By Robbie Butler
In the world of football, stories of glory and collapse often unfold in decades. But in the space of just four years, Wrexham A.F.C. has gone from a forgotten fifth-tier club to a symbol of hope—and Hollywood. At the same time, Luton Town has endured one of the more dramatic recent reversals of fortune. Both clubs are emblematic of the highs and lows of the English football pyramid.
In February 2021, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed the unexpected purchase of Wrexham A.F.C., a small, fan-owned club with a proud but troubled history. The club had been stuck in the National League, the fifth tier of English football, since 2008 after a 2–0 defeat to Hereford United ended their 87-year run in the Football League.
What seemed like a quirky celebrity move soon turned into one of football's most captivating comeback stories.
Backed by serious investment, strong leadership, and an authentic connection with the community, Wrexham achieved what no English professional club had done before: three consecutive promotions. By April 2025, they had reached the EFL Championship (2nd tier)—a remarkable feat by any standard.
Their story became globally recognized thanks to the Emmy-winning documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, which not only chronicled the club’s progress but also spotlighted the people and town that make Wrexham special.
Luton Town’s recent rise (addressed previously here) mirrors Wrexham’s both today (but there has been a subsequent decline). Promoted to the Premier League in 2023/24, Luton’s were relegated after just one year, and despite hopes of bouncing back, they suffered a second straight relegation in 2024/25, landing them in League One.
The juxtaposition couldn’t be more dramatic. In 2023/24, Wrexham were in League Two, and Luton were facing clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. In 2025/26, Wrexham will play in a higher division than Luton Town—an amazing reversal of fortunes in just two years.
This sharp contrast underscores the unique drama of the English football system. Unlike American sports leagues, where teams are protected by closed systems, European football embraces promotion and relegation
Reynolds and McElhenney – two US stars – have become poster boys for a system so different from their native sporting culture. They've not only embraced the challenge but thrived within it, experiencing the true elation of earning each step forward.
As for Luton Town, their fall is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change—and how important it is to build for long-term resilience, not just short-term success. As of May 2025, Wrexham’s journey is one that few could have scripted better—even in Hollywood.
In the world of football, stories of glory and collapse often unfold in decades. But in the space of just four years, Wrexham A.F.C. has gone from a forgotten fifth-tier club to a symbol of hope—and Hollywood. At the same time, Luton Town has endured one of the more dramatic recent reversals of fortune. Both clubs are emblematic of the highs and lows of the English football pyramid.
In February 2021, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed the unexpected purchase of Wrexham A.F.C., a small, fan-owned club with a proud but troubled history. The club had been stuck in the National League, the fifth tier of English football, since 2008 after a 2–0 defeat to Hereford United ended their 87-year run in the Football League.
What seemed like a quirky celebrity move soon turned into one of football's most captivating comeback stories.
Backed by serious investment, strong leadership, and an authentic connection with the community, Wrexham achieved what no English professional club had done before: three consecutive promotions. By April 2025, they had reached the EFL Championship (2nd tier)—a remarkable feat by any standard.
Their story became globally recognized thanks to the Emmy-winning documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, which not only chronicled the club’s progress but also spotlighted the people and town that make Wrexham special.
Luton Town’s recent rise (addressed previously here) mirrors Wrexham’s both today (but there has been a subsequent decline). Promoted to the Premier League in 2023/24, Luton’s were relegated after just one year, and despite hopes of bouncing back, they suffered a second straight relegation in 2024/25, landing them in League One.
The juxtaposition couldn’t be more dramatic. In 2023/24, Wrexham were in League Two, and Luton were facing clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. In 2025/26, Wrexham will play in a higher division than Luton Town—an amazing reversal of fortunes in just two years.
This sharp contrast underscores the unique drama of the English football system. Unlike American sports leagues, where teams are protected by closed systems, European football embraces promotion and relegation
Reynolds and McElhenney – two US stars – have become poster boys for a system so different from their native sporting culture. They've not only embraced the challenge but thrived within it, experiencing the true elation of earning each step forward.
As for Luton Town, their fall is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change—and how important it is to build for long-term resilience, not just short-term success. As of May 2025, Wrexham’s journey is one that few could have scripted better—even in Hollywood.
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