Wrexham handed boost after EFL chiefs consider relegation and promotion shake-up
The EFL's chief executive Rick Parry has revealed they are considering introducing a third promotion spot for National League clubs, although no decision will be made imminently.
That is good news for Wrexham, who are trying to get out of the National League under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The pair have spent a small fortune since completing a takeover in November 2020, but to no avail.
Wrexham finished second in the National League last season to qualify for the play-offs, where they lost to Grimsby. They are in the same position this time around - sitting five points behind leaders Notts County. Wrexham do have two games in hand, however.
Parry was asked about the possibility of three promotion spots from the National League instead of just two during an interview with BBC Sport. The EFL boss admitted: "We are having a lot of discussion about three up, three down.
"We absolutely recognise the need to look downwards as well as up. We have to be consistent in our approach. We haven't put proposals to our clubs yet, but do we envisage that being part of the package we put forward? Yes, 100 per cent."
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It is important to note there are no timeframes on when - or if - this idea will be implemented. The EFL have not discussed this with its 72 member clubs, so no decision is expected to be made in the immediate future.
Ryan Reynolds owns Wrexham with fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney (PA)Do you think the EFL should change their promotion and relegation structure? Let us know in the comments below!
The EFL are considering reforming their competitions - including the Carabao Cup. The relevance of the competition has been questioned, with UEFA's president Aleksander Ceferin telling The Telegraph English football "would not lose much if you lose that cup".
The chances of the Carabao Cup being scrapped are slim after Parry defended the competition, although reform is a possibility. Manchester United take on Premier League rivals Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup at Wembley on Sunday.
Parry added: "Last year we had a record TV audience of four million for the Carabao Cup final... But of course we recognise there are challenges with the calendar. Are we prepared to have constructive dialogue, given those challenges? Yes, of course."
Reynolds and McElhenney are desperate to take Wrexham out of the National League, as they look to establish the Welsh club near the top of the English pyramid. The National League is arguably the hardest division to win promotion from at this moment in time.
Only one team is guaranteed automatic promotion, and there are some big clubs in the National League. The likes of Notts County, Chesterfield, Southend, York, Yeovil, Torquay, Scunthorpe and former Premier League club Oldham would all love a return to the EFL.
Wrexham's challenge is apparent by Notts County's form. The Nottingham-based club have won six consecutive league games and already have 80 points, with 13 games remaining. In theory, Wrexham or Notts County could gain more than 100 points and stay down.
"We need to get out of this f****** league," ranted McElhenney after Wrexham's game against Aldershot in October 2021 was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch. Wrexham players attempted to clear water off the pitch themselves.
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