“People wouldn’t cross the road. Now they cross the Atlantic”: FA Cup ties chart Wrexham’s rise
Thirty-four years on from Mickey Thomas’ winner against Arsenal, the Welsh club seek statement win over Chelsea
TL;DR
- Wrexham has transformed from a near-bankrupt club in 2011 to a global attraction under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
- The FA Cup has been central to Wrexham's story, providing both historic giant-killings (like against Arsenal in 1992) and significant low points (like losing to eighth-tier Stamford).
- The club's current success has attracted famous visitors, international media attention, and even serves as a tourist destination promoted by the Welsh government.
- Wrexham is on a trajectory for potential promotion, currently occupying a Championship playoff spot, and faces a significant challenge against Premier League Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round.
- The club's status has changed dramatically, from being 96 places below Chelsea in league standing when the new owners arrived to now being only 21 places behind.