Wrexham's Rise: From Division Five to Premier League Contenders

From a club on the decline in division five to Premier League? Well, if Wrexham keeps up the pace as well as speed, nothing seems impossible. Wales' own equivalent to Åshöjdens BK is on its way to a third promotion in as many years.

» Published: April 25 2025 at 17:49

Wrexham's Rise: From Division Five to Premier League Contenders
Photo: Richard Sellers/AP/TT

Three points against Charlton at home on Racecourse Ground on Saturday, at the same time as Wycombe doesn't win against Leyton Orient, and it's getting exciting again.

Just like last year. And the year before that.

If Wrexham accompanies Birmingham to the second league, The Championship, it's an achievement beyond the ordinary, but that has also happened since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the football club in 2021.

And not just on the pitch.

Streaming success

The documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham" is a success, and viewers around the world have been able to take part in what's happening in and around the club and the town since 2022. A fourth season is now being released in May on Disney+.

The attention for the series has led to large sponsorship revenues and made the club debt-free. With a solid cash reserve, pounds have been invested in player acquisitions in the hunt for yet another promotion.

Wrexham is a club with a history, founded in 1864 and the world's third oldest professional club. But for a while, it was on its way to going under. Mismanaged, bankrupt, and completely without the bright future prospects it now meets.

Reynolds and McElhenney are often on site or present with the help of technology. Before the last round's important 2–1 win away against Blackpool, McElhenney fired up the players.

Rob was with us and gave a great speech to the players about his feelings in this situation. The guys loved it, manager Phil Parkinson told BBC according to NTB.

"Big stomach ulcer"

Reynolds has been torn between hope and despair in the top struggle lately

I have a 20-centimeter big stomach ulcer right now. It all boils down to the last two weeks. The stress is killing us. People say it makes better TV, but it's no comfort to me at all. Winning is a comfort, Reynolds said recently to Time Magazine.

Charlton is also involved in the battle for promotion from League One. Manager Nathan Jones recently called what's happening in and around Wrexham a circus. Words that didn't land well in Wales.

It's a lack of respect for our owners, the team, the staff, the supporters, and the club's heritage, Phil Parkinson told the local newspaper The Leader.

But we'll just focus on what we need to do.

Note: Åshöjdens BK by Max Lundgren is a Swedish book series and TV series where a small club wanders up the league system and reaches the qualifying round for the top division.

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By TTTranslated and adapted by Sweden Herald
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