Not since 1982 have Wrexham played in the second tier of English football, but promotion is tantalizingly within reach for the oldest club in Wales as the League One season enters its finishing straight. With two games left, the equation is straightforward for Phil Parkinson’s side, who recently benefited from Charlton Athletic’s performance. If Wrexham wins their two remaining matches, they will ascend to the second tier.
In the critical 44th round, Wrexham achieved a shaky victory over Blackpool. James McClean and Ollie Rathbone scored right after the hour mark, but a late goal from Rob Apter made for tense moments as they secured the win. Meanwhile, Charlton’s victory over Wycombe further bolstered Wrexham’s pursuit of promotion.
Next up for Wrexham is a home match against Charlton, where they will know if Leyton Orient has assisted their cause by facing Wycombe earlier that day.
League One Automatic Promotion Race
| Team | Pld. | W | D | L | GD | Pts. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham | 42 | 30 | 9 | 3 | 45 | 99 |
| 2 | Wrexham | 44 | 25 | 11 | 8 | 28 | 86 |
| 3 | Wycombe | 44 | 24 | 12 | 8 | 28 | 84 |
| 4 | Charlton | 44 | 24 | 10 | 10 | 25 | 82 |
| 5 | Stockport | 44 | 23 | 12 | 9 | 27 | 81 |
| 6 | Leyton Orient | 44 | 22 | 6 | 16 | 20 | 72 |
The top two teams earn automatic promotion to the Championship, while those ranked 3rd to 6th will advance to the playoffs.
Wrexham’s Remaining Fixtures
- April 26: Charlton (home)
- May 3: Lincoln (away)
Historical Context
If Wrexham manages to fend off Wycombe and their rivals, they will have achieved three promotions in three consecutive seasons. After returning to the English Football League in 2022-23, they quickly followed up with a comfortable promotion from League Two.
Wrexham’s financial muscle, coming from owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, may help them navigate the challenges of the Championship. Yet, the journey remains daunting, as they must continue to strengthen to compete at higher levels.
Conclusion
Wrexham’s current performance indicators suggest they are not yet fully prepared for the challenges of the Championship, but they have shown resilience and determination throughout their recent journey upward.
