Wrexham, backed by Hollywood star power, continue to fire the imagination of football fans and are on course to secure a historic third promotion in a row, from League One to the Championship next season.
The team from the small Welsh town became famous after they were bought by Hollywood superstar and business mogul Ryan Reynolds, and TV star Rob McElhenney for just £2 million in 2021. Its global profile was boosted by their TV show, Welcome to Wrexham.
They have revitalised the town, and the team, and put both on the world map. And just like Reynolds’ Deadpool character from the Marvel series, Wrexham have shown a never-say-die attitude.
Chasing the big time
It may seem like the makings of another Hollywood script, but Wrexham could conceivably be in the Premier League next year. They are currently hanging onto the second automatic play-off spot in League One behind the already-promoted Birmingham City. Wycombe Wanderers are breathing down their necks, however.
Should the side owned by the famous duo prevail and win promotion to the Championship, it would be a remarkable achievement. No team has gone straight from the National League to the Premier League.
The jump from League One to the Championship is a challenging one for most teams. Even Hollywood star power may not be enough to ensure another dream sequel.
Fighting spirit
Wrexham have shown that they can punch above their weight. They have gone through a major squad overhaul on their way through the divisions, attracting a number of players with experience in the Premier League. It is the perfect underdog story so beloved of Tinseltown.
Manager Phil Parkinson’s previous League One experience has also proved crucial in this season’s fine run.
"I think mentally and physically we’re prepared to go to the last minute of the last game,” Parkinson recently told BBC Sport Wales.
If Wrexham hold their nerve and stay in the second spot for the last six matches of the regular season, they will start next season in the Championship, English football’s second tier, for the first time since 1982.
The Premier League would then be within touching distance.
Spoiler alert
But there are a few things that could spoil the perfect Hollywood ending, not least among them the massive costs involved for club owners Ryan and Rob just to stay up in the Championship. Never mind winning promotion to the top flight.
The division is littered with teams that have a bigger fan base, greater top-flight pedigree and the financial muscle, to boot. Their stadium, the Stok Cae Ras, is tiny compared to those of rival teams, and in need of significant, expensive upgrades to facilities and to raise the existing 13000 capacity.
They will also compete against the three big-budget teams relegated from the Premier League this season.
Of last season’s three promoted teams, Southampton have already been axed to the lower league, with Leicester and Ipswich set to join them.
Their struggles, as well as those of previously promoted sides, show that if, by some miracle, Wrexham make it three promotions from three, Deadpool may not be able to keep them up.
Survival may even be beyond the X-Men. Wrexham fans may not care, though. Like Reynolds, they are just enjoying the “ride of their lives”.