Wrexham Told They Will Reach Premier League in ‘Two or Three Years’ as Tom Brady & Birmingham Mimic Model of ‘OGs’ Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney

Premier League Prediction: Wrexham’s Rise in ‘Two or Three Years’

It is not often that a club from the lower leagues of English football finds itself at the centre of global conversation, but Wrexham AFC have become an exception to every rule. Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took control in 2021, the Red Dragons have written a script that Hollywood itself might envy. Three promotions in three seasons, a fanbase that has exploded across continents, and a docuseries that has brought new audiences into the fold—all of this has left supporters dreaming of a destination once unimaginable: the Premier League.

And if former Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster is to be believed, that dream could become reality much sooner than many expect. Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Foster confidently predicted that Wrexham would grace the Premier League within “two or three years”. Not five. Not a decade. Just a handful of seasons.

“They’ll be fine,” Foster said of Phil Parkinson’s side. “They’ve signed some really good players, Championship-proven players. They won at the weekend, a great win, so I think they’ll be fine. They’ll get into a little rhythm and even come January, they’ll give it another go. It won’t be long until Wrexham are in the Premier League, I promise you. I’m going to give it two or three years.”

Hollywood Co-Owners and Record Run of Promotions

Foster’s confidence is rooted in what the club has already achieved. When the former England international briefly came out of retirement to help Wrexham secure the National League title, he experienced first-hand the momentum being built at the Racecourse Ground. That triumph set the tone for what has followed: back-to-back promotions through League Two and League One, and now a campaign in the Championship.

Reynolds and McElhenney have never hidden their ambitions. From the very start, their stated goal has been to take Wrexham as far as possible, ideally to the top flight of English football. What once seemed like a lofty dream has been transformed into a plan, executed with resources, charisma, and clever strategy. The duo’s involvement has done more than just put money in the coffers—it has placed Wrexham firmly in the cultural conversation.

Tom Brady and Birmingham Mimic the ‘OGs’ of Football Ownership

The success of Wrexham has not gone unnoticed. A-list celebrities and sports legends have taken note, and some have sought to replicate the model. NFL icon Tom Brady, for instance, has invested in Birmingham City. Though his stake is minority, his influence—both symbolic and financial—is seen as a mirror of what Reynolds and McElhenney have achieved in North Wales.

Foster, who had his share of time in the Hollywood spotlight during his Wrexham stint, acknowledged the trend. “The attention they’re bringing is more valuable than just finances. They’re the OGs, but their model is very different. I think Tom Brady is doing it in a very similar way at Birmingham. The first one to mark it was Wrexham with the documentary. I think they’ve brought in a different audience to the game, but it’s still a football audience.”

That last point is crucial. This isn’t about parachuting celebrity glitz onto football for novelty’s sake. It’s about broadening the sport’s reach, cultivating new fans while respecting the traditions of the game. The Wrexham model—built on transparency, storytelling, and investment—has shown others that football clubs can transcend their local base without losing authenticity.

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The American Invasion: Reynolds, Brady, and Ted Lasso

The Wrexham story is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a wider movement. As former England manager Sam Allardyce observed, American ownership is sweeping across English football. Nearly half the clubs across the leagues now have American ties. Allardyce wryly credited not only Reynolds and McElhenney but also a fictional manager: Ted Lasso.

“I think they’ve created a mass infiltration of Americans buying football clubs,” Allardyce said. “There are nearly 50 per cent of American-owned clubs across all leagues, apparently. I think Ted Lasso has a lot to do with it as well. They love Ted Lasso!”

It’s a reflection of how culture, media, and sport intertwine. The success of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary has not only elevated the club’s profile but also shown the potential value of such storytelling. It has turned a modest Welsh team into a brand recognised worldwide, one that can fill stadiums in the United States and command TV audiences that rival Premier League fixtures.

Wrexham’s Global Reach: From North Wales to America

Foster shared anecdotes that underscore just how far Wrexham’s influence has spread. On a pre-season tour in the United States, the Red Dragons played in a 70,000-seat university stadium that was half filled with their own supporters. Against Chelsea, the sea of red rivalled the blue. Against Manchester United, remarkably, it was Wrexham’s fans who dominated the stands.

“They’re mad for it,” Foster recalled. “Because of the Hollywood story, there was a National League game live on TNT, and it was the same day Arsenal were playing somebody, and the viewing figures for this game in America were higher than the Premier League game. It’s ridiculous.”

These stories highlight the uniqueness of Wrexham’s journey. This is not just a football club climbing divisions. It is a cultural export, a case study in how sport can capture imaginations across borders.

Ryan Reynolds, Memorabilia, and Commitment to the Project

For all the glamour and headlines, Reynolds and McElhenney’s commitment remains deeply personal. Foster revealed how Reynolds, in particular, has embraced the club’s history and built connections with the players. “He sent me a picture about three weeks ago,” Foster said. “The shirt’s in a room in his house. He sent a selfie, and the shirt is in a frame on the wall behind him. He still keeps in touch with all the lads; it was out of the blue and out of nowhere.”

This anecdote captures the essence of why Wrexham’s story resonates. It isn’t just investment for investment’s sake. It’s about care, continuity, and community. For all the talk of Hollywood and stardom, there remains a genuine love for the club and its people.

Big Summer Spend and Championship Ambitions

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Of course, ambition also requires action in the transfer market. Wrexham spent over £30 million ($40m) in the most recent summer window, a statement of intent that the club is serious about competing in the Championship. Injuries have slowed their start, but as the squad settles, expectations are that momentum will build once more.

Phil Parkinson remains the man tasked with steering the ship. While questions were raised after a slow start to the 2025-26 season, victories such as the one highlighted by Foster have steadied the nerves. With a squad bolstered by proven talent, the Red Dragons believe they are well placed to not just survive but thrive in England’s second tier.

Conclusion: From Dream to Reality in ‘Two or Three Years’

The question is no longer whether Wrexham can dream of the Premier League. It is when. Foster’s prediction of “two or three years” feels bold, but so too did the idea of three successive promotions not long ago. Wrexham have repeatedly shown that what seems impossible today can become reality tomorrow.

The presence of Hollywood stars in the boardroom, the influx of American supporters, the documentary cameras—all of it has added drama, attention, and momentum. Yet beneath the glitz is a football club working hard, investing smartly, and climbing step by step.

Whether it takes two years, three years, or slightly longer, one thing is clear: Wrexham’s trajectory is pointing firmly towards the Premier League. And if they get there, they will have rewritten not just their own story, but perhaps the very idea of what a football club can be in the modern age.