‘Took first half of the season off’ – Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney reveals familiar promotion-chasing habit that he has picked back up

The ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ star has, alongside fellow co-chairman Ryan Reynolds, spent much of his time at SToK Racecourse examining the table in a bid to determine what is required in order to step up another division. The Red Dragons suffered play-off heartache in their first full campaign with the Hollywood superstars at the helm, but claimed the National League title in record-breaking style last season.

Phil Parkinson’s side are back in the promotion hunt this term, with an impressive run through 20 games leaving them second in the League Two standings. A top-three finish in 2023-24 will be enough to lift them into the third tier of English football, while avoiding the need to buy a ticket for another play-off lottery.

McElhenney, who has previously spoken about the stress that promotion pushes cause him, had been hoping to avoid any more nerve shredding in North Wales, but he finds himself mulling over what could be once again. He has posted on social media alongside the current League Two placings: “I’m back to just staring at the table again running scenarios. I took the whole first half of season off of that practice.”

Wrexham will see another transfer window open in January, which will allow them to further bolster their ranks. They do, however, know what is required in order to get over the promotion line and will be hoping to see the likes of Paul Mullin, Elliot Lee and James McClean fire them across another over the course of the next 26 games – while also enjoying another FA Cup run.