Are Wrexham Premier League-ready? Red Dragons backed to emulate high-flying Sunderland amid Championship promotion push
Wrexham have been backed to emulate Sunderland by former Black Cats striker Fraizer Campbell, should they secure promotion. The Red Dragons, financed by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are looking to earn a historic fourth successive promotion and land a Premier League spot as they look to maintain their rise up the football ladder. After a slow start to the season, winning only two of their opening 10 league matches, Wrexham currently occupy the final playoff spot in the Championship. Phil Parkinson's team have claimed 44 points from 29 games so far, and while an automatic promotion push is out of the question, they'll fancy their chances of finishing inside the top six. Securing a playoff finish would be an achievement in itself, given that the Welsh outfit were a National League side as recently as 2022. And former striker Campbell feels they have what it takes to emulate high-flying Sunderland should they go up this season.Campbell, who spent four seasons at the Stadium of Light following his permanent arrival from Manchester United in 2009, believes it would be "incredible for football" if Wrexham to indeed to secure a Premier League spot for the first time in their history this season.Speaking exclusively with BettingLounge, Campbell dubbed Wrexham's journey from non-league to the Championship "incredible", saying: "The whole Wrexham journey has been incredible. The way they've connected with the fans, it just feels like a never-ending story that keeps getting better."It would be great for football and great for Wrexham if they could make the playoffs and do the unthinkable, ending up in the Premier League. It's a fantastic story. "Some of my old teammates have been part of that journey, and it's always great to see teams doing well, especially when you have had players like Steven Fletcher, James McClean, and now Lewis O'Brien adding to the history they're making." Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!And on whether it would be too soon for Wrexham to ply their trade in the Premier League, Campbell compared their potential situation to Sunderland this season, adding: "Would it be too soon to get to the Premier League? I think you just have to get in and deal with it when you're there. You could have said that about Sunderland last season, and look how they're doing this season. "I think the first season is, I wouldn't say the easiest, but you have that momentum, that elation. Everyone's happy, you're in the Premier League, every game is exciting, and you do well. It's always the second season where things settle down, it's not quite as exciting, and that's when a lot of clubs come undone. "It's difficult to go out and spend loads of money on a whole new squad, it's always a risk because you don't know how they're going to gel. So, I think you're best off just getting up there and seeing what happens. Winning, whether it's through the playoffs or automatically, is an unbelievable, great achievement. "Sometimes it is too soon for clubs. Maybe for Wrexham, but the way they've been going, you know, it's been 'too soon' every year, but they just keep going, so who knows what can happen." Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWrexham returned to winning ways last time out, having previously followed up a surprise 2-1 home loss to Norwich with a 1-1 draw with Leicester. Parkinson's side claimed all the spoils from the jaws of defeat, having struck twice in second-half injury time as Oliver Rathbone's dramatic last-gasp thunderbolt saw Wrexham claim a 3-2 victory at QPR.And Wrexham will feel confident about making it back-to-back league wins to maintain their playoff push when they take bottom of the table, Sheffield Wednesday, on Saturday afternoon.The doomed Owls were handed a 12-point deduction back in October, having been placed into administration by former owner Dejphon Chansiri, who has also been banned for being an owner or director of an EFL club for a period of three years. The Yorkshire side were then penalised a further six points in December, and they now sit a whopping 37 points from safety.
