Wrexham AFC Celebrate Historic Promotion from League One to the Championship
Wrexham, Wales – May 25, 2025
History has been made once again in North Wales as Wrexham AFC have secured a stunning promotion from League One to the EFL Championship, marking yet another triumphant chapter in the club’s Hollywood-fuelled renaissance. The Red Dragons clinched their place in England’s second tier for the first time since 2004 with a dramatic end to the season and have celebrated in style both on and off the pitch, delighting thousands of loyal supporters and capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.
A Remarkable Rise Through the Ranks
The club’s meteoric ascent has been one of the most captivating stories in modern football. Just three years ago, Wrexham were plying their trade in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Since the much-publicised takeover by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2020, the club has enjoyed a resurgence that few could have predicted.
Their promotion to League Two in 2023 was just the beginning. A year later, they climbed into League One with equal determination, driven by smart investment, fan-focused initiatives, and the sheer will of a team hungry for success. Now, in 2025, their leap into the Championship feels like the realisation of a dream that was once viewed as fantasy.
Final Day Drama and Unforgettable Moments
Wrexham’s promotion was confirmed on the final day of the League One season following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Derby County at the Racecourse Ground. With automatic promotion still hanging in the balance, every moment of the match was charged with tension and anticipation.
Wrexham opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a bullet header from star striker Paul Mullin, who has been a talisman for the club throughout their rise. Derby responded early in the second half, equalising through a slick counter-attack. However, in the 78th minute, captain Ben Tozer sealed the win with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, sending the sold-out stadium into euphoria.
At the final whistle, fans poured onto the pitch in celebration, chanting and waving flags, embracing players who had just etched their names into club folklore.
A Night to Remember
The celebrations in Wrexham lasted long into the night, beginning with an emotional awards ceremony on the pitch, followed by an open-top bus parade through the city streets. Thousands of supporters, draped in red and white, lined the roads as the team waved, cheered, and posed with the promotion trophy.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney joined the festivities, visibly emotional and full of praise for the team, staff, and supporters.
“Honestly, I’m lost for words,” said Reynolds during a short speech at the Racecourse Ground. “This club, this town—it’s become part of my heart. What these players and our incredible coaching staff have achieved is beyond incredible. We said we wanted to dream big when we came here, and today we’re living that dream.”
McElhenney added, “This is just the beginning. We’ve believed in this project from day one, and our fans have carried us every step of the way. Wrexham is a club built on passion, history, and hard work. To be heading into the Championship is proof that anything is possible.”
Key Contributors to Success
While the ownership duo has undeniably transformed the club’s fortunes, the success is just as much down to the players and coaching staff who have delivered consistent performances all season.
Manager Phil Parkinson, who took over in 2021, has been instrumental in shaping a competitive and spirited squad. His tactical acumen, leadership, and calm under pressure have earned him widespread admiration.
“This team has grown so much, and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Parkinson. “The Championship will be a big challenge, but these lads have shown they can step up. We’ll enjoy this moment—because they’ve earned it.”
Key players throughout the campaign included:
- Paul Mullin, the ever-reliable goal machine, who netted 26 times this season and provided numerous assists.
- Ben Tozer, the veteran defender and captain, who led with grit and composure.
- Elliot Lee, who added creative spark in midfield and chipped in with crucial goals.
- Arthur Okonkwo, the young goalkeeper on loan from Arsenal, whose saves often kept Wrexham in the fight.
A Global Celebration
One of the most unique aspects of Wrexham’s promotion has been the global attention it has received. The success of the FX/Hulu documentary series Welcome to Wrexham has brought the club into living rooms around the world, building an international fanbase that continues to grow.
Social media platforms were flooded with messages of congratulations from celebrities, football legends, and fans from as far away as the United States, Australia, and Asia.
Among the congratulatory messages were tweets from fellow actors Hugh Jackman, Ryan Gosling, and football figures such as Gary Lineker and Thierry Henry.
“You have to respect what they’ve built at Wrexham,” tweeted Henry. “It’s not just a PR story—it’s real football, real fans, and real success.”
Economic and Community Impact
The impact of Wrexham’s rise has been deeply felt in the local community. Increased tourism, job creation, and investment in infrastructure have revitalised the area, while the club has reconnected with its grassroots and given back through numerous outreach programs.
Wrexham AFC Community Trust has expanded its youth development initiatives and supported local charities throughout the season. The club’s new training facility, funded in part by private investment, has also become a source of pride for residents.
Local business owner Gwyneth Hughes, who runs a cafe near the stadium, spoke about the club’s impact: “We’ve never seen anything like this. Every home game brings hundreds of visitors. It’s not just football—it’s lifting the whole town.”
Looking Ahead: The Championship Awaits
With promotion secured, attention now turns to the challenges ahead. The Championship is known for its competitiveness and gruelling schedule, and Wrexham will need to bolster its squad to remain competitive.
Reports suggest the club is already eyeing new signings, with scouts spotted at several recent Premier League and Championship matches. A mix of experience and youthful energy will be crucial as the Red Dragons prepare for the next chapter.
Still, the club has no intention of abandoning its core values. “We’ll stick to what got us here,” said sporting director Shaun Harvey. “Hard work, community focus, and smart football decisions. The Championship is a different beast, but we’re not going into it scared—we’re going in proud.”
Conclusion: A New Era for Wrexham
Wrexham’s promotion from League One marks a watershed moment not only for the club but also for football’s ability to unite people across geography, class, and culture. What began as a curious celebrity-backed project has blossomed into one of the most compelling underdog stories in recent memory.
As the celebrations continue, there is a palpable sense that the journey is far from over. Wrexham is not just a club reborn—it’s a symbol of hope, belief, and the magic that football can still conjure.
As the chant echoes through the streets of North Wales: “We’re on our way, to the Championship!” — it’s no longer a dream. It’s reality.
