Early Struggles Highlighted How Far Wrexham Had Come
If anyone needed a reminder of how quickly football can transform, Wrexham’s stoppage time equaliser against Blackburn Rovers, arriving almost exactly four years after a dispiriting 2 0 home defeat to Yeovil Town, delivers it perfectly.
That loss to Yeovil left the club drifting in seventh place in the National League and placed Phil Parkinson under intense scrutiny. The pressure on the manager was so great that behind the scenes, co owner Rob McElhenney even sought advice from Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, who offered one memorable piece of wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to keep a great coach.”
Patience prevailed. Wrexham backed Parkinson, and that decision has shaped the club’s incredible resurgence.
A Necessary Adjustment to Championship Football
There was always going to be an adaptation period in the Championship. Wrexham entered the campaign with thirteen new signings, five of whom joined after the season had already begun. Integrating such a large group was never going to be seamless.
The early evidence reflected that reality. Defensive errors and poor decision making contributed to three defeats in the opening five matches, with Wrexham conceding 11 goals in that stretch, the most in the division at the time. With Danny Ward and Arthur Okonkwo facing a flood of 85 opposition shots, the learning curve was steep.
But, as has become a hallmark of Parkinson’s tenure, Wrexham steadied themselves.
From Chaos to Control: A Defensive Transformation
The turning point arrived with the introduction of Dom Hyam for the 3 2 win away at Norwich City. The former Blackburn defender brought calmness, control and leadership, attributes that quickly elevated those around him. Goalkeeper Okonkwo publicly highlighted the impact of Hyam’s communication and organisation, calling him a critical presence.
From 19 September onward, Wrexham have conceded only 10 goals in 13 league matches. Only leaders Coventry City and high flying Stoke City have matched that defensive solidity. This transformation has fuelled a climb up the table and created a platform for consistent results.
Those same 13 games show Wrexham have taken 22 points from a possible 39, placing them among the Championship’s in form teams. Their November run, which included ending Coventry’s unbeaten streak, underlined their growing maturity.
Late Drama Against Blackburn Reinforces Momentum
The recent draw with Blackburn, secured through Max Cleworth’s first Championship goal deep into stoppage time, was the latest example of Wrexham’s character.
Blackburn’s plan was clear from the outset. Their 4 5 1 defensive shape morphed rapidly into an explosive counter attacking unit whenever possession turned over, and their approach paid off with Andri Gudjohnsen’s 13th minute opener.
Wrexham took time to settle, but once they found rhythm, they created a series of chances that pointed towards a comeback long before Cleworth steered Nathan Broadhead’s effort into the net in the 95th minute.
That equaliser lifted Wrexham to their highest league placing of the season, ninth, and only three points off the play offs. For a club adjusting to their first Championship campaign since 1982, that in itself is a remarkable indication of progress.
Cleworth Embodies Wrexham’s Journey
Perhaps no player reflects Wrexham’s transformation more perfectly than Max Cleworth. The academy graduate made his league debut in Parkinson’s very first game, away at Solihull Moors in August 2021. Since then, he has racked up 133 league appearances and become the side’s only ever present this season.
Cleworth admits the Championship has been the toughest step up of Wrexham’s three successive promotions.
“This is the most punishing level,” he explains. “Every team has two, three, four really good attackers. The intensity is the biggest challenge. But it’s one we’re enjoying.”
His growth mirrors that of the team, and his late equaliser against Blackburn felt symbolic. Wrexham are not merely competing in the Championship; they are belonging.
Wrexham’s Promotion Credentials Are Building Quietly
Parkinson, typically grounded, emphasises that the goal is steady progress. “It’s great to be up and around it,” he says. “Can we keep chipping away? Can we get into January in a challenging position?”
Right now, the indicators suggest the answer is yes.
Wrexham’s mix of improving defensive structure, returning confidence and a revitalised squad offers a strong foundation. The Championship is famously unpredictable, but consistency is always rewarded. The club’s recent form shows they are capable of producing that sustained level.
Cleworth echoes that ambition: “I don’t see why we can’t be right up there. It took time to gel because of the changes in the summer, but I think we’re doing that now. If you can be consistent in this league, you can fly up the table.”
A Club Growing Into Its New Ambition
Wrexham’s story has always been about resilience, belief and long term planning, and their early Championship campaign reflects those same values.
This squad is still evolving. Yet the intensity, organisation and spirit demonstrated over the past two months suggest Wrexham are not merely hoping to survive. They are positioning themselves to challenge.
The late drama at the SToK Cae Ras was not luck. It was a reflection of a team with confidence, unity and growing Championship know how.
There is no ceiling being placed on ambition within the squad. As Cleworth puts it: “We shouldn’t put any restrictions on ourselves. Hopefully, with a few more strong runs, we can be fighting for promotion.”
At this rate, few would bet against them.