As the Championship fixtures get released, Wrexham fans disagree with Rob McElhenney’s goal for the upcoming season.
Wrexham found out their Championship fixtures on Thursday afternoon as they learn they will face recently-relegated Southampton on the opening weekend.
Momentum is building ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, and Wrexham have already shown ambition by bringing in Ryan Hardie this month.
Several more signings will be required for Phil Parkinson’s side before the season kicks off, but they will no doubt recruit top Premier League and Championship experience.
Despite the ambitions circling the club, fans have made it clear what they expect from next season, something that would surprise Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham fans believe that Championship consolidation is needed next season
After three successive promotions, Wrexham will no doubt face the highest jump in quality between two divisions yet, with the Championship boasting some incredible quality in each team.
Despite the challenge, Rob McElhenney has previously said that he doesn’t ‘know what the word “consolidation” means’, a sign that he is clearly going to target a fourth successive promotion.
Fans are certainly not on the same level of thinking, as, after BBC Wales asked for Wrexham fans’ predictions and hopes for next season, the overriding expectation was to just avoid the drop.
One fan directly contradicted McElhenney’s aims, suggesting that Wrexham require ‘consolidation’ and to finish ‘just above the drop zone.’ Another supporter said that ‘I would take 21st now’, whilst two more collectively stated that they ‘would be happy 4th from bottom’.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney must not underestimate the Championship
Wrexham are going into the upcoming season somewhat blind, with many players having never stepped foot into the Championship.
Whilst Wrexham will no doubt recruit players to give them the best possible chance next season, the last thing they must do is expect a repeat of the previous three campaigns. The Championship is a whole new level.
Teams may have previously notched immediate promotions to the Premier League after coming up from League One, Ipswich Town, for example, but that shouldn’t be in the short-term plans for Wrexham.
Once they have consolidated, then promotion discussions can start, but Wrexham have plenty to build on until they get to that level.