Overview
Josh Windass, born on January 9, 1994, in Hull, England, is a versatile English professional footballer primarily known for his attacking contributions from midfield or as a forward. Standing at 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in), Windass possesses a dynamic playing style characterized by his energy, directness, and ability to impact the game in the final third. His career has seen him feature for several clubs across the English Football League and in the Scottish Premiership, establishing a reputation as a player capable of both creating and scoring goals.
Position
While often listed as a midfielder, Windass typically operates in more advanced roles. He is adept at playing as an attacking midfielder, a second striker, or even on either wing. This positional flexibility allows managers to deploy him in various offensive systems, leveraging his strong running and eye for goal. His ability to drift into pockets of space between the opposition's midfield and defence, combined with his willingness to make runs beyond the main striker, makes him a difficult player to mark.
Identity
Windass's on-field identity is defined by his attacking impetus and work rate. He is a player who consistently looks to drive forward, either with the ball at his feet or by making intelligent off-the-ball movements. His aggressive approach to attacking play, coupled with a notable competitive spirit, often sees him involved in key moments for his team. While not a traditional holding midfielder, his contributions in pressing from the front and tracking back when necessary also form part of his overall game, making him a useful asset in both offensive and defensive transitions.
Career path
Josh Windass's football journey began in the youth ranks before progressing through non-league football to establish himself in the professional game. His path reflects a determination to climb the football pyramid, making an impact at each level.
Accrington Stanley
After periods in various youth setups, including Huddersfield Town and Rangers, Windass made his senior breakthrough at Accrington Stanley. He joined the club in July 2013, initially on a non-contract basis, before signing a professional deal. His time at Accrington saw him develop significantly, culminating in an impressive 2015–16 season where his performances attracted attention from higher-tier clubs. He made 70 appearances for Accrington Stanley, scoring 23 goals across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Rangers
In January 2016, Windass signed a pre-contract agreement with Scottish Premiership club Rangers, officially joining them in the summer of 2016 [Wikipedia]. His move to Ibrox marked a significant step up in his career, offering him the chance to play at a higher level and experience European football. During his two seasons with Rangers, Windass became a key attacking player, scoring 19 goals in 79 appearances before his departure in 2018 [Transfermarkt].
Wigan Athletic
Windass returned to English football in August 2018, signing for Championship side Wigan Athletic [Wikipedia]. His tenure at Wigan was marked by consistent effort and periods of strong form, though the club faced challenges during his time there. He remained with Wigan for a season and a half, making 48 appearances and scoring 5 goals [Transfermarkt], before moving on in the January transfer window.
Sheffield Wednesday
In January 2020, Windass joined Sheffield Wednesday, initially on loan, before making the move permanent in the summer of 2020 [Wikipedia]. He quickly became an integral part of the team, known for his attacking flair and crucial goal contributions. His versatility has been particularly valued, as he has been deployed in various forward and attacking midfield roles. He played a significant role in Sheffield Wednesday's promotion campaigns, notably scoring the winning goal in the 2023 League One play-off final [EFL]. As of May 2026, he remains a key player for the Owls.
Playing style
Josh Windass's playing style is characterized by his dynamic attacking approach, combining technical ability with a high work rate. He primarily operates as an attacking midfielder or a second striker, roles that allow him to influence proceedings in the final third.
Attacking Versatility
Windass is adept at playing across various offensive positions. His ability to operate centrally behind a main striker, or wide on either flank, stems from his strong understanding of space and movement. He frequently drifts into channels, seeking to receive the ball between the lines or make runs in behind the opposition defence. This positional fluidity makes him difficult for defenders to track and allows him to exploit various areas of the pitch [WhoScored].
Goalscoring Threat
One of Windass's most notable attributes is his eye for goal. He possesses a powerful right-footed shot and is not afraid to shoot from distance. His goal tally throughout his career, particularly during his time at Accrington Stanley, Rangers, and Sheffield Wednesday, highlights his consistent threat in front of goal [FBref]. He is also proficient at arriving late in the box to convert crosses or rebounds, demonstrating good anticipation and predatory instincts.
