Fourth time could be the charm for promotion-chasing Wrexham
Published:The Welsh clubs in England’s football leagues all had their moments to celebrate last season, but ultimately the closure of the campaign was another one of disappointment for Wrexham.
Swansea won the Capital One Cup, Cardiff joined their local rivals in the Premier League by winning the Championship and Newport County earned promotion to the Football League, beating Wrexham in the Conference play-off final at Wembley.
It was a bitter end to the campaign for the club from North Wales, who just six weeks earlier had been celebrating at England’s national stadium when they beat Grimsby Town on penalties to lift the FA Trophy.
That was a golden moment following almost a decade of struggles, administrations and relegations, with the club’s 87-year stay in the Football League coming to a close in 2009.
The Dragons have now qualified for the Conference play-offs for the last three seasons, only to fall short of promotion back to where they feel they belong.
Now a club fully owned by their supporters, Wrexham look well-placed to finally end their long wait this time around, with Andy Morrell’s side priced at a tempting 8/1 to win the Conference Premier in the forthcoming season.
Player-manager Morrell has managed to keep most of last season’s star performers together – including key midfield pair Dean Keates and Jay Harris – ahead of a renewed assault on promotion, with the boss himself and fellow experienced forward Brett Ormerod both still capable of finding the net.
Ex-Blackpool, Southampton and Preston forward Ormerod did just that in Wrexham’s opening pre-season friendly, when they were only denied a win against the Championship’s Blackburn Rovers due to a last minute equaliser.
Having signed forward Danny Wright from the Dragons, 4/1 favourites Forest Green Rovers could also figure in contention for the Conference Premier crown, whilst Edgar Davids’ Barnet are 12/1 to win the league in their first season at this level since 2005.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication
