Wrexham AFC, the Welsh club famously owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has successfully secured promotion to the second tier of English football, the EFL Championship. This milestone marks the club`s return to this level for the first time since 1982. The historic achievement was clinched with a convincing 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic in front of their home crowd.
This represents a remarkable third consecutive promotion for the Red Dragons, sealed in emphatic fashion at The Racecourse Ground. Early goals from Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith provided Phil Parkinson`s side with a strong foundation for a dominant performance in one of their most significant recent fixtures. Coupled with the loss suffered by promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers earlier on Saturday, Wrexham are now guaranteed at least a second-place finish in League One, ensuring their automatic promotion to the Championship.
Furthermore, Wrexham`s ascent makes them the first team in the history of England`s top five football divisions to achieve three consecutive promotions in as many seasons. Since being acquired by McElhenney and Reynolds in November 2020, the club has undergone a dramatic transformation, having previously spent over a decade in the fifth-tier National League and facing periods of financial precariousness. Their move to the Championship means they will now face some of the most prominent clubs in English football, with potential away trips to grounds like Southampton, Leicester City, and depending on play-off results, Sunderland.
Competing in the second tier is expected to significantly elevate the club`s profile, which has already surged globally following the success of the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series that chronicled their journey since the takeover. Fans both in North Wales and worldwide undoubtedly celebrated the impressive and stylish manner in which the promotion was secured.
The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute by Ollie Rathbone`s superb low strike from a short corner. His powerful effort navigated through a cluster of players, giving Charlton goalkeeper Will Mannion little chance. The second goal was even more spectacular; Sam Smith connected with a stunning volley from a well-placed ball over the defence by Matty James, instantly doubling Wrexham`s lead and putting them firmly on course for the Championship.
Charlton, known for their strong recent form, attempted to rally after the early setback. They managed to contain Wrexham`s immediate pressure, with Tennai Watson posing a threat from the right and forcing a save from Wrexham`s goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. Charlton pressed forward, needing a victory to maintain their own hopes for automatic promotion.
However, Wrexham displayed impressive resilience in the second half, defending deep and making it difficult for Charlton to find a breakthrough. Central defender Dan Scarr was particularly effective, clearing numerous crosses into the box. The victory was decisively sealed approximately 10 minutes from the end when Max Cleworth delivered a precise cross that Sam Smith headed towards goal. The shot took a slight deflection off Macauley Gillesphey, leaving Mannion with no chance and securing Wrexham`s third goal.
With the third goal, all lingering doubts were extinguished, allowing the jubilant crowd to fully celebrate a promotion that would have seemed nearly impossible only a few years ago. Wrexham`s remarkable story continues as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Adrian Whitmore