The Racecourse Ground feels different these days. It’s not just the noise, which has always been there, but the sheer, heavy expectation that hangs over the place like a North Wales mist. If you haven't been keeping up with the latest wrexham f c news, the headlines usually scream about Hollywood, Ryan Reynolds, and the "Disney-fication" of a historic club. But honestly? That narrative is getting a bit stale.
On the pitch, the reality is much more grit than glitter.
As of January 2026, Phil Parkinson’s men aren't just surviving in the Championship; they are actively hunting a playoff spot. It’s wild. Most teams coming up from League One are happy to finish 20th. Wrexham, currently sitting in 9th and just a single point off the top six, is looking at a potential fourth consecutive promotion.
The Transfer Window Chaos: Who’s Staying and Who’s Going?
The January transfer window is usually a mess of rumors, but this year it’s felt particularly heavy for the long-time fans. The biggest shocker? James McClean. The captain, the engine room, the guy everyone loves to hate (unless he’s on your team), looks set for a sudden exit. Reports from The Times suggest he’s heading back to his boyhood club, Derry City.
Losing McClean isn't just about losing a left-back or a midfielder. It’s about losing that veteran nastiness that wins you games on a rainy Tuesday in Stoke.
Then there’s the Elliot Lee situation. It’s kind of heartbreaking. Lee has been a massive part of this three-season climb, but he hasn't touched the pitch in the Championship this year. Between a nasty knee surgery in November and the arrival of players like Nathan Broadhead, he’s been squeezed out. Parkinson recently confirmed the club will "respect" Lee’s request to find game time elsewhere, likely a loan.
It's the brutal side of success. To go up, you have to let go of the people who got you there.
Is the "Super Mullin" Era Over?
We have to talk about Paul Mullin. The man is a literal god in Wrexham. However, his 2025-26 season has been a weird one. He spent time on loan at Wigan Athletic to get his minutes up, and while he’s back at the club now—even playing in a friendly against Liverpool U-21s this week—his future is a massive question mark.
Bolton Wanderers are reportedly sniffing around. Parkinson is playing his cards close to his chest, basically saying they need to find the "right route" for Mullin.
You’ve got to wonder if Mullin’s style still fits the high-speed chess match of the Championship. He’s a poacher, a fighter. But in this league, defenders are faster, stronger, and they don't give you that extra yard.
Stadium Progress: The Kop is Finally Rising
If you’ve seen the drone footage lately, you know the STōK Cae Ras is a construction site. Finally. The new Kop stand is "going vertical," as the builders say. There was a lot of frustration when the UK government initially rejected the Levelling Up Fund, but the owners just pushed through.
The goal now is a 5,500-seat stand, though there’s a new plan in front of the council to add another 2,250 seats to a second tier.
If that gets the green light, we’re looking at an 18,000-capacity stadium. They need it. The club is basically a victim of its own success at this point, with every home game sold out and thousands of people on waiting lists. They’re even talking about 55,000 seats long-term.
That sounds crazy for Wrexham, right? But then again, everything about this club sounded crazy five years ago.
The Money: Revenue vs. Reality
People love to talk about the "Hollywood Bank Account," but the latest financial reports show a more complex picture. For the year ending June 2024, the club hit a record turnover of £26.7 million. That’s a 155% jump. Even more interesting? For the first time, Wrexham is making more money from the "Rest of the World" (mostly North America) than from the UK.
But they still posted a £2.7 million loss.
Why? Because the wage bill is astronomical for a club of this size. To compete with teams like Leeds or Sheffield United, you have to pay Championship prices. The Allyn family (the New York-based investors) coming in as minority partners has helped settle the books, and they’ve reportedly cleared £15 million in loans back to Reynolds and McElhenney.
It’s becoming a "real" business, not just a celebrity project.
What Happens Next?
The next few weeks are critical. The FA Cup fourth-round tie against Ipswich Town has been moved for TV, which means more revenue, but the focus has to stay on the league.
If they can replace McClean’s leadership and find a way to integrate the returning injured players like Kieffer Moore, the playoffs aren't just a dream. They’re a probability.
Actionable Insights for Wrexham Supporters:
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- Watch the Loan Market: Expect at least two "profile" players to arrive on loan before the February 2nd deadline to cover the departures of McClean and Lee.
- Ticket Strategy: If you aren't a member yet, the new "Dragon Membership" is currently the only way to even sniff a chance at home tickets for the remainder of the season.
- Stadium Timeline: Expect the temporary stand to remain in use until at least the middle of the 2026/27 season, as the permanent Kop construction has a completion window slated for late 2026.
- Follow the Youth: With the squad aging in certain areas, keep an eye on Max Cleworth. His new contract until 2029 shows the club is finally prioritizing long-term asset management over quick fixes.
Wrexham is no longer just a "feel-good story." It's a Championship powerhouse in the making, and the next month will decide if they're ready for the final jump to the Premier League.