Wrexham manager insists club will bounce back stronger after 2026 Championship near-miss

Wrexham finished seventh in the 2025-26 Championship with 71 points, just two behind sixth-placed Hull City.

Seventh-place finish in first Championship season Wrexham completed their first Championship campaign in 43 years with a 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough, ending the 2025-26 season seventh in the standings with 71 points. Their fate was sealed when Hull City beat Norwich City 2-1, keeping the Tigers one place ahead in sixth. Despite falling short of the play-offs by two points, the Red Dragons secured their highest-ever league finish. They also became the top Welsh club in the English Football League for the first time in a quarter-century. ## Parkinson praises squad's efforts and future outlook Phil Parkinson expressed pride in his players after their near-miss, stating that the group had given their all. He believes the current squad will grow even stronger following a summer break and pre-season together. Parkinson hinted at potential additions while acknowledging the team's current strength. He added, 'In terms of what the lads have given us as a group, I don't think we could have had much more.' ## Final-day drama shapes Championship fate On the final day, Wrexham pushed aggressively for a breakthrough against Middlesbrough, who were still chasing an automatic promotion spot. Tommy Conway put the visitors ahead inside four minutes at Stok Cae Ras, but Josh Windass equalized with a stunning free-kick before Sam Smith's header restored Boro's lead. David Strelec quickly restored parity for Wrexham, who finished two points behind Hull in sixth and two clear of Derby in eighth. ## Club's rapid rise fuels optimism for future Parkinson highlighted the club's swift progression from the National League as evidence of their upward trajectory. He thanked supporters for their unwavering support since his arrival and emphasized the shared drive to sustain momentum. The manager pointed to ongoing projects like the new Kop stand and academy as signs of long-term growth. He concluded, 'I think for our supporters, there's so much to be positive about for the football club going forward. The new (Kop) stand, the academy, things are only just starting.'