Five Reasons Why Wrexham Will Still Win League Two – Opinion
Wrexham have been the talk of the Football League even before they were promoted at the end of last season from the National League. You could point to two reasons, the club owners. There can be no doubt that the story that surrounds Wrexham has been born from the Hollywood owners.
They have been a sleeping giant that just needed that extra kick, like so many others that are on the verge of a breakthrough from the non-league pyramid to the EFL. By having an injection of cash, as well as featuring on numerous documentaries and television shows, they have a permanent spotlight on them. No one will turn that away if it means promotion and positive exposure.
The pressure this season has come from being huge favourites to win League Two. It was almost a slam dunk “gimme” of an outcome that you may have been forgiven thinking there were 23 other teams in the league. If you have happened to watch the documentaries, you will see that like any other football club, it is the fans who make it real. Their passion and drive are no different from any other up and down the country.
With a quarter of the season gone, and a stuttering start, here are FIVE reasons why Wrexham will live up to their preseason favourites tag and win the league this season.
Phil Parkinson.
The manager has been in charge since July 2021. After making his name as a manager during his time at Bradford City, his stock fell off a little with spells at Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland.
He guided Wrexham to the FA Trophy final in 2022, then didn’t falter under the challenge of Notts County throughout last season to win the league title and promotion. Ultimately, when the pressure is on, Parkinson has come good.
Reacting To Pressure.
They didn’t buckle last season, and so far the signs are good this term. They have only lost three times across all competitions (once was a shootout loss in the Carabao Cup) and each time they have bounced back with a strong run. Realising that League Two is a marathon is keeping them in check.
They are the team to beat and a huge target. So far they have reacted well to the pressure.
Goalscoring.
After the opening dozen games, they have 24 goals. Quick maths shows this is two per game. This is mainly because of the number of chances they are creating, a huge 16.8 shots on goal a game.
They also have 12 different scorers so far, so the goals are coming from all angles. Elliot Lee leads the way with seven, and Ollie Palmer has notched three. Paul Mullin has recently come back into the side and has two goals.
Arthur Okonkwo.
At the start of the season the side was shipping goals and veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster retired after being at fault for at least two of the goals conceded in a 5-5 draw with Swindon.
Despite letting in three on his debut in a 3-3 draw with Crewe, he has adjusted well and kept two clean sheets since, earning rave reviews. The loanee from Arsenal is tipped to have a bright future and has helped Wrexham shore up a leaky defence.
The Owners.
Having gone this far without naming them, there is no doubt the impact that both Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have had. It was seen as a gimmick but the way they have embraced the club and taken the town with them has alleviated those fears.
They have yet to see real bad times on the pitch and the tide may turn if they come. Their enthusiasm and willingness to make it work is paying off for now, and should they need a boost in January, they will free up some funds.
Writer’s View
Wrexham are starting to click through the gears after a start where they were maybe caught cold by more experienced teams at this level. A period where they were conceding far too many goals have been levelled out with more consistent play.
As the season goes on and more adjustments are made, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they went on an extended unbeaten run which will propel them to the top position.
