and criticism from fans, following the club’s frustrating 1–1 draw with Leicester City in the Championship.
The move has raised questions about the growing pressure footballers face in the digital age, Wrexham supporters’ expectations amid the club’s high-profile rise, and Longman’s own future at the Racecourse Ground.
The Match That Sparked the Backlash
Wrexham, currently competing in the Championship after their remarkable climb through the divisions, hosted Leicester City in what many saw as a benchmark test of their progress. The Foxes, recently relegated from the Premier League, arrived with strong pedigree and a squad packed with top-flight experience.
The game ended 1–1, which on paper is a respectable result for Wrexham. But the performance — particularly in the second half — left supporters frustrated. After Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalized for Wrexham following an early Leicester strike, the home side squandered several promising opportunities and looked shaky in possession.
Ryan Longman, who started on the wing, was singled out by many fans as one of the weakest performers. The 23-year-old struggled to create chances, misplaced several passes in key areas, and failed to track back effectively during Leicester counter-attacks. His lack of impact was glaring in a match where Wrexham needed their wide players to stretch the game.
Social Media Turns Sour
Within hours of the final whistle, criticism of Longman began flooding social platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. While some fans expressed disappointment in constructive terms, many took the opportunity to mock the winger, sharing clips of misplaced passes, sarcastic memes, and blunt assessments labeling him “the worst player in the squad.”
By Tuesday morning, Wrexham supporters noticed that Longman had wiped his social media accounts of any references to the club. His Instagram bio no longer mentioned Wrexham, and photos of him in the club’s kit were deleted. His Twitter banner and profile picture — previously featuring him celebrating in red — were replaced with neutral images.
This move immediately fueled speculation: was Longman simply reacting emotionally to fan abuse, or was it a signal of deeper discontent about his role at the club?
Who Is Ryan Longman?
For context, Longman is no stranger to the pressures of professional football. A product of Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy, he made his senior debut for AFC Wimbledon on loan before establishing himself at Hull City, where he became known for his pace, energy, and work ethic.
Wrexham acquired Longman during the summer transfer window as part of their strategy to strengthen the squad for the Championship challenge. Seen as a versatile wide player capable of operating on either flank, he was expected to bring dynamism and depth to the attack.
However, his adaptation has been uneven. While he has shown flashes of potential, inconsistency has plagued his performances, leading to frustration among sections of the fanbase who have grown accustomed to seeing marquee signings deliver immediately.
The Rise — and Pressure — of Wrexham
It’s impossible to analyze this incident without acknowledging the unique spotlight Wrexham find themselves under. Since the Hollywood takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club has transformed into a global phenomenon. The “Welcome to Wrexham” docuseries has given the team unprecedented exposure, making even routine Championship matches subject to global scrutiny.
With this newfound fame comes heightened expectations. Supporters, both local and international, now demand consistent performances. Players who fail to deliver are not just criticized within the confines of the Racecourse Ground but across millions of screens worldwide.
For Longman, who has not been a headline-grabbing signing compared to others, the scrutiny can feel especially harsh. Unlike stars such as Paul Mullin or new marquee additions, he faces the challenge of proving himself while being constantly compared to higher-profile teammates.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
The fanbase itself is split on the issue. While many believe Longman has not done enough to justify his place in the squad, others have condemned the level of trolling he received.
One supporter wrote on X: “Longman is just not Championship quality. He slows the game down, loses the ball, and offers nothing going forward.”
Another countered: “The abuse he’s getting is way too much. He had a poor game, yes, but deleting everything Wrexham-related shows how toxic things are becoming. He deserves better.”
This divide reflects a broader conversation about modern football fandom: where does legitimate criticism end and outright abuse begin?
The Mental Health Dimension
This episode also highlights the growing intersection between football, mental health, and social media. Modern players are under more scrutiny than ever, with every pass, tackle, and decision dissected online in real time.
Sports psychologists have repeatedly warned that younger players, in particular, can be vulnerable to the mental strain of online trolling. The act of deleting references to a club can often be a coping mechanism — an attempt to distance oneself from negativity.
High-profile footballers such as Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Dele Alli have all previously spoken about the emotional toll of online abuse. In Longman’s case, while he has not publicly commented, his actions suggest the criticism hit hard.
Silence From the Club
As of this writing, Wrexham AFC have not issued any official statement on the matter. Manager Phil Parkinson is expected to face questions about Longman’s situation in upcoming press conferences. Behind the scenes, it is likely the club is offering support and monitoring the player’s wellbeing.
The club has built a reputation under Reynolds and McElhenney for being family-oriented and protective of its players, so it would not be surprising if they step in to address the issue publicly.
What Does This Mean for Longman’s Future?
The big question now is whether Longman has a future at Wrexham. Deleting social media references to the club does not necessarily mean a player is leaving, but it can indicate disillusionment.
With the January transfer window only months away, speculation will grow over whether he could be moved on — either on loan or permanently. Some Championship clubs in need of pace on the wings may still see him as a useful addition. Alternatively, he may choose to fight for his place and prove doubters wrong, but that will require resilience and an improvement in form.
Much will depend on how Parkinson and his coaching staff handle the situation. Offering support while also challenging Longman to step up could be the balance required.
Lessons for Modern Football
Beyond Longman’s individual case, this situation is a reminder of the unique pressures of playing for a club like Wrexham in the modern era. Players are not only expected to perform on the pitch but also to withstand intense global scrutiny off it.
Clubs must do more to protect their athletes, and fans must reflect on the impact of their words online. Constructive criticism is part of football, but relentless trolling risks damaging players’ confidence and mental health.
Conclusion
Ryan Longman’s decision to delete all references to Wrexham from his social media accounts may seem like a small act, but it carries weight in today’s footballing culture. It is a visible sign of the strain players face under the glare of both local and international supporters.
For Wrexham, the incident highlights the challenges of balancing expectation with empathy. For Longman, it may serve as a crossroads in his career — either motivating him to silence critics with improved performances or pushing him toward a new chapter elsewhere.
