Promotion to the Championship

Wrexham AFC has made history by achieving three consecutive promotions, with their latest victory against Charlton Athletic solidifying their move from League One to the EFL Championship. This significant milestone marks Wrexham as the first team in British football to accomplish this feat.

Management’s Vision

Manager Phil Parkinson, who has led six teams to promotions throughout his career, emphasizes a careful recruitment strategy aimed at fostering a cohesive team culture. Speaking to reporters, Parkinson stated, “The jump to the Championship is huge.” He recognizes the physical demands and competitive nature of the league, indicating that the club will be well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

A Policy Against Superstars

As Wrexham prepares for the increased competition, Parkinson has introduced a decisive recruitment policy: “There’s no superstars or ego in the dressing room.” The focus will be on integrating players who align with the club’s culture and values, rather than simply those who have star power.

Parkinson acknowledges the financial implications of recruitment at this level. He explained, “Salary jumps are incredibly amazing,” highlighting the stark contrast between the financial expectations of League One players and what is required for Championship-level athletes.

Future Recruitment Plans

The club’s Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have publicly stated their ambitions for Premier League success. Nevertheless, Parkinson clarified that while there have been links to high-profile players like Jamie Vardy and Kevin de Bruyne, no formal discussions have taken place regarding their acquisition.

Parkinson emphasized the importance of making thoughtful decisions concerning player recruitment to enhance the squad’s existing quality. “We need to assess it in terms of the budget, the level of wages that players demand and strengthen in their culture, and what we’ve built here,” he noted.