WREXHAM AFC ARE PROMOTED TO LEAGUE ONE AFTER HUGE WIN! HOW FAR CAN THEY GO NEXT SEASON?

[@fearlessindevotion]

www.buymeacoffee.com/fearlessidzine

[@mikehughescq]

Another thought provoking pod. Thanks folks, THE DAY: Nope. Travelled more in hope than expectation but one advantage of having ADC commentary is that I was right on top of other scores throughout. My immediate post match celebration was to watch my cousin do his first pitch invasion aged 50 something and then head for the 17:20 train to Chester for a 20:00 eye appointment in Manchester. It was delayed by 10 to “allow celebrating fans to still make the train:”. Suffice to say NO celebrating fans appeared as they were, er, celebrating, so we had a lovely quiet train to Chester but I only made my connection with 90 seconds to spare. So, essentially celebrated with a read of the programme and a quick Sub on Oxford Road. Where does it fit into our previous promotions? Really good question. For me this was a weaker, less creative team and squad than that which escaped the NL. A strange season in which there were more “memorable” games than there were great performances. Notts County away, Grimsby away and Mansfield in the FA Cup were the only away standouts whilst Crawley and FGR probably the best home games (although FGR were bewilderingly bad from the off and it was instructive to watch Cotterill’s very upset interview afterwards). Interesting to note that we talk as though the last few weeks have seen an uptick in performances and yet it was pre-Christmas we put together unbeaten runs of 9 and 8 games. Even when we remembered how good we could be with the ball on the ground we’ve had a defeat in us every 3 or 4 games throughout 2024 and we’ve really secured an automatic place as much because other teams fell away for various reasons as through our own efforts. THE BOSS: Whereas I knew enough of the likes of Mills to know how badly that would play out I was always wholly in favour of Parky as an appointment. His only failures were at clubs close to basket case status and where no-one else could have succeeded. The only question mark for me was whether he could manage in a scenario where for once he had money. I remain unconvinced that left to his own devices he’d have signed Mullin but it’s hard to fault any of his signings up to Waters, Evans, Marriot and Bolton. No manager has a 100% hit rate so how we do in L1 really depends as much on who leaves as well as who arrives. Last year was the truly significant promotion for him as the pressure was unimaginable. If he’d been perceived as failing in any way then he may have been released and may have struggled to land a league job. This year I think he knew we had enough in the tank for the play offs as soon as we had that 2nd undefeated run of games. It’s excellent to achieve back to back but compared to last year this felt almost anti-climactic albeit that it’s just registering that we’re now back at what many would see as our natural level. Where does he sit in comparison to our other managers? Simple. Just behind Neal and Flynn. They built what he’s building but in much harder/different circumstances. I doubt this will stop the Parky bashing. There will always be people who become hysterical on the back of defeats; always be people who insist that whatever formation we have it’s the “wrong” one and always be people who want more attractive football who will pretend we didn’t score that goal against Grimsby; didn’t score that goal against Crawley; always pretend we weren’t compared to Brazil last season and so on. I think the theory is that, given the money he’s had, Parky should have “done better”. It’s such a fundemantal misunderstanding you feel embarrassed for them. Money improves your chances and can make you competitive. It offers zero guarantees. It’s almost as though they have never lifted up their heads and noticed teams all around the world with money who don’t simply win everything and manage to not win everything on a regular basis too. These people will not understand or cope with lower mid table in league one. They will look to blame etc. They essentially need their heads wobbling. Being in league one is a return to our “golden age” of late 90s Flynn and competing at best for the play offs. To do better than that we will need a squad overhaul; better luck with injuries; more goals from the rest of the team and outside investment. Humphrey has already commented on the real test being what happens when we have an ordinary season and it was an astute observation. We may surprise ourselves and compete at the top of the division for some or all of next season but we are in no way sustainable at Championship level yet and it will take a few years to get to that point. I’m fine with that. Bring it on. THE PLAYERS: Mullin has played like a man possessed since his late FGR penalty and the return of a vaguely fit looking Palmer. Been a fantastic season for O’Connell, Cleworth and Cannon. Outside of that I’d like to see reinforcements across the team. Need a better wing back than McClean to cover for Mendy. Need a faster, sharper creative player than Lee; faster left back than O’Connor and better defensive mid than Evans and a real goal scorer up front rather than just people who theoretically could but actually don’t. It’s all well and good saying Lee was back to his best against FGR. They were awful and didn’t press him at all. Suspect time is up for Tozer as there’s no way his legs can do league one. Hayden didn’t look league two class when he did play this season but I’d keep Boyle and Tunni if the latter can stay fit. It will go against accepted wisdom but I’ll also keep Young. Think the discussions about Arthur are fundamentally dishonest and a tad desperate. He’s a decent enough shot stopper but there’s lots of those about. His judgements on when to move out remain poor and will likely do so for some time. The slowness with which he takes kicks and the p*****g about tempting attackers in remains an accident waiting to happen and the idea that these will magically improve as he gets older is essentially magical thinking. It’s interesting talking to Arsenal fans about him. They think he’s overconfident; didn’t respond well to better coaching than we could currently offer him and was never going to be an EPL keeper or even number two. We appear to be determined to be blinded to all this. Crewe fans, until a certain recent game, were much happier with their keeper this season than last. We appear to have deafened ourselves to that. Despite the above the fact remains that he has far better options than us and, if they came along, I can’t say I’d really be that concerned about letting him go. What he’s got away with in league two he will not in league one. The fact that the collective pod were trying to plead the case for him to stay was both unconvincing and actually highlighted that there are few reasons for him to stay. Anyways, party time at Crewe and at home to Stockport here we come. Would have loved to come to your live event but unless yoiu’re upgrading to William Aston etc.. then sadly not. Time to have us fans on the pod :)

