In a startling revelation, a former Wrexham AFC coach has detailed the club's grim reality before its Hollywood transformation, admitting he almost walked away after just two days.
The 48-Hour Ultimatum
Darren Caskey, the ex-Tottenham midfielder who served as assistant manager to Gary Mills, has opened up about the chaotic start to their tenure in April 2015. Speaking candidly on the Undr the Cosh podcast, Caskey described how their move to the supporter-owned club nearly collapsed immediately.
"We nearly left after two days, no bullsh**t," Caskey stated. The duo, fresh from success at Gateshead, had agreed on a budget and plan, only for Mills to call him with devastating news. "He went, 'Casks, you're not going to believe this... They've taken £100,000 off our budget and have you seen that they've just sold our centre forward for £50,000?'"
The striker in question was Louis Moult, sold to Motherwell in June 2015. Caskey revealed Mills was ready to resign on the spot, confronting the board with: "That's it, sack me then." They ultimately stayed to prove a point.
Impossible Promotions and Rat-Infested Houses
The financial constraints defined their mission. Caskey highlighted the sheer difficulty of competing, stating they were "signing players there on £210 [per week] from three leagues below." He questioned, "I mean, how are you supposed to get promoted out of the league?"
Conditions off the pitch were equally alarming. Caskey alleged the club housed new signings in appalling accommodation. "They got put up in the sh**tiest house you've ever seen in your life," he said. "There must have been about 400 rats in there. It was an absolute disgrace."
He and Mills spent a full day cleaning the property themselves to make it barely habitable for the low-earning players.
A Stark Contrast to the Hollywood Era
Despite the challenges, Mills guided Wrexham to an eighth-place finish in the 2015–16 National League season, playing an attacking style. Caskey believes they performed amazingly given the circumstances.
However, the Mills-Caskey era ended in October 2016 with the club in 15th place, making way for Dean Keates before the pair departed for York City.
This period stands in dramatic opposition to the club's current fortunes. Since the February 2021 takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham has achieved three consecutive promotions, soaring from the National League to the Championship.
Substantial investment has revamped the squad and facilities, while the global spotlight from the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series has transformed the club's profile entirely, marking one of football's most remarkable turnarounds.
