Wrexham's final-day draw with Middlesbrough condemned them to seventh place in the Championship, two points behind sixth-placed Hull City, who beat Norwich City 2-1. The result means Wrexham miss out on the play-offs, despite achieving their highest-ever league finish in their 150-plus year history. This is the first time since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's second season as owners that the club has failed to secure promotion, according to sources close to the club.
Co-owner Ryan Reynolds expressed disappointment on social media, saying he was "completely gutted" but "incredibly proud" of the season. Manager Phil Parkinson expects the club to be stronger next season, according to reports. The club's January transfer window activity was limited, with key targets not materializing, according to multiple reports.
I am completely gutted by today's result but incredibly proud of our season.
Wrexham also suffered a midfield injury crisis, with Matty James and Ben Sheaf missing significant time. It remains unclear whether they will be fit for next season. Promotion to the Premier League would have been worth at least £100 million in the first season, according to reports.
Wrexham will instead face Cardiff City and Swansea City in the Championship next season, and have pre-season friendlies scheduled against Liverpool, Leeds United and Sunderland in the United States, according to sources. The financial impact of missing the play-offs on Wrexham's budget is not yet known. Hull City's win over Norwich City was marred by controversy, with Norwich denied a late penalty that some fans described as a 'stonewall' decision.
We've come a long way in five years and this was the best result in our 150+ year history. More to do. But for now, we have so much to be proud of. Reds.
One fan said on social media: "Wrexham have just been absolutely robbed by the ref in the Hull game. " Another added: "Officials lost that for us today. " The correctness of the decision remains disputed.
Wrexham have just been absolutely robbed by the ref in the Hull game. Stonewall penalty not given in the last minute and then no extra added time after the ref took over a minute sorting stuff out at the corner that followed. Harsh.
Well done Hull! Officials lost that for us today. Offside goal and stonewall penalty at the end but oh well!