Wrexham Legends Set to Return for Pre-Season as Club Embarks on Historic Championship Campaign
Wrexham AFC is poised to welcome back several club legends for their upcoming pre-season, marking a significant moment as the team prepares for its inaugural season in the English Championship. This development comes on the heels of the club’s remarkable ascent through the football leagues, achieving three consecutive promotions under the stewardship of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
A Historic Rise Through the Ranks
Wrexham’s journey to the Championship has been nothing short of extraordinary. After clinching promotion from the National League in the 2022–23 season, the team continued its upward trajectory, securing a spot in League One and now, for the first time in over four decades, earning promotion to the Championship. This achievement makes Wrexham the first club in English football history to secure three consecutive promotions within the top five divisions .
The Return of Club Legends
Central to the pre-season preparations is the return of several Wrexham legends, both on and off the pitch. Paul Mullin, a pivotal figure in Wrexham’s recent successes, has been confirmed to remain with the club despite facing challenges in securing game time during the previous season. Manager Phil Parkinson emphasized Mullin’s importance to the team, noting that both Mullin and fellow striker Ollie Palmer are under contract until at least 2027 and will be integral to the upcoming Championship campaign .
Additionally, the club has seen the return of former players participating in events like The Soccer Tournament (TST) in North Carolina, where ex-Wrexham star Paul Rutherford highlighted the overwhelming support from American fans, attributing it to the global reach of the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series .
Pre-Season Tour: A Global Affair
Departing from previous pre-season tours in the United States, Wrexham is set to embark on a groundbreaking tour of Australia and New Zealand. The Red Dragons will face A-League teams Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, and Wellington Phoenix in July. This strategic move aligns with Reynolds and McElhenney’s vision to globalize Wrexham’s brand and tap into new markets, especially considering Australia’s significant viewership of the club’s documentary series .
Sydney FC’s CEO, Mark Aubrey, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming match, highlighting its significance for local fans and the opportunity to challenge his team against a club that blends football prowess with Hollywood appeal .
Building Momentum Ahead of the Championship
As Wrexham gears up for its Championship debut, the pre-season will serve as a critical period for integrating new players, refining tactics, and building team cohesion. Veteran players like James McClean have already showcased their commitment, with McClean demonstrating exceptional fitness levels during training sessions .
Manager Phil Parkinson has outlined plans for the team’s initial pre-season friendly against Hanley Town, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the entire squad and ensuring optimal playing conditions to prepare for the challenges of the Championship .
The Road Ahead
With the return of club legends, a strategic pre-season tour, and a clear vision from its ownership, Wrexham AFC stands on the cusp of a new era. The upcoming season in the Championship not only represents a significant milestone in the club’s storied history but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and unwavering fan support.
As the Red Dragons take to the pitch in the coming months, fans worldwide will be watching closely, eager to witness the next chapter in Wrexham’s remarkable journey.
