Wrexham are on the verge of making history, as they secured their third consecutive promotion with a stunning 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This triumph not only solidifies their second-place finish in EFL League One but also sets the stage for their return to the Championship, marking their first appearance in the second tier since the end of the 1981-82 season.
The club's meteoric rise has captured the attention of football fans worldwide, especially since the acquisition by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in February 2021 for a modest £2 million. At that time, Wrexham was languishing in the fifth tier of English soccer, battling against teams like Wealdstone and Dover Athletic. Fans were desperate for their cash-strapped club to survive, let alone dream of promotions and top-tier competition.
However, the transformation under Reynolds and McElhenney has been remarkable. With a blend of smart management and strategic investments, Wrexham has gone from a struggling team to a club on the brink of joining the ranks of giants like Liverpool and Manchester United. Reynolds expressed their ambition clearly after the promotion was secured, stating, "Our goal is to make it to the Premier League." This statement encapsulates the club's aspirations as they look to continue their ascent.
Wrexham's latest victory at Stok Cae Ras was a testament to their hard work and determination. The match saw Sam Smith score two goals, following an opener from Ollie Rathbone, which helped seal the win and ensure promotion. Smith, who became Wrexham's record signing for a relatively modest £2 million in January 2025, has quickly become a key player for the team.
As Wrexham prepares for the Championship, they face significant challenges. The leap from League One to the second tier is substantial, especially considering the financial landscape. Clubs like Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League this season, will receive parachute payments of £39 million to ease their transition. In contrast, Wrexham's average attendance of 12,757 during the 2024-25 League One campaign—12,774 witnessed the win against Charlton—would rank among the lowest in the Championship.
Despite these hurdles, Wrexham's ownership has positioned the club to capitalize on their Hollywood appeal. Their partnership with United Airlines has helped boost their commercial revenue significantly, climbing to £13.18 million from just £1.88 million in the previous year. With a total turnover of £26.7 million reported for the year ending June 30, 2024, the club is well-equipped to attract more high-profile sponsorship deals as they move up the football ladder.
Manager Phil Parkinson, who has now achieved six promotions in his career, emphasized the importance of strategic recruitment this summer. He stated, "We will take the Championship full-on, just as we have done in recent years. We are going into one of the most competitive leagues in world football, and it is going to be a huge challenge. We will sit back, recruit the right players, and try to get the squad as strong as possible. And then enjoy the ride." This approach will be crucial as Wrexham aims to strengthen their squad with players who possess Championship and even Premier League experience.
While Wrexham's financial backing and celebrity status may attract talent, they will still face stiff competition. The club's ability to draw players from higher divisions will be essential, as they look to build a squad capable of competing at the Championship level. Names like Jonny Evans from Manchester United and Jamie Vardy from Leicester City have been floated as potential targets, but the allure of top-tier players like Kevin De Bruyne or Lionel Messi remains a distant dream.
The road ahead for Wrexham is fraught with challenges, but their fans are optimistic. The club has already achieved a football miracle by winning promotion three seasons in a row, and if they can secure another promotion to the Premier League, it would be an unprecedented achievement in English football history.
As they prepare for the upcoming season, Wrexham's supporters can look forward to a summer filled with excitement and anticipation. The blueprint of acquiring players from higher levels has proven effective, and the club is determined to continue this strategy as they aim for the top. With their rich history, passionate fan base, and the backing of Reynolds and McElhenney, Wrexham is poised to make a significant impact in the Championship.
In conclusion, Wrexham's journey from the depths of the National League to the brink of the Premier League is a testament to the power of investment, ambition, and community spirit. Their story is far from over, and as they prepare to take on the challenges of the Championship, the world will be watching to see if this Hollywood fairy tale can continue.
