Wrexham are about to enter a crucial period in their fight for promotion as they face local rivals Shrewsbury Town before hosting league leaders Birmingham City.
Wrexham sit just outside the automatic promotion spots in League One, level on points with Wycombe Wanderers and two points behind Birmingham with the Blues having played two games fewer.
Away from the promotion race, Wrexham have also become embroiled in a feud between the Welsh FA and the EFL as plans for a Welsh League Cup have been announced that involves EFL-based clubs Wrexham, Swansea, Cardiff and Newport.
The EFL are expected to oppose the plan despite a strong willingness from the Welsh Premier League sides to incorporate the EFL teams. The Wrexham owners have been warned against the move and one pundit has given some strong views on the proposal.
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Darren Bent believes Wrexham should be ‘kicked out’ of the EFL if they enter The Welsh Cup
Speaking on TalkSport’s drive show (15/01/2025,18:15) former England striker Darren Bent gave his verdict on the proposed Welsh Cup and was staunch in his defence of the EFL.
When asked about the English clubs, that includes Wrexham, entering the competition Bent stated: “I don’t think they should be able to back door it into Europe. You’ve made your decision now you’re in the EFL.”
Bent was talking in reference to the fact that the winners of the Welsh Cup would qualify for the UEFA Conference League under the coefficient of Wales.
Bent went on to state: “They should be kicked out of the EFL if they do enter into this cup.” Former owners of the Red Dragons The Wrexham Supporters Trust have expressed concerns over being kicked out of the EFL.
How the Welsh League Cup would be played
In a statement from the Welsh FA, Chief Executive Noel Mooney has given more details on the plans for how the competition would be formatted. Mooney believes it could be a ‘game-changer’ for the game of football in Wales.
The English clubs would reportedly not share any of the £3m prize money and £1m of that would go directly into the development of the current Welsh Premier League.
Wrexham, Swansea, Cardiff and Newport would join the 12 Welsh Premier League sides in knockout tournament with the winners qualifying for the UEFA Conference League. European football and the extra revenue and excitement this would generate in an obvious benefit for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Whilst staying in the EFL has to be a priority for Wrexham, fans may start to dream of Wrexham v Fiorentina at the Racecourse Ground in years to come.