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No team in the history of the Football League had achieved three consecutive promotions—until April 26, 2025.
With a 3-0 victory over Charlton, Wrexham, under Phil Parkinson’s management, secured their spot in the Championship, joining champions Birmingham in promoting from Sky Bet League One with a match to spare.
Wrexham’s history now includes three promotions in the last three seasons, following their 2022/23 triumph as National League champions and finishing as Sky Bet League Two runners-up in 2023/24. The takeover by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney just over four years ago has been instrumental in this rise, bringing the Premier League within reach.
Here, Sky Sports explores the remarkable journey thus far.
The Hollywood Influence in North Wales
Between 1921 and 2008, Wrexham was a regular team in the Football League. However, following relegation under Brian Little, the club fell off the radar for many fans.
For over a decade, they struggled to escape the challenging National League, with near misses in the play-offs during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, and defeats by Newport in the 2012/13 final and Eastleigh in the quarter-finals of 2018/19. Then, in late 2020, the club was taken over by Reynolds and McElhenney, culminating in a fan vote where 98.6% were in favor of the takeover in February 2021.
When cameras arrived at The Racecourse Ground for FX’s documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ the journey started with a mix of optimism and challenge. Wrexham narrowly missed the play-offs in their first season, falling just short under Dean Keates.
This project aimed not just for footballing success but also to rekindle community spirit. McElhenney emphasized the hope that the stadium would be filled like in the 1970s, while Reynolds envisioned transforming Wrexham into a globally recognized club.
Building a Legacy: Overcoming Setbacks
The 2021/22 season marked a turning point for Wrexham. With Phil Parkinson at the helm—a manager experienced in winning promotions—the team formed key partnerships, including a sponsorship deal with TikTok and the signing of prolific striker Paul Mullin, who netted 26 goals in 38 league appearances.
Despite finishing with 88 points, second to champions Stockport, Wrexham faced another setback in the play-offs when Grimsby eliminated them via a dramatic 5-4 semi-final defeat. They also suffered a loss in the FA Trophy final to Bromley at Wembley. Yet, the club returned to the EFL in 2022/23 after an intense title race with Notts County, achieving a stunning home record.
The past season was relentless, bolstered by experienced signings like James McClean and Steven Fletcher, alongside goalkeeper Ben Foster. The squad maintained a consistent position in the league and concluded with an impressive total of 88 points, their highest in EFL history.
“A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney,” Reynolds remarked on social media after the promotion. “Congrats to Wrexham and my co-chairman in crime. This is the ride of our lives.”
Strategic Growth Towards League One
With ambitions for League One, Wrexham made tough decisions to strengthen their squad, parting ways with some promotion-winning players to import experienced talent and promising youngsters. This shift also affected Mullin, who had been a standout player but had limited starts in the current season.
“We’ve had to fast-track the quality of the squad,” Parkinson noted. “For years, the club struggled financially and the depth simply wasn’t there to compete. We’ve focused on sustainable development for the future as well.”
Recognizing the need for a solid youth structure, the owners are investing in the academy system, aiming to develop homegrown talent to support long-term competitiveness.
Maintaining Momentum at The Racecourse
This season has seen Wrexham replicate their previous success, enjoying an impressive start. Despite setbacks, including a few narrowly lost matches, the team demonstrated resilience and control, with goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo achieving a record number of clean sheets.
Even amidst challenges, Wrexham’s knack for clinching late victories has become a hallmark of their journey. Parkinson emphasized the importance of focusing on every game’s performance rather than relying on external circumstances.
Ultimately, Wrexham triumphed over Wycombe, securing their historic promotion that will echo in football lore for generations.
Now, with the Championship awaiting, the club is set to face unprecedented challenges. Having played primarily in lower tiers since 1982, this next chapter represents uncharted territory for many long-time supporters.
The path Wrexham has carved in the past three seasons is remarkable. While obstacles lie ahead, the driving ambition of Reynolds and McElhenney ensures that their aim stretches beyond simply maintaining status quo; they are determined to push the limits of what is possible.
With momentum on their side, Wrexham stands poised to tackle the next adventure—who knows what impossible dreams they might chase next?
Source
www.skysports.com