Wrexham AFC are riding a wave of momentum, both on and off the pitch, as the club’s men’s and women’s teams chase down silverware and historic milestones in a season that’s been anything but ordinary. From dramatic victories in the EFL Championship to a global fanbase rallying behind the women’s squad in their bid for the Adran Trophy, the Red Dragons’ faithful have plenty to cheer about — and a few nerves to steady as key injuries and contract news shape the club’s immediate future.
Tuesday night at the STōK Cae Ras saw Wrexham’s men’s side notch a vital 2–1 win over Portsmouth, a result that keeps Phil Parkinson’s team firmly in the EFL Championship playoff spots. The home crowd erupted in the 23rd minute when Sam Smith powered in a header to break the deadlock. Not to be outdone, Max Cleworth doubled the advantage with a well-placed header of his own just before halftime. Portsmouth’s Zak Swanson managed to halve the deficit late on, but the Red Dragons showed grit to see out the win — a trait that’s become increasingly familiar to their supporters this season.
“Every point matters at this stage,” Parkinson said after the match, his satisfaction clear despite the late scare. “We’ve shown resilience when it counts, and that’s what playoff contenders need.” The numbers back him up: Wrexham have now won five of their nine league matches since the turn of the year, solidifying their place in sixth with 54 points from 34 games. That’s a three-point cushion over Preston North End in seventh, and with Millwall just two points ahead and a game in hand, the race for a top-six finish is wide open.
The club’s recent run is all the more impressive considering the adversity they’ve faced. On Saturday, midfielder Ben Sheaf suffered a significant knee injury during Wrexham’s 5–3 thriller over Ipswich Town. The news, confirmed by Parkinson on Monday, is a blow for the squad’s depth. “Ben’s not looking good and that’s a real blow for us,” Parkinson admitted. “As much as there was a feeling of excitement after the win; the coaching staff and I had that always in the back our minds. The initial prognosis is it will be 10 weeks and a damaged medial ligament. We know have to move on and Ben will get the best possible treatment.”
Sheaf, who joined from Coventry City last summer, had become a key figure in midfield, and his absence will test the Red Dragons’ resilience as they push for a playoff berth and a shot at Premier League promotion. Yet, the club wasted no time ensuring stability in the engine room. Just hours after the injury update, Wrexham announced new long-term deals for midfield stalwarts Ollie Rathbone and George Dobson, tying both to the club until the end of the 2028 season.
Rathbone, 29, has bounced back impressively from a serious ankle injury suffered during the club’s preseason tour of Australia and New Zealand. Since returning in December, the Manchester United academy product has tallied six goals in 16 appearances, bringing his league total to eight in 42 matches for Wrexham. “I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract. It’s a special day for me and my family. I’m over the moon,” Rathbone said, beaming with pride. “My time here has been great so far. It’s probably the best football I’ve played in my career. I want to keep playing, keep improving, and create more special moments for this club.”
Dobson, 28, has been a model of consistency, missing just three of Wrexham’s 33 league games this season and contributing three goals in 83 overall appearances. The former Charlton Athletic captain, who also played under Parkinson at Sunderland, reflected on his journey: “It’s been an amazing 19 months. I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a fantastic journey so far. I’m delighted to extend, and hopefully we can create many more special memories.”
Parkinson was quick to praise both players, emphasizing their importance to the club’s culture and ambitions. “They’re both really good lads, and good players, who’ve made significant contributions for us last year and this season. They both typify what we want at the club — they play with real heart and commitment every single game, and it’s great that they’ve got new deals.”
Looking ahead, Wrexham’s fixture list is relentless: a trip to Charlton on February 28, a high-profile FA Cup home clash with Chelsea on March 7, and crucial league ties against Hull City, Swansea City, and Sheffield United before the March international break. The Chelsea match, in particular, looms large — the oldest club in Wales will be underdogs, but as fans know all too well, the magic of the cup can produce surprises.
Speaking of the FA Cup, Wrexham fans are being given a voice in shaping the club’s future ambitions. The Athletic UK has launched a survey (open until February 27) to gauge supporter sentiment on the importance of the FA Cup, whether fans would prefer a trophy or a Champions League spot, and their views on the club’s leadership. With the fifth round fast approaching and Wembley just two wins away, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Meanwhile, the excitement isn’t limited to the men’s side. Wrexham Women are on the cusp of their own history, facing Cardiff City in the Adran Trophy final in Bangor. Head coach Jenny Sugarman credits the team’s global support — especially from North America — as a source of inspiration. “Part of the reason that I came to this club was the backing and the support both from internally and the support group,” Sugarman explained. “The fact that that isn’t just local to Wrexham and is worldwide is amazing and I think particularly we have a big following in North America and they’re very vocal online.”
With a Welsh Cup semi-final against Cardiff on the horizon and a top-of-the-table league clash with the same rivals just six days after the final, the Dragons are eyeing a potential treble. Sugarman, however, is keeping her squad focused: “The priority right now is the cup final and then come Monday, the priority will be the league game and then following that, the priority will be the semi-final. So you can only look one game ahead.” She added, “The ability to be consistent in our work, but also have some variety, have some adaptability will be really important. But also the psychological and mental side of it — one result doesn’t impact the next two.”
With global attention, passionate players, and a packed schedule, Wrexham’s story this season is one of ambition, resilience, and unity. As the club’s men’s and women’s squads chase glory, supporters from Wrexham to North America and beyond will be holding their breath, hoping that the next special moment is just around the corner.