The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "When will Wrexham reach the Premier League?"

Release Date: May 1, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves deep into the meteoric rise of Wrexham AFC and explores the pivotal question: When will Wrexham reach the Premier League? Joined by Wrexham correspondent Richard Sutcliffe and seasoned football analyst Matt Slater, the discussion navigates through Wrexham's unprecedented success, the impact on the local community, and the broader implications for the club's future both on and off the pitch.

Wrexham's Rapid Ascent

Ayo kicks off the conversation by highlighting Wrexham's historic achievement of securing back-to-back promotions for three consecutive seasons, making them the first team in English football history to do so. Richard Sutcliffe reflects on this extraordinary feat, noting the club's transformation over just three years:

Richard Sutcliffe [02:21]: "It's beyond what I would have thought even the dreams of the owners when they took over."

Matt Slater adds context to the strategic decisions behind Wrexham’s success, emphasizing the astute ownership by Hollywood celebrities Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. He credits their choice of Wrexham as a "sleeping giant" ripe for progress, supported by a solid fan base and a compelling community narrative.

Impact on the Local Community

The podcast underscores the profound effect Wrexham's success has had on the town. Richard Sutcliffe shares a personal anecdote illustrating the revived civic pride:

Richard Sutcliffe [02:54]: "It's been life-changing for the town. The civic pride that its football club brought back people."

He elaborates on Wrexham's economic revival, transitioning from a town plagued by industrial decline to a vibrant community energized by its football club's achievements.

The Influence of "Welcome to Wrexham"

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham and its role in elevating the club's profile globally, particularly in the United States. Matt Slater praises the documentary's multifaceted approach:

Matt Slater [04:01]: "Ryan Reynolds is not a sort of typical famous person. He's very, very, very famous... there's a good chemistry between those two and the club they bought."

Richard Sutcliffe highlights how the series has turned not just the owners, but also key figures like manager Phil Parkinson and players, into beloved personalities:

Richard Sutcliffe [06:57]: "Phil Parkinson is as much a star of the show now as anybody really."

Brand Awareness and Global Reach

The conversation shifts to the strategic importance of brand awareness for Wrexham. Matt Slater discusses the benefits of Wrexham’s inclusion in larger broadcasting portfolios, citing a significant TV deal with the Championship:

Matt Slater [10:31]: "This is the first season of it, the one that we're just coming to the end of... more TV money straight away for getting promoted to the Championship."

Rob McElhenney emphasizes the potential for international expansion, noting Disney's involvement and the possibility of expanding the ownership model to other teams globally.

Financial Aspects and Sustainability

Ayo probes into the financial ramifications of Wrexham's ascent. Richard Sutcliffe provides insight into the club's revenue streams and expenditures:

Richard Sutcliffe [33:26]: "£26.7 million in their first year back in the EFL with more success. That turnover should only rise, shouldn't it?"

Rob McElhenney discusses the complexities of turning a football club into a sustainable business, highlighting the balance between investment and operational costs:

Rob McElhenney [36:28]: "They have to manage that... There's a lot of people that want to see Wrexham that won't be able to get in. So they are well run. They're getting there."

Sustainability and Management

The podcast examines the club’s management practices, focusing on the strategic appointments and infrastructure developments.

Rob McElhenney [42:08]: "They're doing all the right things. So, yeah, they are well run."

Key points include the hiring of a new CEO, Michael Williamson, and the development of a new training ground and stadium expansion plans, which are critical for Wrexham's sustained success in higher leagues.

Future Prospects: Steps to the Premier League

Looking ahead, the experts discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie in Wrexham's pursuit of Premier League promotion. Richard Sutcliffe expresses optimism about reaching the top tier within three years:

Richard Sutcliffe [40:19]: "I changed my mind. And I think it's a certainty they'll reach the Premier League."

Matt Slater underscores the importance of maintaining financial stability while scaling operations to compete at the highest level.

Conclusion

Ayo wraps up the episode by summarizing the key insights shared by Richard, Matt, and guest Felipe Cardenas, who discussed Wrexham’s popularity in the US. The panel acknowledges the impressive progress Wrexham has made, the strategic vision of its owners, and the robust support from both local and international fan bases.

Ayo Akinwolere [46:19]: "The Athletic FC Podcast is an Athletic Media Company production."

As Wrexham stands on the cusp of Premier League ambition, the episode leaves listeners with a sense of anticipation and admiration for the club's journey from underdog to potential top-flight contender.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Sutcliffe [02:21]: "It's beyond what I would have thought even the dreams of the owners when they took over."

• Matt Slater [04:01]: "Ryan Reynolds is not a sort of typical famous person. He's very, very, very famous..."

• Rob McElhenney [36:28]: "They have to manage that... There's a lot of people that want to see Wrexham that won't be able to get in. So they are well run. They're getting there."

• Richard Sutcliffe [40:19]: "I changed my mind. And I think it's a certainty they'll reach the Premier League."

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast offers an in-depth analysis of Wrexham AFC's remarkable rise, combining expert insights with engaging storytelling to paint a comprehensive picture of the club's journey and future prospects.