Wrexham AFC, the Welsh club aiming for a return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 1982, is in a tight race for promotion from League One. Despite a recent 2-2 draw against Cambridge United, a team fighting relegation, their promotion hopes remain strong. However, the race for automatic promotion is not entirely in their control as rival teams also compete for the coveted spots.
With six games left in their season, Phil Parkinson`s Wrexham squad currently holds second place in the league table. Birmingham City leads League One, sitting comfortably 11 points ahead of Wrexham, with two additional games in hand. The battle for the second automatic promotion spot promises to be intense.
Wycombe Wanderers, despite a goalless draw against Shrewsbury Town where they had numerous shots, still control their promotion destiny. Charlton Athletic and Stockport County both gained ground in recent matches, setting up an exciting finale to the season on May 3rd.
League One Automatic Promotion Standings
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal Difference | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham | 39 | 28 | 8 | 3 | 43 | 92 |
| 2 | Wrexham | 41 | 24 | 9 | 8 | 27 | 81 |
| 3 | Wycombe | 40 | 21 | 12 | 7 | 28 | 75 |
| 4 | Stockport | 41 | 21 | 11 | 9 | 24 | 74 |
| 5 | Charlton | 41 | 21 | 10 | 10 | 19 | 73 |
| 6 | Bolton | 40 | 20 | 6 | 14 | 5 | 66 |
The top two teams at the end of the season secure automatic promotion to the Championship. Teams finishing third through sixth will compete in playoffs, consisting of two-leg semi-finals and a final at Wembley Stadium on May 25th.
Wrexham`s Upcoming Fixtures
- April 12: Wigan (Away)
- April 18: Bristol Rovers (Home)
- April 21: Blackpool (Away)
- April 26: Charlton (Home)
- May 3: Lincoln (Away)
What Wrexham Needs for Promotion
Automatic promotion for Wrexham is not guaranteed. If Wycombe wins all of their remaining seven matches, Wrexham would need to match that performance to tie on points. In such a scenario, goal difference would determine the promotion spot, where Wycombe currently holds a slight advantage.
However, winning every remaining game is a tall order. The promotion battle may hinge on crucial head-to-head matches and performances against various opponents. While games against Burton Albion and Bristol Rovers might seem straightforward based on league positions, facing teams fighting to avoid relegation at this stage of the season can be challenging.
Key games for both Wrexham and Wycombe will be against Charlton in late April. Charlton will play both Wycombe and Wrexham in quick succession. Strong performances by Charlton in these matches could significantly impact the promotion race.
Wrexham`s Rapid Ascent
Should Wrexham achieve promotion, it would mark their third promotion in as many seasons. After a 15-year absence, they rejoined the English Football League in 2022-23 and followed it up with promotion from League Two the following season.
While other clubs have achieved consecutive promotions across multiple tiers, Wrexham`s potential rise through the higher levels of the English football pyramid is notable. Their journey is distinct from teams like FC United of Manchester, who climbed tiers but started at a lower level in the football pyramid.
Wrexham`s success at higher levels is particularly significant because they are facing increasingly professional competition. With the financial backing of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham has been able to compete effectively at each level. This raises questions about their potential in the Championship.
Championship Survival Prospects
Looking ahead, the Championship presents a significant challenge. While back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League are rare but possible (as Ipswich Town demonstrated), it is typically achieved by established top-tier clubs. Despite Wrexham`s growing global fanbase, the Championship is a financially demanding league.
Wrexham`s wage bill was substantial in League Two and has likely increased with signings like Jay Rodriguez and Matty James. However, even with increased spending, their financial resources might still be considerably less than the wealthiest Championship clubs. Wrexham director Humprey Ker has suggested a significant increase in salary spending might be necessary to compete in the Championship.
Underlying performance metrics suggest some caution regarding Wrexham`s immediate Championship readiness. While their actual goal scoring has exceeded expected goals, their non-penalty expected goal difference places them lower in League One rankings. This raises questions about their ability to secure promotion and then maintain their position in the Championship.
However, Wrexham`s recent history demonstrates a club that rises to challenges. If they do achieve promotion to the Championship, expect significant investment to ensure they can compete and remain in the second tier of English football.
Dominic Ashworth