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Love, Envy And Loathing . . . The Story Of Wrexham's Triple Promotion Triumph

Ian MitchelmoreIan Mitchelmore21 hours ago
Wrexham. Pic: Alamy

Wrexham. Pic: Alamy

Wrexham are history-makers and pioneers thanks to three successive promotions. But Ian Mitchelmore argues their real novelty lies in the attitude of their investor-owners.

Wrexham were playing non-league football just two years ago, but next season they will face the likes of Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton in the Championship following three successive promotions.

Little more than four years on from official confirmation of the takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham supporters have grown accustomed to the jealous jibes from opposition fans by now.

In reality, it perhaps typifies how their club has become the envy of the English Football League (EFL).

Manchester United, Morecambe, Reading and, to an extent, Tottenham Hotspur are among the sides whose fanbases currently have major issues with their respective owners.

Carlisle also demonstrated how an American dream can become a nightmare as they were relegated from the EFL for the first time in 20 years under the leadership of Florida businessman Tom Piatak at the weekend.

And then there's fellow Welsh side Cardiff, whose relegation into League One was confirmed just hours before Wrexham's joy, as more than 10,000 supporters charged onto the Stok Cae Ras pitch in celebration on Saturday evening.

Vincent Tan. The Glazers. Daniel Levy. Dai Yongge. They are all names familiar to football fans just as much as those of Hollywood duo Reynolds and McElhenney.

But the differences are stark. And the key to it all has been allowing the right people to make the right decisions, and throwing an almighty weight of united support behind that.

READ MORE: The Phil Parkinson Wrexham Mantra Will Continue: "No Superstars, No Egos"

Wrexham wasted no time in bringing in the experienced Shaun Harvey - formerly chief executive of the EFL and the man who previously held key roles as Leeds and Bradford.

Peter Moore and Les Reed became advisors while an experienced team including the likes of former Liverpool general manager Adam Greaves-Smith was assembled.

And in Phil Parkinson, they had a leading figure who had already achieved three promotions as a manager before heading to north Wales.

No-one of a Wrexham persuasion is denying that a £2m cash injection into the club upon completion of the takeover helped matters, as well as spending club-record fees to sign the likes of Ollie Palmer, Mo Faal and most recently, Sam Smith.

But spending needs to be done wisely. Just ask fans at Old Trafford, among others.

"We don't make football decisions," Reynolds swiftly stated midway through an on-pitch interview with Sky Sports amid jubilant scenes.

The co-chairmen are fully aware of their worth and have expertly utilised their charm, wit, humour and remarkable business savvy to astronomically grow the club's revenue streams, which in turn has paved the way for sensational success. They have also invested unquantifiable amounts of emotion.

READ MORE: Let's Get This Wrexham Party Started

Crucially, they also exude a refreshingly humble acceptance of their inability to undertake certain essential football operations - allowing those who do possess the necessary skill set to perform those roles.

It has ensured a type of alignment from top to bottom most blueprints would struggle to demonstrate, while providing manager Parkinson with a platform to thrive.

"You can look at so many beating hearts at the club, but it all goes back to Phil," Reynolds added moments after Wrexham's stunning 3-0 triumph over Charlton, a result that secured a return to the second tier for the first time since 1982.

"In Phil we trust," said McElhenney.

Parkinson has fully embraced the local community along with the club's rich history, ambition and vast potential.

Amidst the incessant glare of the cameras, an air of calm has permanently emanated from Parkinson.

He has also shown a ruthless streak when required. Just ask Paul Mullin, James Jones and Ben Tozer among others.

It all goes some way to explaining how the 57-year-old has cemented his status as an EFL managerial legend.

But it couldn't have been done without the headline-grabbing owners who have performed their roles with "great intelligence", according to Parkinson. 

The debate of whether or not Wrexham's story constitutes a fairy tale will inevitably rumble on, although Wrexham are too busy celebrating more success to care.

Back-to-back-to-back Olé, Olé.

READ MORE: Phil Parkinson Urges Focus As Wrexham Close In On Promotion After Crucial Blackpool Win

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