WREXHAM, Wales -- Wrexham has done it! The Red Dragons secured a historic third consecutive promotion to the EFL Championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at Stok Cae Ras on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This remarkable achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the club but also makes them the first team in English football history to achieve three successive promotions.
Phil Parkinson's squad clinched second place in League One, ensuring their place in the second tier next season alongside runaway leaders Birmingham City. The excitement in the stadium was palpable, with nearly 13,000 fans packed into the stands to witness this momentous occasion.
Earlier in the day, Wrexham's promotion hopes were bolstered by Wycombe Wanderers' 1-0 defeat to Leyton Orient, which meant that a win against Charlton would secure their automatic promotion. With the stakes high, Wrexham delivered a performance worthy of the occasion. Ollie Rathbone opened the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by a quick goal from Sam Smith just three minutes later. Smith, who is also Wrexham's record signing at £2 million ($2.7 million), sealed the victory with a third goal in the 81st minute.
After the final whistle, the atmosphere erupted as jubilant fans flooded the pitch, waving banners that proclaimed "Back to back to back." Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were in attendance, celebrating the club's ascent from the National League to the Championship in just three years.
Reynolds expressed his ambitions for the club, stating, "Our goal is to make it to the Premier League. It just seemed like an impossible dream when buying the club in February 2021, but as storytellers, you look as much as you can at the macro view of history." He highlighted the club's rich heritage and the aspirations that drive their journey.
McElhenney echoed Reynolds' sentiments, emphasizing the need to savor the moment before shifting focus to next season. "That's for tomorrow. Today is just for enjoying the moment. We can leave it until 12:01!" he said, reflecting the joy of the occasion.
Wrexham's manager, Phil Parkinson, who has a wealth of experience including three previous promotions with Colchester, Bradford, and Bolton, acknowledged the challenges ahead in the Championship. "We will take the Championship full-on, just as we have done in recent years. It is going to be a huge challenge," he warned. He praised the team's mentality and adaptability, stating, "The mentality in the group was so strong. We focused tonight, and when the third goal went in, it was just a perfect moment."
The victory over Charlton capped off an impressive season for Wrexham, who finished with 89 points after 45 games. They will officially join Birmingham City in the Championship, marking the first time since the 1981-82 season that the Red Dragons will compete at this level. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Wrexham's management is committed to strengthening the squad in preparation for the rigors of the Championship.
Wrexham's rise has not only captured the hearts of local fans but also attracted international attention, largely due to the popular docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham". The club's co-owners have leveraged this newfound fame to enhance Wrexham's global appeal. Reynolds, who has become a prominent figure in the club's narrative, has engaged with fans in various ways, even serving drinks at the local Turf pub on match days.
As Wrexham prepares for its final game of the season against Lincoln City on May 3, 2025, the focus will shift to solidifying their position in the Championship. Despite the celebrations, the management understands that the journey is far from over.
With the support of their passionate fanbase and the Hollywood duo at the helm, Wrexham's ambitions extend beyond mere survival in the Championship. The club's leadership is determined to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for promotion to the Premier League in the coming years.
As the dust settles on this historic achievement, one thing is clear: Wrexham is on the rise, and the football world will be watching closely as they embark on this exciting new chapter.
