Chris Wreh: A Man in Demand

Following in the footsteps of his father, Chris Wreh (son of former Arsenal and Monaco striker Christopher Wreh) has a lot to live up to. Whilst not yet reaching the levels his father once did, Chris Wreh is firing in the goals for Southern League Premier Central side Banbury United and is hoping to make a name for himself.

Chris Wreh has spent the vast majority of his career playing at non-league level. Despite brief spells at Arsenal and Northampton Town at academy level, he’s not quite been able to make the step up to the pro game just yet…

His dad, Christopher Wreh, played a big part in Arsenal’s FA Cup win in 1998. Wreh Jnr admits that Wreh Snr is a big reason for who he is today, on and off the pitch. When asked about his dad, Chris said:

“He was more a father figure than just a footballer. He helped me out a lot and always wanted me to do well in whatever I tried.

“Regarding football, a lot of time was spent in the garden or fields working on me becoming a better player.”

The extra work him and his dad put in over the years has been there for all to see this season, with Wreh’s goals helping Banbury storm to the Southern League Premier Central title, a promotion that sees Banbury step into the sixth tier of English football for the first time in their history. Wreh put a lot of the team’s success, and his own personal achievements, of the season down to his manager, Andy Whing.

“A lot of our success has come from style of play and tactics from the manager.

“Whingy’s had a big impact on me this year, setting me a lot of mini targets, goals and setting out what I need to work on as a player.

“He’s always on my case, wanting me to push on and succeed, as he trusts my ability and wants me to progress up the leagues. Above all, he’s also an all-round nice guy and wants the best for me, which I appreciate.”

Andy Whing returned the praise for the striker. In a buoyant mood, speaking just days before his side secured promotion with a 1-1 draw against Tamworth, the Banbury manager explained how important Wreh was for Banbury, whilst also admitting that his striker is prone to being late!

“Chris Wreh has been fantastic for us both on and off the pitch. He’s a real bubbly character off the pitch and him and Ben Acquaye are a great double team even if they are sometimes late.

“On the pitch he’s a real focal point for us in terms of his hold up play and his ability to score goals out of nothing. He’s always looking to improve, asking questions and watching his game back which bodes well for his future.”

Former Northampton Town and Shrewsbury Town centre back, Kelvin Langmead, who now plays for the Spencers, was also full of compliments for Chris Wreh. Talking to him the day prior to the promotion game against Tamworth, it became clear just how important Chris Wreh was.

“Chris is an important part of the dressing room and isn’t afraid to make his voice heard. The vast majority of players here are the same. The collective attitude of the dressing room has been incredible.

“Chris has been the striker we needed. We needed someone who would come in and score twenty plus goals. Any team who has ambitions to be successful needs one.

“He has the gift of natural ability. He does things that you go, wow, where did that come from? Some of his goals this season are testament to that. It’s up to him how far he can go as I’ve no doubt he can play higher, and I’m sure he will.”

Playing at a higher level is no doubt something that is on the mind of every footballer who wants to be successful. This is the same with Chris Wreh, who has been stuck in non-league for long enough. Having scored goals for fun at Dunstable Town, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, and now Banbury, it’s surely a matter of time before he gets his opportunity in the pro game. Wreh will be in high demand in the summer, and spoke about what may happen.

“To be honest with you, of course it’s a dream of mine to be professional, but right now I’m a Banbury player. I’ll continue to work hard and do my best for the club. Things have been great here.

“We’ve been winning, which has been really enjoyable and long may it continue.”

Banbury United have had a season like no other. They have recorded their highest finish ever and, for only the third time in their history, they reached the first round of the FA Cup – only this time, it was televised. Live on ITV against League Two outfit AFC Barrow, Chris Wreh and Banbury had the chance to impress in front of Arsenal legend Ian Wright and almost 2000 Banbury fans. Although Banbury lost 0-4, it allowed Chris Wreh to get the publicity he needed. Reflecting on the season, Wreh immediately went to the magic of the cup.

“On a personal level, the ITV game was a massive highlight of my season – despite the result.

“As a group, I’d say the Coalville or Hednesford games, as they were big turning points in our season! I’ve scored a few deciding goals this season which has been nice.”

The 20-goal man concluded by making a gesture of thanks towards the Banbury fans, something which indicates the community feel around the club.

“Promotion means everything to us.

“The fans deserve it. They’ve been our twelfth man this season and have been fantastic, following us to away games that are over four hours away. Top tier!”