Wrexham have been backed to emulate Sunderland by former Black Cats striker Fraizer Campbell, should they secure promotion. The Red Dragons, financed by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are looking to earn a historic fourth successive promotion and land a Premier League spot as they look to maintain their rise up the football ladder. After a slow start to the season, winning only two of their opening 10 league matches, Wrexham currently occupy the final playoff spot in the Championship. Phil Parkinson's team have claimed 44 points from 29 games so far, and while an automatic promotion push is out of the question, they'll fancy their chances of finishing inside the top six. Securing a playoff finish would be an achievement in itself, given that the Welsh outfit were a National League side as recently as 2022. And former striker Campbell feels they have what it takes to emulate high-flying Sunderland should they go up this season.Campbell, who spent four seasons at the Stadium of Light following his permanent arrival from Manchester United in 2009, believes it would be "incredible for football" if Wrexham to indeed to secure a Premier League spot for the first time in their history this season.Speaking exclusively with BettingLounge, Campbell dubbed Wrexham's journey from non-league to the Championship "incredible", saying: "The whole Wrexham journey has been incredible. The way they've connected with the fans, it just feels like a never-ending story that keeps getting better."It would be great for football and great for Wrexham if they could make the playoffs and do the unthinkable, ending up in the Premier League. It's a fantastic story. "Some of my old teammates have been part of that journey, and it's always great to see teams doing well, especially when you have had players like Steven Fletcher, James McClean, and now Lewis O'Brien adding to the history they're making." Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!And on whether it would be too soon for Wrexham to ply their trade in the Premier League, Campbell compared their potential situation to Sunderland this season, adding: "Would it be too soon to get to the Premier League? I think you just have to get in and deal with it when you're there. You could have said that about Sunderland last season, and look how they're doing this season. "I think the first season is, I wouldn't say the easiest, but you have that momentum, that elation. Everyone's happy, you're in the Premier League, every game is exciting, and you do well. It's always the second season where things settle down, it's not quite as exciting, and that's when a lot of clubs come undone. "It's difficult to go out and spend loads of money on a whole new squad, it's always a risk because you don't know how they're going to gel. So, I think you're best off just getting up there and seeing what happens. Winning, whether it's through the playoffs or automatically, is an unbelievable, great achievement. "Sometimes it is too soon for clubs. Maybe for Wrexham, but the way they've been going, you know, it's been 'too soon' every year, but they just keep going, so who knows what can happen." Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWrexham returned to winning ways last time out, having previously followed up a surprise 2-1 home loss to Norwich with a 1-1 draw with Leicester. Parkinson's side claimed all the spoils from the jaws of defeat, having struck twice in second-half injury time as Oliver Rathbone's dramatic last-gasp thunderbolt saw Wrexham claim a 3-2 victory at QPR.And Wrexham will feel confident about making it back-to-back league wins to maintain their playoff push when they take bottom of the table, Sheffield Wednesday, on Saturday afternoon.The doomed Owls were handed a 12-point deduction back in October, having been placed into administration by former owner Dejphon Chansiri, who has also been banned for being an owner or director of an EFL club for a period of three years. The Yorkshire side were then penalised a further six points in December, and they now sit a whopping 37 points from safety.
The Remarkable Journey of Wrexham
Wrexham's rise from non-league football to being on the cusp of Championship playoff contention is nothing short of remarkable. Backed by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Red Dragons have captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Their recent resurgence, with a playoff spot in sight, is a testament to their tenacity and ambition.
Campbell's Endorsement and the Sunderland Comparison
Former Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell believes that Wrexham have the potential to follow in the footsteps of clubs like Sunderland and make a successful transition to the Premier League. Drawing parallels with Sunderland's recent resurgence, Campbell argues that the initial season in the Premier League could be a period of momentum and excitement for Wrexham.
The Premier League Leap: Too Soon for Wrexham?
While some may question whether it is too soon for Wrexham to aim for the Premier League, Campbell suggests that seizing the opportunity and dealing with the challenges as they come could be the key to success. The comparison to Sunderland's journey highlights that the first season in the top flight could be a period of unbridled enthusiasm, but long-term sustainability will be the real test.
A Glimpse of Success: Recent Performances and Prospects
Wrexham's recent victory over QPR, snatching three points in dramatic fashion, exemplifies their fighting spirit and determination. With bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Wednesday up next, Wrexham have a chance to build on their success and solidify their playoff aspirations. Despite Sheffield Wednesday's struggles, Wrexham will need to maintain their focus and continue their strong form to stay in the promotion race.
