Wrexham are setting the early pace after five matches in League One as they aim for a third successive promotion.
Following promotion from League Two last term, Wrexham have secured 13 points from a possible 15 to sit healthy at the top of the table.
The Reds have smashed the step up to the next level as several of their new signings – including Arthur Okonkwo and George Dobson – have contributed heavily to their fast start.
Wrexham enter their EFL Trophy clash against Salford City tonight in such a strong position, with Phil Parkinson deserving immense credit for orchestrating a near-perfect start.
Parkinson is vastly experienced at this level, winning promotion twice with Colchester United and Bolton Wanderers while Troy Deeney believes one ingredient will be key to achieving a third.
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Troy Deeney explains the reason Wrexham can win promotion to the Championship
Wrexham have passed multiple tests with flying colours so far, recording a goalless draw against Bolton Wanderers and a victory over promotion rivals Peterborough United as the stand-out results.
But arguably their biggest test yet is on the horizon, as on Monday night, Wrexham travel to big spenders Birmingham City.
The Blues are expected to bounce straight back to the Championship this season after spending over £20 million on new signings, including a record-breaking move for Fulham striker Jay Stansfield.
Birmingham have unsurprisingly started in a similar rich vein of form as Wrexham, playing one game less but only dropping two points.
It would therefore be a catastrophe if the American-owned Blues didn’t book an instant return to the second tier while former striker Deeney thinks there is one reason why Wrexham can join them.
He believes Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have always been one step ahead with their recruitment, signing players who are capable of playing in the division above.
“I think so. I saw them last year up close and personal with Forest Green,” the former Watford striker said on talkSPORT (10/09/2024 9:29 am) after being asked whether Wrexham can win promotion.
“I saw how they do business. Great manager in Phil Parkinson, who knows the league and knows how to get promoted, but what they have done is buy probably a league above all the time. So when they were in the Conference, they had League Two players, League Two League One, and now they are probably getting high-level League One players and some Champ players to come and help.
“They have built an aura. They are used to winning, and I think that’s hard for most people to appreciate, but once you get used to winning, you just don’t lose. So they will draw games they probably would have lost years gone by.”
Wrexham’s most important signings
Including a free transfer for midfielder Josh Adam, Wrexham made nine new signings this summer but undoubtedly their most important were Okonkwo and Dobson.
Okonkwo – who starred on loan last season before joining on a free transfer – has statistically been the best goalkeeper in the division so far.
Likewise, Dobson has arguably been the best defensive midfielder in League One, performing like a machine in the Reds’ engine room.
For Wrexham to win promotion, keeping those two players fit throughout the campaign will be key.