[@beeseebee_]

I have never watched EFL in my life until this year. It has been so interesting and fun to watch. Happy for the town of wrexham!! As an American football fan my entire life, I'm honestly more interested in this football now. Let's stay patient and enjoy the ride, whichever way it takes us

[@huwdavies561]

Excellent professional podcast. There are many different types of Wrexham channels. This one is highly comprehensive and well done.

[@fearlessindevotion]

Much appreciated!

[@adeeyre6213]

We live in Borras..you could hear the noise when the whistle went all the way to our front garden lol .Well done reds

[@NorCalPhil]

Thanks for love for the international Reds. We can’t wait until the end of July when the boys are here in California to show our love and support.

[@MadAl37]

Parky was assistant manager with Charlton in the Premiership. He's been up there, will be cool to see Charlton's reaction to his return.

[@waynecram2021]

Got it all wrong. I was definitely brown-nosing and was really just hoping to meet Rhys actually. No such luck. Thanks anyway, fellas. Up the pod!

[@hipkarma]

Thanks for a great podcast and for recognising Parkinson's achievements. Amazing results all round from management team and a talented locker room.

[@huwdavies561]

It was good to speak face to face with Andy Gilpin and Tim Edwards at the Maesgwyn Hall before and after the match against FGR Great celebrations afterwards.

[@andrewgilpin4814]

Good to chat mate

[@gerryriley915]

Great watch. So much happiness. Really hope Arthur signs. Can't wait to be in Wrexham for Stockport ❤

[@ecosse1982]

Congratulations, Welsh Brothers and Sisters, fae Scotland. Now pick a time frame within which to reach the EPL and get money on it before the slew of high profile Summer signings goose the odds.

[@ajstadnisky]

Great episode as always gents!

[@CryptikConstruct]

Oh Andy, you've done it again. 😂😂

[@swirly14]

Great if you could film the Maesgwyn promotion party.

[@andycollins1275]

Felt the same, different feeling to last season. Maybe we're getting spoilt

[@dyfjones]

13:55 McClean's kid signing for Crewe this weekend!

[@CryptikConstruct]

I'm with Andy, we need McClean in the side, but Liam doesn't want to give him a contract!!! Up the promoted Town

[@LOSTshowfan]

On the kids, there are videos of BOTH McClean and Tozer's sons making cracking tackles.

[@huwdavies561]

When MK went ahead it was not encouraging,but things changed gradually in the 90 mins of Saturdays matches.

[@paulmwrexham]

77-78 we won promotion with 4 games to go

[@Mikey-uw8df]

And then we went to the beach, losing 2 and drawing 2 of those last 4 games. Not that any of us cared at that point😊

[@vhemingson]

You all look like the weight of the world has been lifted from your shoulders. 😁. Enjoy walking on air for a few weeks, Gentlemen! Up the town! Go Reds!

[@DraigBlackCat]

Mansfield must be really hacked off at doing us such a service 😂😂😂 Unusually for a game at Wrexham, Forest Green played like a team in their lowly league position.

[@Lupin788]

Mansfield may be rivals but I don't think the two sides have the type of antagonistic relationship that Wrexham has with teams like Shrewsbury, Chester or Newport. Besides, it's entirely in Mansfield's own control to finish ahead of Wrexham since they have the superior goal differential.

[@DraigBlackCat]

@Lupin788 WE haven't, but we still dislike them, and they us - goes back to the nottinghsmshire miner's not joining the strike in the 80s whilst the welsh miners did.

