Wrexham AFC fired League One warning as expert identifies major hurdle.
Kieran Maguire believes the Red Dragons could face financial obstacles if they are promoted to the next level.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes Wrexham AFC could face major barriers to success if they are promoted to League One.
The Red Dragons are currently in a strong position to claim one of three automatic promotion spots available in League Two, sitting second in the table with 79 points and five points ahead of MK Dons in fourth.
In fact, promotion could be confirmed as soon as Saturday if Wrexham win their home tie against Forest Green Rovers, and MK Dons and Barrow fail to win against Mansfield Town and Gillingham respectively.
The prospect of back-to-back promotions is one which will have fans very excited and the club’s latest accounts show how it has so far enjoyed the financial clout to attract good players under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
For the year ending June 30, 2023, in which Phil Parkinson’s side won the National League title, Wrexham’s wage bill stood at £6.9m, according to a statement on the club’s website.
It’s almost certain that figure will be even higher in League Two, with the manager adding the likes of former Republic of Ireland international James McClean and ex-Premier League striker Steven Fletcher to his ranks following promotion.
During his near three-year stint at the Racecourse, Parkinson has often relied on luring players from higher levels to help the club battle at the top of the table.
However, Maguire thinks Wrexham could struggle to replicate that success in League One as the wages of Championship talent will be too much for them to afford.
