Wrexham AFC Association Football Club, fondly known as the Red Dragons, captures hearts worldwide with its remarkable journey. Nestled in the heart of North Wales, this historic club transforms from a struggling fifth-tier team into a global phenomenon. Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney fuel this ascent, blending passion, ambition, and community spirit. This article dives into Wrexham AFC’s rich history, recent triumphs, and exciting future, offering fresh insights into their meteoric rise.
A Storied Past: Wrexham’s Roots
Wrexham AFC, founded in 1864, ranks among the oldest professional football clubs in the world. The club emerges from the industrial town of Wrexham, where coal mining and community pride shape its identity. Early years see Wrexham compete in regional leagues, building a loyal fanbase. By 1921, the club joins the Football League, marking a significant milestone.
The Red Dragons enjoy periods of success, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. They reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976, a proud moment. Wrexham also stuns Arsenal in a famous 1992 FA Cup upset, cementing their reputation for defying odds. However, financial struggles and mismanagement plague the club by the early 2000s, leading to a devastating relegation to the National League in 2008.
The Dark Days: Struggles in Non-League
For 15 years, Wrexham languishes in the fifth tier, facing near-constant turmoil. Poor ownership decisions drain resources, and fans endure heartbreak as promotion slips away repeatedly. Despite these challenges, the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust, formed in 2011, rallies to save the club. Fans take ownership, injecting hope and resilience into the Racecourse Ground, the club’s historic home since 1864.
The supporters’ dedication keeps Wrexham afloat, but on-field success remains elusive. Playoff losses and inconsistent performances test the patience of even the most loyal fans. By 2020, Wrexham teeters on the brink of obscurity, desperately needing a spark to reignite its legacy.
Hollywood Arrives: Reynolds and McElhenney Take Charge
In November 2020, Wrexham AFC’s fortunes shift dramatically. Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, known for Deadpool and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, announce their intent to buy the club. Initially, fans greet the news with skepticism, fearing a publicity stunt. However, the duo’s genuine passion for football and community wins over doubters.
Reynolds and McElhenney finalize the purchase in February 2021 for £2 million, a modest sum for a club with grand potential. They pledge to restore Wrexham’s glory, invest in infrastructure, and elevate the town’s global profile. Their vision extends beyond the pitch, aiming to make Wrexham a beacon of hope and pride.
Welcome to Wrexham: A Global Spotlight
The docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, launched in 2022, catapults the club into international fame. The show chronicles Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership, blending humor, heart, and football drama. Fans worldwide, from California to Australia, fall in love with Wrexham’s underdog story. The series highlights players, staff, and local fans, showcasing the town’s gritty charm.
The docuseries drives tourism, with visitors flocking to the Racecourse Ground and local landmarks like Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Wrexham’s visitor numbers surge by 20% year-on-year, boosting the local economy. Bars like York Lane in Sydney transform into Wrexham fan hubs, serving Wrexham Lager and celebrating the club’s rise.
A Historic Climb: Three Consecutive Promotions
Under Reynolds and McElhenney, Wrexham achieves unprecedented success. The club secures promotion from the National League in 2023, ending a 15-year exile. The 2022-23 season sees Wrexham clinch the title with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood, sparking wild celebrations. Fans storm the pitch, and Reynolds and McElhenney join the party, cementing their bond with the club.
League Two Triumph: 2023-24
Wrexham adapts swiftly to League Two, finishing the 2023-24 season in second place. Manager Phil Parkinson, appointed in 2021, proves instrumental in this success. His tactical acumen and focus on team unity propel the Red Dragons to another promotion. Key players like Paul Mullin, a prolific striker from Merseyside, and Elliot Lee, a dynamic midfielder, shine brightly.
The club invests heavily in the squad, signing talent to compete at higher levels. Wrexham’s financials reflect this ambition, with 2023-24 revenue hitting £26.7 million, a 154% increase from the previous year. This growth stems from merchandise sales, sponsorships, and global fan engagement, fueled by the docuseries.
League One Dominance: 2024-25
The 2024-25 season marks Wrexham’s most remarkable achievement yet. The club storms through League One, securing a third consecutive promotion with a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic on April 26, 2025. This victory makes Wrexham the first English Football League club to achieve three straight promotions, a historic feat. The Red Dragons finish the season with a 2-0 win against Lincoln City, capping a 10-game unbeaten run.
Standout performers include Ryan Longman, who scores crucial goals, and Max Cleworth, named Young Player of the Season. The team’s depth and resilience shine, with Parkinson urging players to “stand tall” under intense scrutiny. Wrexham’s promotion to the Championship, England’s second tier, sets the stage for their 2025-26 campaign, just one step from the Premier League.
