Phil Parkinson wants ‘amazing’ Wrexham experience for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney – with European dreams beginning to form without the need for Premier League promotion

Despite enjoying a meteoric rise under Hollywood co-owners, continental football felt like a pipedream when clambering out of the National League and up into League One. Reaching the Premier League remains the ultimate goal, but there are no shortcuts to be found there.

A window of opportunity may, however, be about to swing open on the European front. Talks have been taking place regarding entry into the Welsh League Cup for Wrexham, Swansea, Cardiff and Newport – who all ply their trade in the English Football League – which would offer up a spot in the Europa Conference League.

That news has been welcomed at SToK Racecourse, with a proposal being put to UEFA, the Football Association, Premier League and clubs in the Welsh top-flight. Parkinson has said of exciting discussions: “To have that opportunity to get into Europe again for the club would be amazing. Hopefully that comes to fruition.”

Wrexham’s last continental campaign was in 1995-96, when they reached the second round of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. Welsh clubs playing in the EFL were excluded from the Welsh Cup in 1996, and again in 2012. The Red Dragons could be offered a route back into that competition, presenting them with a shot at securing European qualification without the need to earn a lofty Premier League finish or win a domestic trophy in the English game.