As Wrexham secured promotion for the second time in as many years, honors reached the tech end, where the racecourse ground’s loudest supporters could be found, with Paul Mullin deciding to take charge of the PA microphone.
“I met my partner the other day;
He told me he saw “White Pele,”
So I asked, “Who is he?”
His name is Elliot Lee…”
Mullin’s voice may not quite meet his standards for shooting in front of goal. But thousands of party supporters didn’t care and joined in with a song that, like its subject, has become a real favorite on the terrace over the past few years.
(Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
What follows is a ditty in memory of Arsenal’s on-loan goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. Now, the microphone has been returned to its rightful owner, but it doesn’t matter as the 22-year-old dances to fans chanting his name.
Over the next ten minutes or so most of the team’s players were called upon, including Mullin, James McClean, Steven Fletcher, Ollie Palmer and Max Clay Voss, the visibly shy defender, was moved forward by captain Ben Tozer to bask in the admiration.
It felt fitting as promotion was a real team effort, with early goals from Lee helping to make up for the absence of Mullin, who was injured in the first few weeks of the season, or newcomers Okonkwo, MacLean and George Evans. How to help Wrexham get to the next level in the league.
Then there’s Clevos, who has occupied the right-sided centre-back position since Christmas, although his only starts in the opening months came in cup games as manager Phil Parkinson rotated his squad .
Max Klevoss and Ryan Barnett celebrate promotion (Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
All have good reasons to be named the most competitive player of the year award in a long time, and so does Mullin, who has produced such a prolific performance at the right time.
The spirit of unity that has propelled Wrexham to successive promotions will be tested again next season when the club returns to the third tier for the first time since 2005.
Parkinson admitted the move could be “bigger” than last summer’s return to the Football League. But he also believes the club, whose highest ever ranking was 15th in the old Second Division (now the Championship), has more potential.
“We’re making rapid progress,” the 56-year-old said. “But I said last year when we were promoted (from the Nations League) that there were still many chapters to be written. I firmly believe that is still the case.
So, what can Wrexham expect next season? Do they have what it takes to thrive again at the next level? And what personnel adjustments are needed?
How is life in the third tier different from years past?
You only have to look at some of the teams Wrexham are likely to face next season to realize how important this promotion is for a club that was stuck in non-league football not so long ago.
Firstly, in the not so distant past, there were three Premier League clubs – Reading, Wigan Athletic and Charlton Athletic. 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth are on the rise and are likely to join Derby County. But it still leaves Bolton, currently third in the table, likely to make the squad for next season.
Charlton Athletic are one of the bigger teams in League One at the moment (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Then, there are the teams that are in danger of dropping out of the tournament. With three games remaining, Sheffield Wednesday and five-year-old Premier League side Huddersfield occupy the final two relegation spots, ahead of an already doomed Rotherham United.
But Birmingham City, Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers are all likely to give up, opening up the possibility not only for some big-name visitors to the racecourse next season but also for some heading to Hillsborough or St. Andrew and other famous old courses provide opportunities for visitors.
Midfielder Lee is definitely enjoying the progress. “There may be some big teams in the First Division next year,” he said. “We’ve come a long way from being in the National League a year ago and potentially playing big teams next season.
“Next year will be difficult. But that’s why we’re here – we want to test ourselves against better players and better teams.
Will Wrexham suddenly face rivals with deeper pockets?
There is no doubt that the spending power of the new counterparts will be much greater. On Wednesday, for example, wages for the 2022-23 season were set at £14 million ($17.4 million), with Darren Moore’s side advancing through the league play-offs.
Even with Hollywood support, Wrexham is unlikely to hit such figures. However, the Welsh club’s exceptional ability to generate revenue – which has soared to over £20m this season, on par with most Championship sides – means they will be competitive in the market.
With League One clubs allowed to spend 60% of their annual turnover on wages (up from 55% in League Two), Wrexham’s healthy balance sheet should provide Parkinson with the necessary funds.
How do promoted teams typically perform in the First Division?
In the past five seasons, five clubs have been relegated directly a year after promotion, including Carlisle United this time. Forest Green Rovers, Swindon Town, Northampton Town and Tranmere Rovers complete the list, while Bury disappeared entirely after declaring bankruptcy before the start of the 2018-19 season.
What is even more encouraging is that the three teams that automatically promoted last season have adapted well, with Stevenage, Leyton Orient and Northampton ranking ninth, 10th and 11th respectively.
Those looking forward to another successful season at Wrexham in 2024-25 may note that since 2018-19 no promoted team has risen again the following season. Or, indeed, even into the play-offs, which highlights just how difficult promotion can be.
Do we expect a busy summer in the transfer market?
