Alan Shearer has shifted his stance on Wrexham’s chances of reaching the Premier League, backing them for promotion after a strong first season in the Championship. The former England striker had previously urged patience, but he now believes Phil Parkinson’s side have what it takes to go up this year.
Back in October 2025, Shearer spoke about Wrexham as a long-term project. He was confident Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could eventually take the club to the top flight, but he did not expect it to happen quickly.
His latest comments, made during an interview with Betfair, reflect a growing belief. Wrexham are no longer just an ambitious story. They are now seen as genuine promotion contenders.
Shearer’s tone has become noticeably more confident
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: “The answer is yes, I think they can get promoted to the Premier League this season. It wouldn’t surprise me with the ambition and drive of the owners. If they continue in that way, then it wouldn’t surprise me at all if they were to have another push and get up there.”
That is a clear shift from what he was saying last year. As reported by WalesOnline, Shearer had previously said Wrexham could make it to the Premier League if their owners stuck with it, but he did not see promotion as a near-term outcome.
The change may be subtle, but it is meaningful. The focus has moved from what Wrexham might achieve one day to what they could do right now.
Wrexham have earned respect through results
That shift in perception did not happen overnight. Wrexham adapted quickly to life in the Championship, stayed in the promotion race until the final weeks, and finished seventh after narrowly missing the play-offs.
Seasons like that change how clubs are viewed. Teams that consistently compete near the top of the Championship are judged on their football, not just their story, and Wrexham have reached that point.
Ambition remains at the heart of Wrexham’s rise
One thing Shearer has always highlighted is the commitment of Wrexham’s owners. That has not changed.
It is not just about money. Wrexham have paired serious investment with stability under Phil Parkinson and a clear plan for growth.
That mix has helped turn outside interest into genuine belief. It also explains why Shearer’s language now sounds more immediate than it did last autumn.
Now comes the challenge of doing it again
Shearer is not saying promotion is a given. The Championship is one of the toughest leagues in football, and new challengers emerge every year.
But the fact he now sees Wrexham as serious contenders speaks volumes. Less than a year ago, he saw their Premier League hopes as something for the future. Now, he is talking about them as real possibilities.
That change says as much about Wrexham’s progress as anything else.
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