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Wrexham AFC, the club which has been in the English National League for the longest time in the division’s history, are close to achieving promotion out. The club sits at the top of the table entering Matchday 44 Saturday against Barnet, three points clear of Notts County. Here’s a look at Wrexham’s promotion chances and what a move to the next division will mean for the club.
Two teams get promoted from the English National League. The winner of the league throughout the season automatically gets in, while teams 2-7 enter the playoffs. Teams 4-7 play each other in a single-elimination format, and the winners meet the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the semifinal round. The winner of those games goes to the final, where the winner of the final achieves promotion. Wrexham, who lost in the playoffs in 2021-22, would like to avoid that hassle altogether.
April 22 update: With a 3-1 win at The Racecourse over Boreham Wood in the penultimate match of the 2022-23 season, it’s official: The Red Dragons are going up.
A first minute goal from Boreham’s Lee Ndlovu almost ruined the projected fairy tale finish, but a 15th minute equalizer from Elliot Lee, and a brace from striker Paul Mullin in the 52nd and 71st made it official. Wrexham will play fully professional football for the first time since 2008.
April 18 update: Wrexham won the game in hand over Yeovil Town and are now four points clear of Notts County with two matches left. If Wrexham matches or exceeds Notts County’s result in the next match to remain four points ahead entering the final matchday, Wrexham will win the league and gain automatic promotion.
April 15 update: Wrexham played Barnet to a 0-0 draw while Notts County beat Woking 3-0. Wrexham is one point up and has three matches left while Notts County has two matches left.
Wrexham have a game in hand on Notts County, who are below them by three points. If they win that game, they’ll be six points ahead with three matches to play. As long as Wrexham either keep winning or match Notts County’s results, automatic promotion seems likely.
If promoted, Wrexham will join EFL League Two. The big benefit for Wrexham would be additional exposure, funds, and the freedom to sign players outside of the English football circuit. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have shown they are willing to spend money to achieve results, so a step up would likely lead to more investment. The Premier League would still be a long ways away for Wrexham, but the club has to start somewhere if it ultimately hopes to reach that lofty goal.