Ryan Reynolds, co-owner of Wrexham, expressed that he is “completely gutted” after the team’s hopes of reaching the Premier League ended on Saturday.
The Welsh club narrowly missed out on a playoff spot in the second-tier Championship, finishing just two points short after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough in the final match of the regular season.
– Hamilton: Wrexham’s Premier League promotion dreams dashed
– Wrexham manager looks to new signings for 2026-27 Championship campaign
– Wrexham’s Premier League aspirations on hold as playoff spot slips away
Wrexham’s draw allowed Hull to leap over them into sixth place, which is the fourth and final playoff position, following a 2-1 victory over Norwich in a simultaneous match.
The decisive goal for Hull, scored by Oli McBurnie in the 67th minute, appeared to be offside; however, video review technology isn’t available in the English Football League.
This outcome concluded Wrexham’s remarkable streak of three consecutive promotions under renowned owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, beginning with their exit from the fifth tier in the 2022-23 season—a journey chronicled in the acclaimed FX series “Welcome to Wrexham.”
Despite this setback, Wrexham’s seventh-place finish represents their best result in club history, surpassing the 15th position they achieved in the 1978-79 season. Reynolds echoed the sentiments of manager Phil Parkinson, noting that the team has “so much to be proud of.”
“I am completely gutted by today’s result but incredibly proud of our season,” Reynolds shared on X. “We’ve come a long way in five years, and this was the best result in our 150+ year history. More to be done. But for now, we have so much to celebrate, Reds.”
Wrexham had a memorable campaign during their first season back in the second tier since the 1980s.
However, the disappointment was palpable, with players sitting on the pitch in despair after the final whistle, even while the Hull-Norwich game was still underway.
Wrexham started the day in sixth place, ahead of Hull on goal difference, but conceded a goal in the fourth minute to Middlesbrough. They managed to lead 2-1 by the 41st minute thanks to goals from Josh Windass and Sam Smith.
Unfortunately, Middlesbrough equalized just before halftime, and though Wrexham pushed hard for a late winner, they ultimately fell short, finishing two points behind Hull.
“This squad, as it is, along with a preseason together, will be even stronger next year,” said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, who oversaw a significant summer investment of around $40 million last year. “We will look to enhance the team further to provide ourselves with a better opportunity. We understand where we need to improve and will take steps to build the strongest squad possible for next season.”
Report contributed by The Associated Press.