‘So Hard!’ – Wrexham Sent Championship Warning as Ben Foster Makes Premier League Prediction

Former Stopper Backs Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham to Reach Premier League, But Warns: ‘Don’t Underestimate the Championship‘

If there’s one voice Wrexham AFC would be wise to listen to as they embark on their latest footballing adventure, it’s Ben Foster — a man who’s seen the highs and lows of English football from pitch level. The former Wrexham goalkeeper, podcast host, and Premier League veteran didn’t hold back when discussing his old club’s chances in the Championship, describing the league as “so hard”, but also boldly predicting that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ambitious Welsh project could reach the Premier League within five years.

As Wrexham prepare to step into the second tier of English football for the first time since 2008, expectations are soaring — and understandably so. Three straight promotions, global fanfare, Hollywood owners, and potential signings of Premier League veterans have created a perfect storm of hype. But as Foster points out, the Championship is a different beast entirely.

Foster Sounds the Alarm – But Keeps the Faith

Speaking on his popular Fozcast podcast, Foster — who briefly came out of retirement to help Wrexham in their dramatic 2022-23 National League title run — struck a balance between caution and optimism.

“The next season is so, so hard for Wrexham,” Foster said. “They just need to consolidate for a year, maybe two, maybe three. But then they’re going to be looking at a five-year period where they’re going, ‘Right, we need to be challenging.’ I genuinely think, within five years, Wrexham will be in the Premier League.”

Foster’s assessment is shaped by experience. Not only has he played in the Championship, but he’s also helped clubs get out of it — and he knows better than most just how grueling the 46-game season can be.

“You can’t just throw money at the problem,” he added. “The Championship will punish you if you don’t get your recruitment and squad balance spot on. You’ve got to be smart, patient, and resilient.”

Chelsea FC v Wrexham – Pre-Season Friendly

Ryan & Rob’s Hollywood Ambition Meets Football Reality

Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took control of the club in 2020, Wrexham has undergone a transformation like few others in football history. What was once a non-league team quietly existing in the background of the British football pyramid has become a global phenomenon, with record-breaking merchandise sales, international tours, and a hit documentary (Welcome to Wrexham) boosting the club’s profile across the world.

But with that visibility comes pressure — and rumours.

Transfer Rumours Heating Up: Vardy, Cairney & Bamford?

Wrexham have already proven they’re not afraid to flex their financial muscle. The club smashed wage records in League Two and League One to secure players like Paul Mullin, Ben Tozer, and Elliot Lee. But the next step could be even bigger.

Several high-profile names have been linked with a move to the Racecourse Ground ahead of the Championship campaign. Most notably, Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy and Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.

Cairney, who captained Fulham during their most recent stint in the Premier League, is reportedly being offered a jaw-dropping £50,000 per week — a wage that would be among the highest in the division. Meanwhile, Vardy, now 37, is said to be considering one final footballing adventure after a legendary run at Leicester that included a Premier League title and golden boot.

Even Patrick Bamford, the Leeds United striker, has had his name floated in the rumour mill, although some within the club are working to cool the speculation.

Wrexham Director Responds: ‘We’re Linked with Everybody’

Humphrey Ker, the club’s executive director and ever-present figure in the docuseries, responded to the growing wave of speculation during an interview this week.

“One of the things is that – much like Ryan Reynolds – the name Wrexham generates clicks,” Ker said. “So we are starting now to get linked with absolutely everybody.”

That, in itself, is a signal of just how far Wrexham have come. Only a few years ago, few outside of North Wales would’ve batted an eye at their transfer plans. Now, even the faintest whisper of interest in a Premier League player sets social media alight.

The Championship Test

Wrexham AFC v Charlton Athletic FC – Sky Bet League One

Still, the club’s hierarchy is not naive. The Championship is often described as the toughest league in the world, with Saturday-Tuesday fixtures, physical football, and a relentless pace that wears down even the deepest squads.

Ben Foster is right to urge caution. Several big-name clubs have struggled badly after making the leap — just ask Sunderland, Stoke City, or QPR. For every fairytale like Luton Town, there’s a cautionary tale.

Wrexham will need more than headlines and big-name signings. They’ll need tactical cohesion, squad depth, and — most crucially — time.

Why Foster Still Believes

Despite the warnings, Foster is clearly a believer in the project. He speaks about Wrexham with affection, and there’s a sense that he, like many who’ve spent time around the club in recent years, has been swept up in the magic of it all.

“They’ve got the fanbase, the infrastructure, the backing, and now the momentum,” Foster said. “If they play it smart, there’s no reason they can’t go all the way.”

His prediction that Wrexham could reach the Premier League within five years might seem bold to some, but it reflects a growing consensus that something genuinely special is happening in North Wales.

What’s Next for Wrexham?

The first order of business is survival. Consolidation in the Championship would be a successful outcome for the 2024-25 season. Anything more — a playoff run, for instance — would be an incredible bonus.

From there, it’s about building wisely. Recruitment, youth development, and sustainability will be key themes. The Reynolds-McElhenney duo have already shown they’re in it for the long haul — their decisions off the pitch have been thoughtful and methodical so far.

Wrexham’s rise has already been one of the most compelling football stories of the last decade. And if Ben Foster’s instincts are correct, the next chapter might just be the most exciting yet.