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Wrexham AFC wrote history on Saturday as they achieved a third promotion in a row, beating Charlton Athletic 3-0 to gain entry into the Championship for the first time since 1982.
Hollywood club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were present at the STōK Cae Ras, with Blake Lively also watching, as they witnessed their team go riot in front of a jubilant home crowd. Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith netted early to establish the tone, with Smith adding a second in the last few minutes to induce a full-pitch invasion by fans waving flags and singing in celebration.
Ever since taking ownership of the club in 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney have overseen one of the finest turnarounds in modern football. Their ownership brought investment, global exposure through the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, and — more than anything else — a winning culture. After staying in the National League in 2023, Wrexham steamrolled through League Two and now League One, rising from the precipice of extinction to English football’s second tier in the span of three seasons.
Captain James McClean credited the success to the “one big group effort” that was not just in players but management, the supporters, owners, and the wider Wrexham community. Manager Phil Parkinson, celebrating a sixth promotion of his career, praised the attitude and resilience that had been shown throughout the season.
The impact on Wrexham’s hardcore fanbase has been huge. Lifelong supporters Mark Nicholls and David Jones described the achievement as “unbelievable” and “better than the 70s promotions.” For Nicola Jane Williams and many others, it was a source of hope and pride for the entire town and north Wales.
Reynolds and McElhenney were subsequently seen embracing players and jubilating with the trophy, a historic photo opportunity for a club that, as recently as five years ago, was stranded in non-league purgatory and financial disarray.
At the other end of the spectrum, there was heartbreak for Cardiff City, who were relegated from the Championship after losing 2-1 at Sunderland. Supporters like Bianca Ali and Kirby England were defiant, vowing to stick by the Bluebirds as they prepare for life in League One for the first time in 22 years.
For Wrexham, though, the journey is only just beginning. As they step onto the Championship stage, they do so with a story of ambition, resilience, and community spirit — evidence that, in football, dreams do come true.