[@raymondblood6322]

rr is a cool guy

[@davidwilliams7220]

Definitely enjoyed last season more, it was far more of a release against BW, this seemed a little too easy

[@raymondblood6322]

is parky the manager with the most promotions?

[@huwdavies561]

Starting to sink in now. But didn't yesterday.

[@CryptikConstruct]

Who got MOTM?

[@davidwilliams7220]

Why not live stream it for those who cannot attend? maybe even charge for it and raise some cash for local charity?? just a thought

[@fearlessindevotion]

Logistics and a small time frame

[@kbroc6294]

Great episode. In an upcoming episode can you all do a segment on what this promotion means financially for the club? What revenue shares/tv revenue will they get vs the past?

[@mikehughescq]

You missed that episode then..,.

[@phillipmillington5190]

I appreciate the work Palmer has put in and how as a team we have worked fantastically with him. But we are a 1 striker team for goals. . . Should we not be going in for langstaff? Having an out and out goal poacher with Mullins amazing goals and work rate. Gives the other midfielders an out with assists. He's scored 26 so far in a team that's not performed well this season. So it shows it's the player. Imagine what those two could do upfront for us...

[@mikehughescq]

Langstaff is a 6 yard box player; has rarely delivered in the big games and is something of a flat track bully. He doesn’t for example do any of the running Palmer and Mullin do off the ball and so doesn’t create much for his team-mates. So… no.

[@JeremiahGray-ok2jr]

Okonkwo chant to "Nelly - E.I." - (roughly) Andele, andele, goalie A-O, A-O... save it Okonkwo! - Or some derivation of that. Thoughts anyone???

[@huwdavies561]

We have kept the Wrexham side of the bargain. We are now in league 1, that's progression for him and its gradual. When we get to the championship in 2-3 years he and Wrexham will be ready. Okonkwo, Arthur keep on the bandwagon

[@OldManRocketLeague]

One last thing to add - McClean harping on in the media about teams winning the "I beat Wrexham Cup" is just fu**ing classless. My team was one of those teams and to beat Wrexham this season, with our team and our budget (in reflection to Wrexham's) and in the manner we did - it was worth celebrating. I'd like to say that you shouldn't get too big for your boots, but you obviously already have.

[@fearlessindevotion]

We're just enjoying the moment David and no amount of shade thrown from whatever direction will take the shine off that this week. Good luck for next season.

[@huwdavies561]

Oh no sold out

[@OldManRocketLeague]

Here’s a prediction for you. Wrexham are going to get too big for their boots in respect of Welsh nationalism and employing people like McClean. Wrexham will then become unpopular with almost everyone in the English leagues, then your two benefactors will realise that Wrexham isn’t the long term project they thought it was and will bail, then you’ll slowly sink back through the leagues.

[@fearlessindevotion]

That's a reach! 😂

[@OldManRocketLeague]

J Maclean loves to give it out, hates to receive it. Hated in the EFL, adored by a Welsh Team, playing in the English Leagues, funded by Americans.

[@fearlessindevotion]

*one American and one Canadian. Thanks for stating facts. Doesn't and won't change anything in the slightest. We're already largely unliked. Macca just shares the burden!

[@mikehughescq]

McClean is a one off and likely won’t be with us beyond next season at the very most. I share his views on royalty although would likely not express them as he does. Many of our fans have different views. Vive la difference. We doubtless have many many fans deeply uncomfortable with Mullin and his interesting boots just as we’ve had fans deeply unhappy with past players with right wing views. None of this has ever impacted how others view the club or how the English specifically view the club. How could it? The majority of our fans are English speaking; have zero interest in nationalism or the views and interests of our players unless it’s detrimental to the club as, for example, the Mullin incident MAY have been. If you’d paid any attention to real world stuff you’d have figured out that the big issue for our owners is currently getting money to build one stand and soon enough they’ll need to find outside investment to fund sustainability at Championship level and the redevelopment of a second stand. They were upfront about that need for outside investment at a particular point from day one. It’s come to that point far quicker than we anticipated but that’s more likely to give our fans sleepless nights than anyone else. In reality English fans who dislike us probably have lots of legitimate and non-legitimate reasons for doing so. James McClean can be temporarily added to that list but is he going to create far more issues than we have now or drive the owners out? Nope, that is genuinely delusional.

[@OldManRocketLeague]

@@mikehughescq It's not just his views on the Monarchy, it's his views on the IRA and the British in general. He's happy to pay his taxes to the HMRC though. Unlike McLean, Wrexham, I hope you can take it as well as give it.

[@CryptikConstruct]

Thanks for keeping us internationals up to date, informed and entertained. ♥️🐉🇦🇺🦘