EFL chief executive Trevor Birch has praised the impact Wrexham have had on the wider footballing landscape, highlighting the global attention the club has brought to the English Football League.
Since their takeover by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021, Wrexham have gone from a non-league outfit to serious Championship hopefuls, with their promotion to League One confirmed earlier this month.
Their journey, chronicled in the popular documentary “Welcome to Wrexham,” has brought unprecedented international exposure to the club – and by extension, the EFL.
“Great For The League”
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Birch commended the club’s rise and emphasised the benefits for the league as a whole.
“It would be a great achievement. The exposure that they are getting is great for the EFL as well. Obviously they are big news back in America and it can only be a positive thing for the EFL.”
Wrexham’s back-to-back promotions have already cemented them as a compelling modern football story. Now sitting second in League One with four games to play, they are on course to secure automatic promotion to the Championship. Their latest result – a goalless draw away at Wigan Athletic – was enough to guarantee at least a play-off berth.
Manager Phil Parkinson, however, has made it clear that the aim is to go one better and finish in the top two, joining Birmingham City in securing direct promotion.
The club’s transformation since February 2021 has not only been seen on the pitch, but also in their global brand, with fanbases emerging far beyond Wales and the UK. The combination of Hollywood star power and footballing success has brought unique attention to League Two, League One, and now potentially the Championship.
Site Opinion
Trevor Birch is right to acknowledge Wrexham’s influence. Their story is reshaping the image of lower-league football and giving the EFL a narrative that resonates across the Atlantic and beyond. But behind the star-studded headlines lies a team built on grit, organisation, and ambition. With promotion within touching distance, Wrexham could soon be mixing it with Championship giants – and the EFL brand stands to benefit even more.
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