Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham are set for a bitter reunion with Welsh rivals Cardiff City and Swansea City in the Championship next season, after the club agonisingly missed out on Premier League qualification. The Red Dragons, co-owned by Hollywood stars Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, saw their promotion hopes dashed on the final day of the Championship season, as they were leapfrogged by Hull City for the final play-off spot.
Dramatic Final Day Heartbreak
Phil Parkinson’s side began the day inside the top six on goal difference and needed a victory to secure a play-off berth. However, a thrilling but ultimately heartbreaking 2-2 draw at home to Middlesbrough, combined with Hull’s 2-1 win over Norwich City, left Wrexham two points adrift. The result means they will remain in the Championship for at least another season, missing out on the chance to reach the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history.
The disappointment was compounded by a sense of injustice, as many fans felt Norwich were denied a late penalty in their match against Hull. One supporter described it as a ‘stonewall’ penalty decision and a ‘robbery’, with another claiming the officials cost Wrexham victory. The missed spot-kick could have altered the outcome and secured Wrexham’s promotion.
Financial Blow of Missing Promotion
Failing to reach the Premier League also represents a significant financial setback. Had Wrexham secured promotion via the play-offs, they would have unlocked a windfall worth at least £100 million in their first season alone, driven primarily by the Premier League’s global broadcasting deals. Over three years, factoring in parachute payments if relegated, the total value of promotion was estimated at £170 million or more, with additional commercial revenue and global visibility.
This financial blow adds to the on-field disappointment, as the club had invested heavily in squad improvements under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership. The Hollywood stars have transformed Wrexham’s fortunes since taking over, leading to three consecutive promotions, but the ultimate prize of Premier League football remains elusive.
Bitter Reunion with Cardiff City
Another season in the Championship will set the stage for a fierce reunion with Cardiff City, who secured promotion from League One by finishing second. The two historic rivals have not played in the same division since Cardiff were relegated last year, just as Wrexham earned their third straight promotion. They did meet earlier this season in the Carabao Cup fourth round, their first competitive encounter in over 21 years, with Cardiff winning 2-1 at the Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham were booed at half-time during that defeat after a lacklustre display, and Reynolds will be eager to exact revenge next season. The first league meeting between the sides since 2002 promises to be a heated affair, with bragging rights and the title of Wales’ best team at stake.
Facing Swansea City Again
Wrexham will also renew acquaintances with Swansea City, who finished 11th in the Championship after a 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic on the final day. Next season’s Championship will feature a straight shootout for Welsh supremacy, with Wrexham having finished above their rivals for the first time in 25 years. The rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a fiercely competitive campaign.
Despite the heartbreak, Wrexham’s progress under Reynolds and McElhenney remains remarkable. The club has risen from the National League to the brink of the Premier League in just a few years, and with continued investment and a passionate fanbase, they will be determined to go one step further next season.
