Hull City legend Dean Windass has often expressed pride in his son Josh, who currently plays for Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham
Hull City legend Dean Windass has expressed his pride after watching his son Josh play a pivotal role in Wrexham’s Boxing Day victory over Sheffield United. The 31-year-old forward netted a crucial second-half penalty as his side secured a 5-3 win in an entertaining festive clash at the Racecourse Ground.
The ex-Sheffield Wednesday player has been among Wrexham’s standout performers under Phil Parkinson in the Championship this campaign, bagging seven goals and contributing three assists. Watching on TV, Windass Snr couldn’t contain his pleasure after the final whistle. Posting on X, he wrote: “Proud dad again xx another assist and a goal x”.
Whilst his happiness was evident, Josh has previously revealed how life hasn’t always been straightforward whilst growing up in the shadow of one of Hull‘s most legendary players. He has spoken frankly about the preconceptions he encountered whilst attempting to build his own career, also highlighting the stark contrasts between himself and his father.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Post in May 2023, Josh said: “Everyone says you only get clubs because of your old man. Growing up it was always that but you don’t play for Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday if you haven’t got ability.
“It’s not annoying but you get judged off his personality when we’re completely different people. It was a little bit hard for me growing up because people just assume you’re the same character. I don’t drink, he’s an alcoholic, we’re two different people.”
The father-son relationship was thrust into the spotlight earlier this year following the public revelation of Dean’s dementia diagnosis. In a surprising disclosure in March, Josh admitted he hadn’t been told about his father’s condition directly, instead finding out through his Sheffield Wednesday teammate Max Lowe.
Speaking to The Sun, Josh said: “I found out in a coffee shop. Max said, ‘Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia’ and I thought, ‘Oh, that’s news to me.’ He’s well loved within the football community. He’s a bit of a nutter and people like that about people.”
Josh added: “I don’t think he’s struggling too badly. I speak sometimes to my brother, who is keeping tabs on him. He’s sound. When news like this comes out people always think the worst.
“But it’s not a severe grade at the minute and he’s not having too many problems. The first thing I asked was if he still knew my name and he did, so I didn’t ask him too many questions.”
However, Dean has always been open about the emotions stirred by watching his son’s footballing journey, especially during Josh’s two-year stint at Rangers between 2016 and 2018. Recalling the moment he saw Josh take to the pitch at Ibrox, Dean confessed it moved him to tears.
He said: “When I first went to watch him at Glasgow Rangers I was the proudest man. People say when I scored the goal at Wembley that my dad was the proudest man in Hull…I realise now.
“Watching my son walking out for one of the biggest clubs in the country, with the best fanbase that you’ll probably ever meet in your life – I was so proud.”
Those feelings have come flooding back lately after speculation emerged surrounding Josh’s future at Wrexham. Despite putting pen to paper on a three-year contract at the club back in July, reports have emerged suggesting former club Rangers are keeping tabs on him ahead of the January transfer window.
Dean addressed the rumours on social media earlier this week, sharing a screenshot of an article about a possible return to Ibrox alongside a shrug emoji and a football emoji in a post that quickly grabbed fans’ attention. Josh has been crucial for Wrexham this season as they aim to establish themselves at Championship level.
He previously flourished under current Rangers manager Danny Röhl at Sheffield Wednesday and has spoken warmly about the German boss’s impact. However, Wrexham are believed to be resolute in retaining their key player, with reports indicating an initial loan enquiry has already been rejected.