What's happened
Wrexham AFC has achieved a remarkable third consecutive promotion, moving to the Championship after a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on April 26, 2025. Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the club from a struggling non-league team to a contender in English football, with ambitions now set on reaching the Premier League.
What's behind the headline?
Current Landscape
Wrexham's promotion to the Championship marks a significant milestone in its history, elevating the club to a level it hasn't experienced in over four decades. The club's rapid ascent has been fueled by the financial backing and visibility provided by its celebrity owners, which has transformed it into a global phenomenon.
Challenges Ahead
- Financial Competition: The Championship is known for its financial disparities, with larger clubs often having significantly higher wage bills. Wrexham's revenue, while improved, may not match that of established clubs like Leicester City and Southampton.
- Cultural Fit: Manager Phil Parkinson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong team culture, avoiding the pitfalls of ego-driven players. This approach will be crucial as the club navigates the pressures of higher competition.
- Strategic Signings: The club is likely to focus on targeted signings rather than splurging on high-profile players. This strategy aims to build a cohesive team capable of competing effectively in the Championship.
Future Prospects
The ambition to reach the Premier League remains a driving force for Wrexham. However, achieving this goal will require careful planning, smart recruitment, and a commitment to the club's culture. The upcoming season will be a test of whether Wrexham can sustain its momentum and continue its upward trajectory in English football.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Wrexham's co-chair Rob McElhenney expressed uncertainty about the term 'consolidation' as the club prepares for the Championship, highlighting the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, BBC News noted that the club's rapid rise has exceeded expectations, with Reynolds stating that their goal of reaching the Premier League is now feeling tangible. AP News emphasized the club's transformation from a non-league team to a Championship contender, showcasing the impact of Reynolds and McElhenney's ownership. Al Jazeera reported on the emotional celebrations following the promotion, underscoring the connection between the owners and the fans. The Independent provided a historical context, detailing the club's journey from financial struggles to its current success, driven by strategic investments and a dedicated fanbase.
How we got here
Wrexham was purchased by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021 when it was languishing in non-league football. Since then, the club has experienced a meteoric rise, achieving three successive promotions and now preparing for the competitive Championship.
Go deeper
- What challenges will Wrexham face in the Championship?
- How have Reynolds and McElhenney impacted the club?
- What are the fans saying about the promotion?
Common question
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How has Ryan Reynolds influenced Wrexham AFC's success?
Wrexham AFC's remarkable rise through the English football leagues has captured the attention of fans worldwide, largely due to the influence of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their ownership has not only transformed the club's fortunes but also sparked a renewed interest in football at the grassroots level. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this incredible journey.
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How Did Wrexham AFC Achieve Three Consecutive Promotions?
Wrexham AFC's remarkable journey from non-league football to the Championship has captured the attention of fans worldwide. With the backing of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club has transformed dramatically. But how did they pull off three consecutive promotions? Let's explore the key factors behind this incredible achievement.
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How Did Wrexham Achieve Three Consecutive Promotions?
Wrexham AFC's incredible journey from non-league obscurity to the Championship has captured the attention of football fans worldwide. With co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the helm, the club has transformed dramatically. But how did they achieve this remarkable feat? Below, we explore key questions surrounding Wrexham's rise and what it means for the future.
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How Did Wrexham AFC Achieve Promotion to the Championship?
Wrexham AFC's journey from non-league obscurity to Championship glory has captured the attention of football fans worldwide. With the backing of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club has transformed dramatically. But how did they pull off this remarkable feat? Below, we explore the key factors behind Wrexham's success and what lies ahead for the club.
More on these topics
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Robert McElhenney III is an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. He is known for playing Ronald "Mac" McDonald on the FX/FXX comedy series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Ryan Rodney Reynolds is a Canadian actor, film producer and entrepreneur. He began his career starring in the Canadian teen soap opera Hillside and had minor roles before landing the lead role on the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl between 1998 and 2001.
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Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by the Irish Sea to the north and west, England to the east, the Bristol Channel to the south, and the Celtic Sea to the south-west. As of 2021, it had a population of 3.2 million.
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Wrexham is a large town and the administrative centre of the Wrexham County Borough in North Wales, United Kingdom. Wrexham is situated between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley alongside the neighbouring county of Cheshire.
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Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Charlton, south-east London. They currently compete in League One, the third tier of English football, having been relegated from the Championship in the 2019–
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Philip John Parkinson is an English professional football manager and former player who played as a midfielder. He is currently manager of National League side Wrexham.
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Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The team compete in the Championship, the second tier of the English football league system.
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England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by