Wrexham can begin planning for life in the Championship after Sam Smith’s brace inspired a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic.
Phil Parkinson was sacked by Charlton Athletic 14 years ago, despite sitting fifth in the League One table.
Saturday handed Parkinson the chance to achieve promotion out of League One with a victory over Charlton.
Parkinson doesn’t really strike us as a man with revenge on his mind, but there was something poetic about Wrexham beating Charlton 3-0 to clinch promotion.
Ollie Rathbone’s powerful opener handed Wrexham the lead before Sam Smith’s acrobatic effort sent the STōK Cae Ras into dreamland.
Smith added number three in the second half, and with Wycombe Wanderers losing at Leyton Orient earlier in the day, Wrexham’s third straight promotion was confirmed.
Sky Sports pundit hails Sam Smith
This wild journey under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds just doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
McElhenney sees more success for Wrexham in the future, and this rise means Premier League football one day cannot be ruled out.
Wrexham’s record signing Smith was the hero on Saturday, scoring two fine goals to secure the crucial victory.
Smith arrived from Reading in January and has made a big impact at the STōK Cae Ras, hitting seven goals in just 18 appearances.
Pundit Sam Parkin was seriously impressed with Smith on Saturday, telling Sky Sports that the Wrexham striker’s first goal was ‘fantastic’.
Smith showed great concentration to watch Matty James’ pass drop over his shoulder before acrobatically volleying home.
Parkin suggested that Smith was truly ‘electric’ for Wrexham, causing no end of problems for the Charlton back line.
“The pass and concentration for Sam Smith’s first goal is fantastic,” said Parkin, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“In the opening half hour he was electric today, he dominated Charlton’s back line. A good afternoon’s work and some!” he added.
Sam Smith finally has a real chance in the Championship
Smith has proven himself to be about as good as they come in League One.
Look at his goal tallies in the last four League One seasons; 15, 13, 15 and now 18 this season.
That proven record is why Wrexham signed Smith in January, and he will now finally have the chance to shine in the Championship.
Smith did make eight Championship appearances for Reading in the 2017-18 season, scoring once.
Smith was still learning his trade at that point, meaning this promotion is a first genuine shot at Championship success.
Preston North End were interested in signing Smith in 2022, as noted by Alan Nixon, but that Championship move proved elusive.
Now going up with Wrexham, Smith will look to make the step up and continue banging in the goals in this famous red shirt.