'What a bloody club' - Wrexham captain James McClean hails history-making Red Dragons after Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side secure promotion to Championship

Just five years ago, Wrexham's fortunes as a small fan-owned Welsh club playing in the fifth tier of English football were largely unknown. However, in 2020, while the world was still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took majority ownership of the Red Dragons as a project that was highlighted in the television documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham.

After a slow first couple of years, Wrexham finally gained promotion to League Two in 2023 and made a number of major signings, including McClean from Wigan Athletic, in their push to continue their slow upward trend. The same season, the Red Dragons grabbed their second straight promotion, and on Saturday evening, they made history by becoming the first team to achieve three-straight promotions as they secured their place in the Championship. McClean, who was named captain of Wrexham last year, has now opened up on the Red Dragons' historic feat.

On Instagram, McClean posted a photo of Wrexham's celebrations and wrote: "First club to ever do 3 promotions back-to-back, what an achievement, what a group to be part of and honestly what a bloody club. Them history-making Red Dragons."

Reynolds' and McElhenney's side are now just one season away from fulfilling their dream of reaching the Premier League, as a fourth-consecutive promotion will see them qualify for the top tier of English football. However, they will first have to contend with the challenges of the Championship, which will prove to be their biggest hurdle so far.