Ryan Reynolds Disappointed as Wrexham Misses Promotion to the Premier League
Wrexham Misses Premier League Playoff Spot in Dramatic Finale
Wrexham AFC’s aspirations for promotion to the Premier League have come to an end for this season. The Welsh club, co-owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, finished seventh in the Championship after drawing 2-2 with Middlesbrough on Saturday, missing out on a playoff position.
"I am completely gutted by today’s result but incredibly proud of our season," Reynolds expressed on social media after the match, which saw Wrexham relinquish its playoff hopes to Hull City. Hull secured the final playoff spot by winning 2-1 against Norwich City in a simultaneous match.
The decisive goal for Hull came from Oli McBurnie in the 67th minute, a strike that appeared to be offside but went unreviewed due to the lack of video assistance in the English Football League.
This season marked a significant milestone for Wrexham, as they achieved their highest ever finish in the club’s history. They improved from 15th place in the 1978-79 season to seventh this year, capping off a remarkable three-year journey that began with promotion from the fifth tier.
"We’ve come a long way in five years and this was the best result in our 150+ year history," Reynolds noted alongside a graphic detailing the club’s rise from the National League. "More to do. But for now, we have so much to be proud of, Reds."
Despite the disappointment, Wrexham’s head coach, Phil Parkinson, highlighted the team’s potential for growth. "This squad, as it stands, with a preseason together, will be even stronger next year," he remarked. "We know where we’d like to strengthen and what we need to improve on."
The playoff spots are filled by Hull City, Millwall, Southampton, and Middlesbrough, with Millwall set to face Hull and Southampton squaring off against Middlesbrough next week.
In other league news, Ipswich Town clinched the second automatic promotion spot behind champions Coventry City, earning an immediate return to the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers.
As Wrexham reflects on its season, the emotional aftermath of the final whistle was evident. Players were left dejected on the field, having begun the day in a promising sixth place but ultimately falling just two points short of their playoff ambition.
