Rob McElhenney believes Wrexham are only getting started after their historic Championship campaign, with the club’s co-owner admitting he already has “butterflies” about what could be possible next season.
Wrexham narrowly missed out on a place in the Championship play-offs after finishing seventh, ending their unprecedented run of three consecutive promotions.
There was obvious disappointment after falling two points short of the top six, but McElhenney has already turned his attention towards the next challenge as preparations begin for another promotion push.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, the Wrexham co-owner explained why the excitement surrounding next season has already started to build.
Rob McElhenney already excited about what comes next
Wrexham came closer than many expected to reaching the Premier League at the first attempt. Hull City eventually claimed the final promotion place through the play-offs, highlighting how narrow the margins proved to be.
Rather than dwelling on what might have been, McElhenney revealed the club are already hard at work behind the scenes.
“I was just on a Zoom call because we’re already gearing up for next season.”
The comments offer an insight into the mentality that has helped drive Wrexham’s rise from the National League to the Championship.
“There really is no offseason for us. It was Memorial Day here, so technically it was a holiday, but I still took some time to work for a few hours and found myself getting butterflies already.”
“I was so excited and pumped up about the possibilities.”
Those words are unlikely to surprise Wrexham supporters who have watched the ownership group maintain their enthusiasm throughout the club’s rapid climb through the divisions.
Why Wrexham have every reason to be optimistic
Last season delivered the highest league finish in the club’s history and reinforced the progress made under McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Off the pitch, developments such as the new Kop stand continue to demonstrate the club’s long-term ambitions.
The ongoing evolution of the Racecourse Stadium is another visible reminder that Wrexham are building for the future as well as the present.
Those improvements have accompanied a remarkable football story that has taken the club from non-league football to the Championship in just three seasons.
Phil Parkinson faces another big summer
There is no sense inside the club that the work is complete. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has already acknowledged the need to strengthen the squad ahead of another demanding campaign.
Competition is expected to be fierce, but McElhenney’s comments suggest belief remains high behind the scenes.
The co-owner also showed perspective when discussing Hull City’s promotion success.
“We’re so excited for Hull. I texted their owner, and I tweeted it as well. Congratulations.”
That attitude perhaps explains why Wrexham continue to move forward so quickly. Missing out on the play-offs hurt, but there is little sign of anyone dwelling on the disappointment.
For McElhenney, the focus is already on what comes next. Judging by his latest comments, he believes Wrexham’s story is still only beginning.
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