Wrexham warned Premier League 'dream' is not realistic despite Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's investment as former manager explains why Red Dragons would struggle in the Championship

Before the Hollywood duo took over in February 2021, even promotion to the Football League looked out of reach. But after ascending to League Two as National League champions last term and cementing their claim as promotion candidates again this campaign, the sky appears to be the limit for Reynolds and McElhenney's Wrexham. However, former Red Dragons boss and Wales international Saunders has poured cold water over their Premier League aspirations, pointing towards a huge discrepancy in finances among England's elite.

Speaking with Instant Casino, Saunders claimed that the Welsh club should aim slightly lower, stating: "Wrexham have to target the Championship first and foremost. Once they get there, they'll be up against three teams coming down from the Premier League who'll be awash with parachute payment money. Burnley stormed the Championship last season, whilst Leicester, Southampton, and Leeds have been impressive this season. The cream always rises to the top. Some of their players will be on £100,000 a week or more. Other clubs will have players who are on £3,000. That's the reality of the Championship.

"Wrexham's intentions will become clearer as soon as the owners state their desire to play Premier League football. It's easy to say, but they have to invest the money. I don't mean to take the romance out of football, but it really is about money. Money is the most important thing. The [Premier League] top six have their own mini-table. These clubs will never be relegated as they're playing in a league of their own. They just have better players. I have a feeling Wrexham will get into the Championship, but they'll be playing against Premier League-level players. We'll wait and see. They can certainly dream about reaching the Premier League, but their target should be reaching the Championship."

Saunders also pointed out that not only will Wrexham have to face sterner opposition from richer clubs, but they will also have to fight to keep hold off their own star players - such as striker Paul Mullin. There is still plenty of time for Reynolds and McElhenney to invest this term, although thus far manager Phil Parkinson has remained coy on any January dealings. Sporting director Shaun Harvey recently revealed that new recruits have to pass a specific "value test" before being signed off.

Reynolds and McElhenney have managed to land numerous sponsorship deals during their time at the club, as well as making the famous FX documentary Welcome to Wrexham. That show recently won a staggering five Emmys and was nominated for the renowned PGA Awards.

Long before any Premier League or Championship aspirations, Parkinson's side will focus on climbing out of League Two. Sitting second and two points behind Stockport with a game in hand, that battle resumes against Newport on Saturday.