Last updated 2 hours ago, Wrexham celebrated a season to remember with a 3.5 mile parade through the town. This was a special moment for the city, as it had seen open top bus tours in the past for their Third Division title in 1978, promotion in 1993 and League Two championship in 2002. However, for the past 20 years there had been very little to shout about. In 2005, there was even a march through the town to highlight the very real possibility of the club going under. Ownership problems and a spell in administration led to relegation from the Football League in 2008.
But now, 15 years later, the club has an exciting future ahead under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Former Dragon Wayne Phillips described it as “a tough old slog” but with their interest and commitment, Wrexham have been able to rise from the brink and win this year’s National League title. This was celebrated on the streets of Wrexham with plenty of joy and broad smiles.
The success of the club has lifted the local community, who were hit hard by the loss of heavy industries such as coal mining and steel making. Wrexham became a city in 2022 and football has been deeply ingrained in the local community ever since. The owners have put the community at the heart of their guardianship of the club since they took over in early 2021, and this was demonstrated by the presence of the women’s team on the parade who will play in Welsh football’s top-flight next season.
The ultimate dream of the owners is to reach English football’s top-flight, the Premier League, and with two further promotions Wrexham could reach the Championship. Phillips added that “you just think how far this football club can go”. It is clear that this is merely the beginning of a journey for Wrexham, and one that could take them to great heights.