Wrexham face Liverpool in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, a moment co-owner Ryan Reynolds described as a "punch-me moment". Just five years after he and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover of a club in the National League, Wrexham have climbed to the Championship. The ultimate goal is to play Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League in the 2027-28 season.
Remarkable Rise Through the Divisions
Under manager Phil Parkinson, Wrexham have secured three promotions in four years, moving from the National League to the Championship. Last season, they finished seventh in the Championship, narrowly missing the playoffs on the final day. Despite the setback, Parkinson insists the achievement is significant.
"If we're honest, to say five years down the line we'd have finished seventh in the Championship we would have said that was going to take some going," Parkinson said. "To get three promotions back-to-back-to-back is unheralded. Even though there's always been ambition within the club and we've had resources, to take the club from the National League to seventh in the Championship is a lot of big steps."
Pre-Season Success and Squad Challenges
Wrexham enter the friendly after defeating Manchester United and Leeds in pre-season. However, they are the only Championship club yet to make a signing, though a deal for Crystal Palace full-back Danny Imray is close. Parkinson acknowledges the need for reinforcements.
"I think the division is going to be stronger this season with the teams coming down," he said. "We've got work to do within the squad to make us competitive again. We're close to one signing but we need several more before the window closes. We have to be patient and we will be, but the squad's not where we want it to be."
Looking Ahead to a Tough Season
Wrexham are among the favourites for promotion, but face competition from relegated West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves, who have parachute payments. Parkinson remains optimistic about the existing squad.
"It is going to be a tough second season, we know that, but we feel there is more to come from the existing group," he said. "It was difficult last season with a lot of players coming in later and having to relocate to the area and settle as the season started, but they were great for us and I feel there is more to come this season."
