Wrexham face a crucial weekend in their recent history as they attempt to complete their dream of making it to the Premier League.
The Welsh side became the first in England’s top five divisions to achieve three successive promotions 12 months ago when they were elevated to the Sky Bet Championship a little more than four years after Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac had pushed through their takeover at the StoK Cae Ras.
On Saturday, they face fellow contenders Middlesbrough clinging on to the final play-off place which would give them a crack at the big time. Here, the Press Association takes a look at the opportunity which lies ahead.
Where do Wrexham sit going into the final day of the regular season?
Phil Parkinson’s men have suffered something of a wobble in recent weeks, losing to Southampton, Birmingham and newly-crowned champions Coventry either side of victories over Stoke and Oxford. However, they head into the final round of games lying in sixth place on 70 points, ahead of Hull in seventh on goal difference. They can finish no higher – Southampton are seven points better off in fifth – but could slip to as low as eighth if events conspire against them.
What do they need to do to clinch a play-off spot?
Basically, they need to match whatever Hull do in their home clash with Norwich, although it may prove slightly more complicated than that. Wrexham currently lead the Tigers by virtue of a single goal having scored 67 and conceded 63 to City’s 68 and 65 respectively, giving rise to the possibility that even victory might not be enough should the Yorkshire side win by a greater margin. Alternatively, should both draw, Derby, who are just a point behind and have a superior goal difference, would leapfrog them with a home win over Sheffield United, and would prevail with a draw if both Wrexham and Hull lost.
Is their need greater than that of Middlesbrough?
No, definitely not. Fourth-placed Boro were assured of their place in the end-of-season showdown when they edged to a nervy 1-0 win over relegated Sheffield Wednesday on April 22, their first victory in eight attempts, but then followed it up with a 5-1 demolition of Watford at the weekend to keep alive their hopes of snatching the second automatic promotion place. Three points in Wales could yet see them overhaul Millwall and Ipswich should they slip up against Oxford and QPR respectively with the three clubs separated by just two points.
Who could they face in the play-offs?
With sixth the only play-off position available to them, Wrexham would play the team which finishes third after the 46th and final round of fixtures. As things stand with a game to go, that would be Millwall, but the top of the table is so tight that any of the four clubs above them – Ipswich, Middlesbrough and Southampton are the others – could provide the opposition in the semi-finals. The Welshmen would play at home on Friday, May 8 with the reverse fixture taking place three days later, both with 8pm kick-offs, and the final is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at Wembley.
What are the rewards for success?
Wrexham’s rise, albeit backed by significant investment, has been something of a fairy tale, but promotion to the Premier League would take it to a whole new level. Last year’s Championship play-off winners Sunderland banked an estimated £200million, and they have invested wisely to more than make a fist of life in the top flight, perhaps providing a blueprint for those who follow. More generally, the interest generated worldwide by the club’s ownership and its rags-to-riches tale, would assume even greater proportions and add further to an already enticing narrative which would further enhance its stature.
