Wrexham fans will be eager for the season to start with the club’s return to League One after a 19 year wait.
Since the Hollywood takeover, Wrexham have been an impressive outfit under Phil Parkinson.
Achieving back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons has given Wrexham fans hope that the North Wales club are accelerating through the Football League.
However, it will no doubt be the toughest season yet for Parkinson’s side, with the quality of opponents increasing with former Premier League clubs who have fallen from grace trying to push back up the leagues.
Wrexham’s full 2024/25 fixture list was revealed earlier this week ahead of the season kicking off in August.
The Red Dragons will be wary that the level is increasing but will be confident with additions to the squad that they can compete once again this year.
The club will be hoping they have a chance at promotion, with excitement building for the opening day with Wycombe Wanders visiting North Wales.
Who are the favourites for League One promotion in 2024/25
Undoubtedly, the relegated Championship sides of Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United will be looking for a swift return to the Championship and will feel they have a strong enough squad to do so.
Birmingham will be seen as favourites due to the quality of their squad and spending capabilities,with chairman Tom Wagner and minority investor Tom Brady keen to support the new project at St Andrew’s.
Parkinson’s former club Bolton Wanderers will be considered among the favourites for promotion because of their near miss last season.
Ian Evatt’s side finished third last season and missed out on promotion losing to Oxford United at Wembley in the League One play-off final.
Charlton Athletic are another club to keep an eye on with former Southampton boss Nathan Jones having recent experience in the Championship. He will be hoping his expertise will help place the club amongst the favourites come the final stretch of the season.
Who are favourites for League One relegation in 2024/25
The quality of the coming season is strong, with promoted sides Wrexham and Stockport County providing a challenging prospect to other teams who may struggle next season.
Some favourites to consider for relegation are Crawley, Shrewsbury Town, and Burton Albion.
Shrewsbury and Burton just managed to beat the drop last year, with 19th and 20th place finishes respectively.
Crawley managed to gain promotion to League One by beating Crewe in the League Two play-off final. However, Scott Lindsey’s side have been tipped to face a difficult adjustment and are considered favourites to face the drop come the end of the season.
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How Wrexham might fare in League One in 2024/25
It is difficult to know what to expect from Wrexham due to the rapid rise from the National League. The success story cannot be ignored, with players like Paul Mullin, Elliot Lee and Andy Cannon all expected to meet the standards of League One football.
It would be a tough ask to be promoted for a third consecutive campaign, but it cannot be ruled out with the way Parkinson has coached his side.
Under Parkinson, Wrexham have been fearless at times, with determination and a strong team spirit often helping to get a result. That fighting harmony will stand his side in good stead ahead of the coming campaign.
Wrexham are considered to be one of the favourites to challenge for promotion. The spending power of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McEllhenney will aid quality arrivals to the Racecourse.
With this in mind, Wrexham will be hoping to be within a chance of promotion come the final months of the season. If Wrexham can add to their quality squad there is a strong chance that they can push for promotion.
If they are to do so Parkinson will have to improve their away form, which was a hindrance to the club in League Two.