Wrexham AFC is set to compete in English football`s second tier, the Championship, next season for the first time since 1982. The Welsh club, famously owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, clinched promotion from League One with a convincing 3-0 victory at home against Charlton Athletic.
This marked a historic third consecutive promotion for the Red Dragons, achieved in impressive fashion at their Racecourse Ground stadium. Quick goals early in the first half from Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith put manager Phil Parkinson`s side firmly in control during one of the most significant matches in the club`s recent history. With promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers having lost their match earlier on Saturday, Wrexham secured the crucial second-place spot, guaranteeing their automatic promotion to the EFL Championship.
Wrexham`s achievement is unprecedented, making them the first team in the history of England`s top five football divisions to earn three successive promotions. Since being acquired by McElhenney and Reynolds in November 2020, Wrexham has undergone a remarkable transformation. Before the takeover, the club had spent over a decade struggling in the National League, England`s fifth division, and faced financial precarity at times. Their rapid ascent means they will now face some prominent names in English football, including away matches against teams like Southampton, Leicester City, and potentially Sunderland, depending on the play-off results.
Reaching the Championship will undoubtedly further elevate the club`s global profile. Wrexham has already gained a significant international following thanks to the popular “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series, which has chronicled the team`s journey since the change in ownership. Supporters in North Wales and across the world will surely be celebrating the exciting manner in which this latest promotion was secured.
The scoring opened in the 15th minute when Rathbone struck a powerful low shot from a short corner that found its way through a crowded penalty area, beating Charlton goalkeeper Will Mannion at his near post. The second goal was even more spectacular; a well-executed pass over the top by Matty James was met by Sam Smith, who hooked it in on the volley. These rapid goals gave Wrexham a commanding early lead and put them on the verge of Championship football.
Charlton, currently one of League One`s strongest teams, didn`t capitulate immediately. After Wrexham`s quick double, they attempted to regroup. A smart long ball found Tennai Watson, who cut in from the right flank behind James McClean and forced a save from Wrexham`s goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. Watson continued to pose a threat as Charlton pushed for a goal, needing a win to maintain their own automatic promotion hopes.
However, Wrexham defended resolutely throughout the second half, dropping deeper and challenging Charlton to break them down. Defender Dan Scarr was particularly effective, clearing virtually every cross that entered the box. With only ten minutes remaining, Max Cleworth delivered a precise ball that Sam Smith headed towards goal. A slight deflection off Macauley Gillesphey left Mannion with no chance, securing Wrexham`s third goal.
With the third goal, any remaining doubts were extinguished. The jubilant home crowd could fully celebrate a promotion that would have seemed almost unimaginable just five years ago. Wrexham is now definitively bound for the Championship.