Work Rate and Pressing
Beyond his attacking contributions, Windass is known for his commitment to defensive duties, particularly his pressing from the front. He actively engages in winning the ball back high up the pitch, putting pressure on opposition defenders and goalkeepers. This tireless work rate contributes to his team's overall defensive structure and can often lead to turnovers in dangerous areas. His energy levels are consistently high, allowing him to maintain intensity throughout a match [Sofascore].
Comparison
Comparatively, Windass shares some stylistic traits with players known for their attacking midfield versatility and goalscoring prowess from deeper positions. While distinct in his profile, elements of his game could be likened to players such as a younger Dele Alli, known for his late runs into the box and knack for goals, or even a player like Ross Barkley, who combines physicality with attacking intent.
Achievements & honours
Josh Windass has accumulated several notable achievements and honours throughout his career, marking significant milestones with his respective clubs. His contributions have been instrumental in securing promotions and silverware, particularly during his tenures in Scottish football and with Sheffield Wednesday.
One of his most significant achievements came during the 2022-2023 season with Sheffield Wednesday, where he played a pivotal role in the club's promotion back to the EFL Championship. Windass scored the dramatic winning goal in the 123rd minute of the League One play-off final against Barnsley at Wembley Stadium, securing a 1-0 victory for the Owls [EFL]. This goal cemented his place in the club's history and was a testament to his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
While at Rangers, Windass was part of the squad that competed in the Scottish Premiership and reached cup finals. His consistent performances in Scotland helped solidify his reputation as a potent attacking force.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EFL League One Play-offs | Sheffield Wednesday | 2023 |
International career
As of May 2026, Josh Windass has not received any call-ups or caps for the senior England national team. His career has primarily focused on club football in England and Scotland, where he has established himself as a consistent performer in various leagues.
Eligibility for international representation is typically determined by the player's nationality and their performance at club level. Being born in Hull, England [Wikipedia], Windass is eligible to represent England. However, the competition for places in the England squad, particularly in attacking midfield and forward positions, is notably high, with numerous players from the Premier League and top European leagues vying for selection.
While Windass has demonstrated his goalscoring ability and versatility at club level, his career trajectory has not yet led to international recognition at the senior level. National team managers often look for players consistently performing at the highest domestic and European levels, which means players in the Championship or lower divisions, while impactful for their clubs, face a significant challenge in breaking into the national setup.
There have been no public reports or indications of Windass being considered for England's youth teams or senior squads by The Football Association [The FA]. His focus has remained on his club commitments, where he continues to be a key player, particularly for Sheffield Wednesday.
What makes Josh Windass stand out
Josh Windass stands out primarily due to his unique blend of attacking versatility, decisive goalscoring ability, and unwavering work rate. Unlike many traditional midfielders, Windass offers a genuine goal threat from multiple positions, making him a perpetual headache for opposition defences. His capacity to operate effectively as a number ten, a wide attacker, or even a secondary striker means he provides tactical flexibility that many managers value highly.
His knack for scoring crucial goals in high-stakes matches is another defining trait. The most prominent example is his extra-time winner in the 2023 League One play-off final, a moment that epitomizes his composure and ability to deliver when it matters most. This characteristic sets him apart as a player who thrives under pressure and can be relied upon to produce match-winning moments.
Beyond his technical attributes, Windass's competitive spirit and relentless energy are key to his appeal. He is not just an attacking player; he contributes significantly to his team's pressing schemes, often initiating defensive actions high up the pitch. This combination of offensive prowess and defensive commitment ensures he is a full participant in all phases of play.
"He's a player who can hurt you in so many ways. He's got pace, he's got power, and he's got an eye for goal. Critically, he works for the team."