“Will Be Another Hard Season” – Wrexham’s Promotion Hero Warns of Tough Challenges Ahead in League One

It was a tough journey but Wrexham defied the odds to successfully make it to League One. Back-to-back promotions have surely boosted the confidence of the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned club, making them dream of a third consecutive climb. Although the club’s star player, Elliot Lee, has cautioned about significant challenges ahead, the midfielder is confident that the team will give it their ‘best shot.’

The former West Ham United graduate knows from experience what his side can encounter in the upcoming season. But that won’t stop Phil Parkinson and Co. from craving big. “We know the ambition of the club and we know the club is only going one way,” he said, as compiled by the Leader. “It will be another hard season next year but that is why we are here, we want to test ourselves against better players and better teams.”

From struggling in the National League to now facing some of the most competitive sides in the English tiers in the upcoming season, the Durham-born star knows how far the Dragons have come. “It is a challenge we are all looking forward to, we will go with it and see where it takes us. We are all really confident already. We will enjoy our summer, hit League One and give it our best shot like we did this year,” he concluded.

It’s not just Wrexham that Lee has helped to achieve consecutive promotions. During his time at his former club, Luton Town, he played a key role in their rise from League Two to the Championship. While the 29-year-old aims to replicate that success with Wrexham, he remains grounded by the challenges ahead—a sentiment shared by his teammates.

Wrexham would require to be ‘realistic’ with their expectations in League One

Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard remains down to earth when it comes to aiming for glory. Yet he sees no reason why the Welsh side can’t be competitive and aim for a play-off spot in League One. Reflecting the team’s ambitious spirit, the veteran said, “Going back to back to back is going to be very hard. We have to be realistic with our expectations. Of course, we will push ourselves with our squad.” Howard insisted that the goal is to at least finish in the upper half of the table.

This would see Parkinson’s side at least fight in play-offs to get their third climb in a row. The goalie cautioned that League One is a “competitive division,” and not just the existing sides, but also teams like Portsmouth, Derby, Stockport, and Mansfield, who were promoted alongside them, will pose strong challenges. Yet, the confidence isn’t dead, as Howard believes that the Red Dragons can hold their ground even against the most formidable rivals, hungry for every possible point.

Judging by the words of these Wrexham stars, it’s clear that Ryan Reynolds’ side will relish all the potential challenges they will encounter in the 2024–25 season. Let’s see how it goes for them.