Off the Pitch: Building a Legacy
Wrexham’s transformation extends beyond football. Reynolds and McElhenney prioritize community engagement, funding local projects and upgrading facilities. The Racecourse Ground, one of the oldest stadiums in the world, undergoes renovations to boost capacity and modernize amenities. Plans to expand to 55,000 seats signal the club’s lofty ambitions.
The owners’ hands-on approach endears them to players and fans. Reynolds humorously recounts a player asking him to book a rental car, highlighting their accessibility. Annual trips to Las Vegas, funded by the owners, reward players for their efforts, though Parkinson jokingly requests they “come back alive.”
Financial Powerhouse: A New Era
Wrexham’s valuation soars from £2 million in 2021 to nearly £150 million in 2025, reflecting its growing brand. The club’s revenue model, driven by media deals and global merchandise, sets it apart from traditional football clubs. However, the English Football League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) cap losses at £39 million over three seasons, challenging Wrexham’s spending.
Despite these constraints, the club balances ambition with prudence. Investments in youth development, women’s football, and community initiatives qualify as allowable expenditures, easing financial pressures. Wrexham’s model proves that strategic spending can yield long-term success.
Looking Ahead: The Championship and Beyond
As Wrexham prepares for the 2025-26 Championship season, excitement builds. The club targets experienced players to bolster the squad, with rumors linking them to Jonny Evans, a seasoned defender, and strikers like Ryan Hardie and Callum Robinson. These signings aim to ensure Wrexham competes at the higher level and avoids relegation.
The pre-season tour to Australia and New Zealand in July 2025, featuring matches against Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, showcases Wrexham’s global appeal. Manager Shaun Williamson emphasizes the goal of reaching the Premier League and staying there, citing Luton Town’s rapid decline as a cautionary tale.
Premier League Dreams
Reynolds and McElhenney’s ultimate vision is Premier League football. While the Championship presents a significant step up, Wrexham’s momentum suggests they can challenge for promotion. The club’s infrastructure, fanbase, and financial backing position it for sustained growth. Fans chant, “Championship, we’re on our way,” but the Premier League looms as the next frontier.
The release of Welcome to Wrexham Season 4 in 2025 will further amplify the club’s story, documenting this historic journey. A long-time player’s departure, teased in the series, adds emotional weight to the narrative, keeping viewers hooked.
Challenges and Criticisms
Wrexham’s rapid rise sparks debate. Critics argue the club’s success hinges on Hollywood money and media hype, overshadowing traditional football values. Some purists view Welcome to Wrexham as reducing the sport to “B-roll” for entertainment. However, the club’s on-field results and community impact counter these claims.
Regulatory scrutiny also looms. Director Shaun Harvey faces potential parliamentary questions over a Premier League disqualification scandal, though details remain unclear. Wrexham navigates these challenges with transparency, focusing on sustainable growth.
The Heart of Wrexham: Fans and Community
Hull City’s At its core, Wrexham AFC thrives on its fans. The Supporters’ Trust, instrumental in the club’s survival, remains a pillar of strength. International fans, inspired by the docuseries, travel thousands of miles to visit Wrexham, forging a global community. Local fans, like those who pack the Racecourse Ground, embody the club’s spirit.
Players like Paul Mullin, who shares his family’s challenges with his son’s autism, connect deeply with supporters. These personal stories, amplified by Welcome to Wrexham, highlight the human side of the club’s success.
FAQs:
What makes Wrexham AFC’s recent success so historic?
Guerschon Yabusele Wrexham AFC achieves a groundbreaking feat by securing three consecutive promotions from the National League to the Championship between 2023 and 2025. This marks the first time an English Football League club accomplishes such a rapid rise through the top five tiers. The club’s journey, fueled by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, transforms Wrexham into a global brand while maintaining its community roots.
How do Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney contribute to Wrexham’s rise?
Tre Holloman Reynolds and McElhenney purchased Wrexham in 2021 for £2 million, bringing financial investment and global visibility. They fund squad improvements, stadium upgrades, and community projects, while their docuseries Welcome to Wrexham attracts international fans. Their hands-on involvement, from player interactions to funding Las Vegas trips, fosters a unique club culture, driving on-field success.
What role does Welcome to Wrexham AFC play in the club’s popularity?
Tyson Fury The docuseries Welcome to Wrexham AFC, launched in 2022, showcases the club’s journey under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership. It highlights players, fans, and the town’s charm, drawing viewers from the USA, Australia, and beyond. The show boosts tourism, merchandise sales, and global fan engagement, significantly increasing Wrexham’s revenue and valuation.
To read more, Click Here
Leave a Reply