Wrexham’s rise from the National League to the Championship has garnered plenty of attention over the past three years.
Given the club’s success has been funded by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the additional focus on Wrexham is no surprise.
Their investment in the club has generated plenty of jealousy from elsewhere. While that is understandable to a degree, the angst is misplaced.
In the grand scheme of things, Wrexham barely register on the global football landscape. However, the club matters to their fans.
This club is the sum of its supporters. Before we showed up they’d saved it multiple times. It’s a temple as much as a football pitch. @Wrexham_AFC has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It’s hard to avoid immediately starting work on next season – but important… pic.twitter.com/XeBfpqSJ02
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) April 29, 2025
They fought tirelessly to save Wrexham when it fell on hard times. Many of them made sacrifices that went above and beyond the call of duty.
Reynolds and McElhenney have transformed Wrexham’s fortunes. Unless you are the most curmudgeonly person on the planet, this is good news.
They have not only revitalised the football club but have also injected renewed vigour into an area of Wales that desperately needed boosting.
The challenge now is to keep Wrexham heading upwards. That will be easier said than done.
Powering through the lower leagues is easy enough if you get your act together. Wrexham have done that with aplomb.
However, the Championship is a different animal. Wrexham will no longer be a big fish in a small pond. The dynamic is vastly different.
Wrexham’s resources should ensure the club retains its second-tier status, but anyone harbouring hopes of a fourth successive promotion will likely be disappointed.
Consolidation in the Championship would not be a bad outcome for a club that has traditionally had more disappointments than successes.
And if their rise up the football pyramid offends you, stop being negative. It’s a good story and should be celebrated.
