Can Wrexham Build on Their Incredible Journey?

Wrexham AFC is on the verge of making history by aiming for a spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for only the fourth time ever. The club's remarkable journey, particularly under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a thrilling victory against Ipswich Town, manager Phil Parkinson expressed the importance of enjoying the moment while remaining focused on their league campaign.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Wrexham has successfully reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in nearly three decades, having last done so in 1994. Their recent victory over Ipswich Town solidified their place in the next round, marking a significant achievement for the club and its fans. Manager Phil Parkinson highlighted the importance of this milestone, especially as it coincides with the fifth anniversary of Reynolds and Mac's ownership. The team is now eagerly anticipating the draw for the next round, which could see them face a Premier League opponent.

Key takeaways

Wrexham is in the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in 29 years.
The club's ownership by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has transformed its fortunes.
Phil Parkinson emphasises the need to enjoy successes while staying focused on league ambitions.

Timeline: how we got here

Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham AFC in February 2021, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation. Here’s a brief timeline of key milestones leading to their current FA Cup success:

February 2021: Reynolds and McElhenney become owners, aiming to revitalize the club.
April 2022: Wrexham secures promotion from the National League to the Football League.
January 2023: The club reaches the third round of the FA Cup, defeating Nottingham Forest.
February 2023: Wrexham beats Ipswich Town to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Wrexham's recent victory against Ipswich Town has propelled them into the FA Cup fifth round, a significant achievement that highlights their progress since the takeover. The team’s performance was marked by a decisive goal from Josh Windass, enhancing their momentum as they navigate the competition.

What was already established

Wrexham’s historic stature as a club is well-documented, having had previous successes in the FA Cup. Their journey through the leagues has been marked by both struggles and triumphs, culminating in their recent resurgence under new ownership, which has brought renewed hope and ambition to the club.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As Wrexham progresses through the FA Cup, local businesses and fans alike can expect a boost in engagement and spending. Matches at the Racecourse Ground attract fans, leading to increased footfall in the area, benefiting local shops and restaurants.

Businesses and jobs

The club’s success not only raises its profile but also encourages investment in the local economy. Job opportunities may arise in hospitality and event management as the team prepares for potential higher-profile matches in the FA Cup.

Policy and regulation

The FA Cup serves as a platform for clubs like Wrexham to showcase their talent and attract attention at higher levels of football. As they continue to succeed, this could lead to discussions on policies regarding club funding and support from governing bodies.

Numbers that matter

29 years: The duration since Wrexham last reached the fifth round of the FA Cup.
1,269: The number of away supporters from Ipswich Town who attended the match, highlighting strong fan engagement.
10: The number of changes made by Ipswich Town's manager, Kieran McKenna, demonstrating a strategic focus on league performance over cup competitions.

Definitions and jargon buster

FA Cup: An annual knockout football competition in England, open to all eligible teams, from amateur to professional levels.
National League: The fifth tier of English football, below the Football League.
Promotion: The process by which a team moves up to a higher division, usually based on performance in their current league.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Wrexham will focus on maintaining their league performance while preparing for the FA Cup draw. The immediate goal is to secure a strong position in the league as they manage the dual pressures of cup and league football.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Wrexham will aim for stability in league standings while seeking to advance further in the FA Cup. This period will be crucial for squad rotation and managing player fitness.

Signals to watch

The outcome of the FA Cup draw, which could determine their next opponent.
League position and performance as they balance cup commitments with league ambitions.
Injury reports and player fitness updates as the season progresses.

Practical guidance

Do

Attend matches to support the team and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Engage with other fans to foster a sense of community.
Follow updates on team performance and injury news through official channels.

Don’t

Neglect league performance in favour of cup success; both are important for club stability.
Be overly critical of player performances, especially in high-pressure situations.

Checklist

Check match schedules for upcoming fixtures in both the FA Cup and league.
Stay informed on player transfers and squad changes.
Participate in fan forums or social media discussions to share insights and experiences.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Wrexham's prospects look promising, uncertainties remain regarding the outcomes of future matches, particularly in the FA Cup where they may face stronger Premier League opposition. Additionally, injuries and squad depth will play critical roles in their ability to compete on multiple fronts.

Bottom line

Wrexham AFC stands on the brink of history with their FA Cup journey, showcasing the remarkable transformation under Reynolds and McElhenney. Fans and stakeholders alike should remain optimistic as the club balances the excitement of cup football with the realities of league competition, ensuring continued engagement and support throughout the season.

FAQs

How can Wrexham reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup?

Wrexham can reach the quarter-finals by winning their next match in the FA Cup, which will be determined by the upcoming draw.

Who are Wrexham’s current owners?

Wrexham is owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who took control of the club in February 2021.

When was the last time Wrexham reached the fifth round of the FA Cup?

The last time Wrexham reached the fifth round of the FA Cup was in 1994, making this achievement significant for the club’s history.