'I didn't think I'd return to Wrexham'

Forward Nathan Broadhead reflects on new landscape in north Wales before big clash with Cardiff in Carabao Cup

- Will Unwin

I want to get north Wales back up there and hopefully one day I can get them to the Premier League,” says Wrexham’s record signing, Nathan Broadhead.

Back at the club after a 17-year absence, he did not miss a clash with Cardiff in that time but the rivals renew acquaintances in the Carabao Cup tonight, with the Red Dragons looking down on the boys from the Welsh capital.

The enmity between Wrexham and Cardiff has cooled given they have not faced each other since a Welsh Cup semifinal in 2004 and last met in the league in March 2002 but a lively atmosphere can be expected at Stok Cae Ras in the battle for a quarterfinal spot. The two passed each other this summer, when Wrexham continued their journey up the leagues to the Championship, while the Bluebirds dropped into the third tier for the first time in 22 years.

Broadhead is a fan of his hometown club Bangor City but was brought up in a household with affection for tonight's opponents, including his dad. “I know quite a few Cardiff fans and there’s a lot of people who support Cardiff, and go to watch Cardiff from Bangor,” says Broadhead, who will mute a few WhatsApp groups this week. “They all say the same thing, telling me not to score. Hopefully I do score, but I’m just happy to be part of it.”