From Non-League to Championship: Wrexham's Unstoppable Journey

Explore Wrexham's incredible rise from non-league to the Championship, driven by Hollywood owners and a dedicated team.

The party at the Stok Cae Ras was in full swing on Saturday night as Wrexham sealed an unprecedented third successive promotion. Wycombe Wanderers' 1-0 loss to Leyton Orient earlier in the day paved the way for Phil Parkinson's side to open up an unassailable advantage over the chasing pack in League One if they could beat Charlton Athletic. It was an opportunity they grasped as Ollie Rathbone scored his eighth goal of the campaign before Sam Smith netted a brace to clinch an emphatic 3-0 win.

The Hollywood Connection

Working as a writer on comedy television series Mythic Quest, current Wrexham director Humphrey Ker became a close personal friend of the show's co-creator Rob McElhenney. The Philadelphia-born actor took an interest in football and, during the coronavirus pandemic, tasked Ker with assessing potential investment options. Hartlepool, Aldershot, Carlisle and Shamrock Rovers fans, look away now. They were among the clubs that were explored before Wrexham were chosen.

The Journey So Far

Wrexham have not finished below second place in the various divisions they have competed in any of their four seasons under Phil Parkinson, who was appointed as manager just five months after the takeover was finalised. Semi-final play-off heartache against Grimsby Town brought an abrupt end to an impressive debut campaign in north Wales for Parkinson in 2021-22. But the following season proved memorable as Wrexham clinched the National League title with a record 111 points to end a 15-year absence from the Football League.

Documentary Success

The 'Welcome to Wrexham' television documentary has been at the heart of the club's rise to global prominence over recent seasons. Season four is set to premiere in May and will detail the club's journey from League One to the Championship, with Wrexham becoming the first side in the top five divisions of English football to secure three successive promotions.

Future Prospects

Their squad size will rise from 22 players to 25, while matchday squads will feature nine substitutes as opposed to seven. It could, in theory, pave the way for Paul Mullin's return to the squad following his absence over the previous 13 games. Whatever striker Mullin's situation, it is clear there is further work to be done on the squad, as Parkinson will want to bring in more players of a higher calibre to bolster his side's Championship prospects.

The inevitable acquisitions will lead to an increased wage bill, with Ker recently suggesting Wrexham would need to quadruple their wage outgoings to be competitive in the Championship. Work is also due to commence on improving the iconic Kop Stand at their Stok Cae Ras home, while there are plans to develop a training ground and for expansion of facilities for the academy and women's side.

It all requires money - and lots of it. But on the plus side, the club are currently operating with a model most EFL clubs will envy. The £26.7m Wrexham made in revenue during their 2023-24 League Two season puts them just below the top Championship sides - who benefit from parachute payments - in terms of income. TV and sponsorship revenue will only increase in the Championship, so there is no doubt Wrexham are well placed at present. The next challenge is always the toughest, and the Championship is a different beast from what Wrexham have face over the past few years. But with such impressive alignment from top to bottom at the club, Wrexham know they are in a strong position to achieve their ultimate goal at some stage - whether it be next season or beyond.

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