Wrexham are gunning for more success after achieving back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One under Phil Parkinson.
The Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era has been simply incredible to witness with Wrexham growing both on and off the pitch.
After nearly 20 years outside of League One, Wrexham are back in the third tier once again.
The club’s popularity has risen to astronomical levels thanks to the impact of the Hollywood ownership and the subsequent ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ TV series.
Wrexham aren’t just happy to to settle in League One though; Reynolds has already admitted that he wants to ‘go for broke’ in an attempt to win another promotion.
That’s bold stuff but Wrexham have big ambitions and dreaming of the Premier League doesn’t even seem outlandish at this current trajectory.
Wrexham may or may not reach the Premier League but Phil Parkinson certainly has experienced performers at his disposal as this journey continues.
Eoghan O’Connell strikes Wrexham comparison
Look through the key figures in this Wrexham squad and you will see major experience.
Andy Cannon, Elliot Lee, George Evans, James McClean, Ollie Palmer, Paul Mullin, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher all provide that know-how in the Wrexham squad.
Then there is defender Eoghan O’Connell, who is in the mix for a leadership role at Wrexham next season according to Parkinson.
The Irishman has featured prominently in EFL action over the years, turning out for Bury, Rochdale and Charlton Athletic before heading to Wrexham in 2023.
O’Connell had quite the upbringing too, spending six years on the books at Scottish giants Celtic.
The 28-year-old managed 13 first-team appearances for Celtic having progressed up through the club’s youth ranks.
That experience of being inside a top club, a club with such a winning mentality, can only help Wrexham.
O’Connell has now compared Wrexham to Celtic whilst speaking to The Leader, and first spotted the similarities during the defeat at Halifax Town in 2023.
The centre back feels that the incredible Wrexham fanbase is similar to Celtic’s, even praising the ‘incredible’ ownership at the club.
“I made that comparison last year when we were away to Halifax. We actually got beat on the day,” said O’Connell.
“I remember being in the warm-up thinking this is similar to a Celtic away day when I was there when I was younger. It hit me then. I just think with the fanbase, the support and the atmosphere they create, and obviously the owners are incredible people,” he added.
O’Connell’s development at Celtic means he knows exactly what success looks like and he knows how to deal with real pressure.
Wrexham expectations levels are rising but O’Connell won’t be alarmed by that and will want to be a pillar for Wrexham to lean on as this sensational rise shows no signs of slowing down.