Wrexham's Championship Dream Shattered: Where Do They Go From Here?

Wrexham fell short of the EFL Championship playoffs after being held to a 2–2 draw at home by Middlesbrough on the season's final day.

The Red Dragons were aware that no result was certain to guarantee a sixth-place finish, and they ultimately missed out following Hull City's victory over Norwich City. As a result, Wrexham ended the campaign in seventh place with 71 points, two adrift of the Tigers who claimed the last playoff spot.

While there was an understandable tinge of disappointment at the final whistle, it was largely overshadowed by an immense sense of pride as Wrexham achieved the greatest finish in the club's 162-year existence.

In their first season back in England's second division in 43 years, the Red Dragons demonstrated they could more than hold their own at the upper end of the table and laid strong groundwork to build on heading into the summer.

Sports Illustrated examines what lies ahead in Wrexham's quest for the Premier League.

Learn From Experience

This campaign was always going to be a steep learning curve—and Wrexham should emerge stronger for it in the long term.

The positives are evident, but so are the weaknesses. Phil Parkinson's side drew 14 of their 46 matches—the fifth-highest total in the division—and surrendered 24 points from winning positions. They did show character, clawing back 23 points from losing positions, but the dropped points are difficult to overlook when they missed out by just two.

Consistency developed over time. Seven players who featured in the opening fixture against Southampton didn't start the final game against Middlesbrough, including the entire back three. Once Parkinson identified his strongest XI, performances improved. They must build on those foundations heading into next season.

Stay Ruthless in the Rebuild

Wrexham's Summer Signings in 2025

Having brought in 13 players last summer, a similarly sweeping overhaul isn't anticipated this time around—but further evolution of the squad certainly is.

Wrexham, who were still a non-league side as recently as 2023, invested $45 million and shattered their transfer record on three separate occasions to prepare for life at this level. The emphasis now shifts toward precise, targeted improvements rather than large-scale reconstruction.

Their ascent has been driven by difficult choices—fan favorites moved on, established starters replaced. That same decisiveness must be maintained if they are to avoid stagnation next season.

Get Tighter at the Back

Wrexham's most glaring problem is no secret: their defense.

They shipped 65 goals—their worst defensive record since their relegation from the Football League in 2008 and 20 more than champions Coventry City. Only one top-half side, Hull City, conceded a greater number.

They ended the season with the joint fifth-worst defensive record in the league. Their attacking prowess frequently disguised the issue, but that is not a viable long-term strategy for a playoff challenge. Whether the problem lies with personnel or the system itself, Phil Parkinson and his staff will need to find solutions to shore up the backline next season.

Find a New No. 1

Wrexham entered the season with two goalkeeping options and finished it without a clear first choice.

Arthur Okonkwo caught the eye after taking over in September, but his distribution and occasional mistakes remain areas of concern. Danny Ward, originally recruited as the number one, returned late in the campaign following injury and was called upon in crucial moments. Even so, there were uncertain displays in matches where points were dropped against Coventry City and Middlesbrough.

Okonkwo is the superior shot-stopper; Ward brings greater authority. Ideally, Wrexham require a goalkeeper who combines both qualities. That may demand significant investment, or they could take a leaf out of Coventry City's book and secure a loan from a Premier League club, as they did with Brighton's Carl Rushworth.

Add Pace Out Wide

The 3-5-2 formation relies heavily on energetic wingbacks—yet Wrexham lacked reliable pace in wide areas throughout the campaign.

Injuries and a lack of consistency meant Man City loanee Issa Kaboré and summer recruit Liberato Cacace started together just five times in the league. Instead, makeshift alternatives filled those roles—Ryan Longman, primarily a winger, and George Thomason, a converted midfielder, were the most frequently used across the two wingback positions.

Both made contributions, but neither is a natural fit for the role. To get the most out of the system, Wrexham need genuine pace and dedicated specialists on the flanks. That should be their top transfer priority this summer.