Yes. Unlike a year ago, Wrexham only need a few tweaks, thanks to a recruitment model that effectively provides the squad with priority by prioritizing players with second-tier experience while still in the National League. guaranteeing the future, and this time there will be more reform demands.
Parkinson acknowledged as much after being promoted to manager for a fifth time. “We can now start planning for the summer and put together a team that will hopefully be competitive,” he said.
Several senior players off contract could help in any overhaul, including a central back three of Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and captain Tozer. Luke Young, the club’s longest-serving player, is another player whose current contract expires on June 30, along with defender Callum McFadzean and goalkeeper No. Team of people Rob Lainton and Mark Howard.
Okonkwo’s loan will also end in a few weeks and the 22-year-old may become a free agent at Arsenal, but a contract extension has not yet been offered. If he does leave the Emirates Stadium, a battle for his signature is expected. Whether Wrexham become part of that may depend on his wage demands, with the club paying just under half of his current wages this season, with Arsenal paying the rest.
Arthur Okonkwo’s loan move from Arsenal has been a successful one (Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Where does Wrexham need improvement?
Goalkeeper is obviously one of them. The potential loss of three centre-backs also means this area must be looked at, although the emergence of Clevos over the past few months may save Wrexham some money.
The midfield looks strong, with George Evans, Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee all having experience in the Championship, not to mention the third tier. Along with the two full-backs, McLean remains the fittest member of the squad about a week shy of his 35th birthday, while Ryan Barnett has also been in fine form this season. Jacob Mendy and Luke Bolton each provide competition on the wings.
Mullin’s experience in the First Division was limited to half a season at Tranmere Rovers. But, like fine wine, he continues to improve with age and is expected to score goals in the third tier.
The key this summer may be finding a partner who matches the Liverpudlian’s qualities. Palmer and Fletcher, aged 32 and 37 respectively, have made notable contributions this season, but promotion could mean a younger upgrade is needed, although Palmer still has 12 months left on his contract.
Veteran Steven Fletcher (left) is out of contract this summer (Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
What are the reasons for optimism about 2024-25?
managers. Not only is Parkinson well-versed at this level, he has been the manager of several First Division clubs over a period of more than two decades. But he also guided two of those teams to runners-up finishes – Colchester United in 2006 and Bolton Wanderers 11 years later – and led Bradford City into the play-offs.
(Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
As Eoghan O’Connell made clear, he also has the respect and support of the dressing room. “Ask anyone in the locker room,” the Irish defender said, “they can’t speak highly enough of the coach. He’s a guy you want to play for, a guy you want to break through brick walls for.
“He does a great job with people. His demeanor rubs off on you and makes us want to do more for him. So level headed too. Whether we win, lose or draw, I will say he is me The best player I’ve ever played with because you show up on Monday and everything is ready for the next moment.
How far can Wrexham actually climb?
O’Connell has no doubts about its potential. “This club can be as big as it wants to be,” the former Celtic defender insisted. “Wrexham is global. It hit us all this summer when we played Chelsea in North Carolina (in a pre-season friendly).
“I remember being in the tunnel before the warm-up. They went out and there was a slight roar. Then we went out and the place really had a new look. That’s why I say it’s a global club.
“I also think back to the road trip to Halifax last year and the numbers we got (4,500 fans attended the trip). We got beat, but I remember in the warm-up I thought it was like I was young The same goes for Celtics away games.
(Jan Kluger/Getty Images)
“I do think with the fan base, the people involved in running the club and the owners, the world is your oyster, really.”
Is there an example to follow as Wrexham return to League One?
A year of consolidation isn’t a bad thing, especially after a string of promotions. So, maybe any of the trio who were automatically promoted a year ago.
However, Lee believes Luton Town, who left Wrexham in 2022 to join the club, can be the ultimate source of inspiration after winning promotion from the National League to the Premier League in just nine years.
“Anything can happen,” he said. “Look at my old club Luton Town. When I left I said I wanted a project similar to Luton Town. I wanted to get promoted to League One and Wrexham fit the bill.
“Of course you can’t get ahead of yourself. I’m not saying we’re going to be in the Premier League anytime soon. But what I’m saying is we have all the foundations to be a successful club.
“Thanks to the support of the owners and staff it has the potential to go all the way. I always say this place reminds me of Luton because of the great environment it is here to work in every day and people come here to work hard.
Luton were promoted from the National League in 2014 and beat Everton away in the Premier League nine years later (Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
“Special things can happen. I’ve said that since I came here and I know this because of the experience we had at Luton. Look at how they are doing in the Premier League now.
Luton were the last team to gain promotion from League Two and are straight up again 12 months later – a feat they achieved after winning the Third Division title in 2017-18 – and Wrexham certainly can Much worse than studying a club with an average attendance of 1.
(Header photo: Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
