Sunday, December 22, 2024

Are Wrexham promotion contenders? What history shows

Must read

[Getty Images]

There was huge frustration for all at Wrexham following their controversial 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic last Saturday.

Matt Godden’s penalty in added time earned the Addicks a draw at The Valley, although Phil Parkinson was left incensed by the award of the spot-kick for a handball against Max Cleworth.

Nevertheless, Wrexham are third in League One and remain just four points adrift of leaders Birmingham City as they switch their focus to an FA Cup first round encounter at Harrogate Town on Sunday (15:30 GMT).

So there is plenty to be positive about as league action briefly takes a back seat.

But how exactly do Wrexham currently stack up when it comes to those who have gained promotion from the third tier over recent years?

Parkinson’s side have collected 25 points from a possible 39 so far this season, at a rate of 1.92 points per game.

Using these figures as guidelines, Wrexham will end the campaign on 88 points if they maintain their current levels.

Since the English Football league (EFL) was rebranded for the 2004-05 campaign, teams finishing as champions of League One end the season with an average of 94 points.

Wolves’ tally of 103 points during 2013-14 is the highest ever total gained in League One, while Southend United went up as champions with just 82 points in 2005-06 – the lowest return of a side to finish top.

As for the side gaining promotion into the Championship by coming second, they finish with an average of 88 points, the exact same total Wrexham are currently on target to hit.

Ipswich Town, now in the Premier League, gained a remarkable 98 points in 2022-23, a record for a side finishing second. Colchester United hold the record for the lowest number of points gained (79 in 2005-06) for a side finishing second in League One.

With a powerhouse like Birmingham City in the division, clinching the title will certainly be a difficult task this season.

But history shows that Wrexham – despite frustration at Charlton – remain firmly on course to be contenders to secure a third successive promotion under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Latest article