Paul Mullin told he's now 'more famous in America than in Wrexham' - but Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney warned star striker could be 'poached' if rise up Football League continues

Saunders has been wowed by the club's rise and the exposure that has made the likes of Paul Mullin famous in America, and believes the club can reach the Championship, but will have work to do when they start competing with clubs with a financial advantage.

The former Welsh international, though, backs "savvy" owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to continue delivering success.

Saunders did, however, also warn that Wrexham could be at risk of losing Mullin if they continue to rise up the leagues. "I've heard there's a big Welcome to Wrexham sign at LAX Airport," he told Instant Casino. "Paul Mullin is more famous in America than he is in Wrexham. It's amazing. Wrexham have finally joined the Football League, which was the most important thing. I always thought that the club could go through the leagues and into the Championship - we've seen plenty of other teams do it. It looks like Wrexham will, too.

"If the target is the Championship, then Wrexham will have to keep their best players. Paul Mullin will be poached if he keeps scoring, and plenty of other clubs could double his wages. The club won’t be able to match what richer teams can offer, and that's the biggest problem facing Wrexham as they sail through the leagues. They'll also have agents who are looking for better deals for the players. I think Wrexham's target is the Championship. They can get there, but staying there is another matter. The two owners are savvy, though, as they have a successful club Tik-Tok, a famous documentary, and a lucrative sponsorship deal. They've done well."

How far the Red Dragons can go and how the next few seasons will play out is a topic that has fans from Wrexham to Rodeo Drive talking. Saunders is correct to point out the financial realities of climbing the Football League, where even in League One former Premier League clubs with significant fanbases are scrapping for promotion. Since the arrival of Reynolds and McElhenney, Wrexham have enjoyed an advantage over their rivals in terms of budget - that is something that will certainly be squeezed if and when they hit League One and beyond.

Saunders was in charge at Wrexham between 2008 and 2011, taking over after a turbulent period before managing the club to the promotion play-offs in 2010-11 where they lost to Luton Town over two legs. He will no doubt be keeping a close eye on their progress this season, with Mullin & Co set to be back in action away at Newport County on Saturday.