Wrexham go into the Championship next season as complete unknowns. But as has happened in each of the last three seasons, they could go on to defy expectations once again.
Wrexham have earned three-straight promotions now, but nobody is really giving them a chance at a fourth.
The Championship is a completely different beast with much more money flowing into it from the Premier League, with those who’ve been promoted and relegated having infinitely more resources than most in the league.
But Wrexham is a different case. It’s said that Wrexham have a £25million transfer budget for this summer, along with an allowance of £39million which could all be spent, and the club would still remain within PSR regulations.
That puts them in a much stronger financial position than most in the division. But whether or not Phil Parkinson can put together a squad capable of beating the drop next season, let alone challenging for promotion, in one summer, remains to be seen.
Predictions for next season though are proving mostly optimistic.
- READ MORE: Wrexham’s Championship survival next season all but guaranteed after latest EFL sanctions
Wrexham backed for Championship play-offs by supercomputer
Speaking recently, Lee Trundle said Wrexham can achieve a play-off finish next season. By the Dragons’ standard, that’s a bit low, but owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney would surely jump at the chance to play in the play-offs, and then the chance to play at Wembley in the final.
Others have also backed Wrexham to be a force in the league next season, including Ollie Rathbone and pundit Troy Deeney. And last month, The Sun’s supercomputer even predicted that Wrexham would achieve a 6th place finish in the Championship next season, which would qualify them for the play-offs.
The same supercomputer predicts Southampton to own the league: interestingly, Wrexham play Southampton on the opening day of next season, so that game should tell us a lot about how accurate the supercomputer prediction is.
- READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney must spare just £1m to secure Wrexham the signing of the summer
How much is the Championship play-off final worth?
The Championship play-offs work the exact same as in League One: four teams qualify, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th, they play two semi-final legs and then a final at Wembley. And the Championship play-off final is dubbed the most expensive game in club football.
It secures you Premier League status which then brings TV revenues, sponsorships and so much more. Last season’s Championship play-off final was rumoured to be worth £200million alone.
No doubt, Premier League status would see the Dragons’ club value sky rocket. Following League One promotion it was claimed that Wrexham is now worth £150million as a club, but promotion from the Championship would at least add another £200million to the club’s value, given that’s how much promotion is worth.
But that’s a long way away yet. Parkinson still needs loads more signings before he can even dream about a potential top-six finish next season.