Wrexham backed for 'miracle' with Premier League in sight thanks to three reasons

A former Premier League manager has backed Wrexham to fulfil their ambition of reaching the top flight and reckons it could happen as early as next year. The Welsh outfit have enjoyed remarkable success under Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's stewardship following three straight promotions.

The Red Dragons are now looking to assemble a squad capable of competing in the Championship, with half a dozen fresh faces already through the door. Leicester skipper Conor Cody and Sheffield United frontman Kieffer Moore are also set to arrive imminently, each commanding a £2million fee.

Reynolds and McElhenney have made no secret of their ambition to guide Wrexham into the Premier League. And former Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie believes they could achieve their goal during their first second-tier campaign in 43 years.

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Wrexham have endured a hectic summer but Dowie reckons they possess three crucial elements that will prove decisive - devoted supporters, the owners' financial muscle, and boss Phil Parkinson's know-how.

Speaking to BoyleSports, Dowie said: "I think it's a matter of time before Wrexham are challenging. I think they really will be up there challenging. You look at the club and look at even some of the teams that are in the Championship, I think it's harder ever to get out of this league.

"Having said that, Wrexham have the fan base, they have the backing, it takes a very clever management, but they've got a very clever manager. There's no doubt they will be challenging and there is every chance they can challenge this year, but Phil Parkinson would be very happy, I think with 10th and above.

"Promotion would be a miracle achievement really, he probably wants a little bit more than that and that might happen. I love Phil Parkinson, he is a brilliant manager and I have a lot of respect for him."

Wrexham's signings so far include Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie, Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward and Empoli defender Liberato Cacace. Parkinson has also brought in Bolton captain George Thomason, Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass and Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien to bolster his squad.

Dowie reckons the former Sunderland and Bradford manager has been shrewd in his transfer market dealings. He also lauded Reynolds and McElhenney for placing supporter engagement at the centre of their club operations.

"Josh Windass is going to get 10 goals, Ryan Hardie is going to get you goals, they have done good business and it shows they are prepared to go out and get these signings," said Dowie.

"They are redeveloping the ground and it's a really exciting place to be. They've got real support, they've got a brilliant manager. I think this is a bit of a level jump.

"Just because there is money there, I think there's a big jump from League One to the Championship and so the other way too now. All of them are significant jumps more than in my day but if anyone can do it, they can do it."

He added: "I love the way the club has been run and seeing them really engaging with the fans. It's a very modern way about it. I think they will be somewhere in the top half and I think they could easily be much higher than that."

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