BBC pundit drops claim on "absolutely incredible" Wrexham AFC - the EFL are "reaping the benefits" | OneFootball

The Red Dragons' record-breaking feat has generated plenty of discourse

EFL pundit Jobi McAnuff has heaped praise on Wrexham following the club's record-breaking third successive promotion last weekend.

Speaking on the BBC's 'Football Daily - 72+' podcast alongside Aaron Paul, the former Reading and Watford winger believes the EFL as a whole is benefitting from the Red Dragons' upward trajectory that has been masterminded by the financial backing of Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, as well as the experience of Phil Parkinson in the dugout at the Stok Cae Ras.

It has been four years since the Americans took control of the North Wales club for a sum of just £2m, with it being estimated by Kieran Maguire that they could be valued at a figure of £150m as they prepare for life in the Championship after swatting promotion rivals Charlton Athletic aside 3-0 on Saturday, becoming the only team in EFL history to achieve back-to-back-to-back promotions.

Wrexham, alongside fellow promotion winners, Birmingham City, have been two of the main reasons as to why League One has gained global notoriety this season, with the fourth season of 'Welcome to Wrexham' set to premiere on May 15th, whilst Blues have also announced an Amazon Prime documentary of their own which will go live in the off-season.

Jobi McAnuff issues Wrexham AFC praise as Red Dragons become history-makers

Victory over the Addicks also meant a first stint at second-tier level since 1982 for the club, having spent just four seasons of their history at the level.

The rapid pace of their rise up the non-league and EFL pyramid has caused plenty of division, with the club able to attract several ex-Premier League stars, seeing them boast the third-highest wage bill in League One behind Birmingham and Huddersfield Town, according to estimated figures.

However, McAnuff believes that the fanfare surrounding Wrexham has made Parkinson's role in proceedings become underrated, with the 57-year-old earning the sixth promotion of his managerial career.

"Well, I've got to be honest. I think the job he has done, from a personal perspective, has gone under-the-radar, because of everything around the football club," McAnuff said.

"Three promotions on the bounce, the fact that no one's ever done that before, shows you how hard it is.

"With all the money, all the resources, it isn't as simple as that.

"Again, this is an example of a club with a plan, a strategy. I went to Wrexham when I was in the non-leagues and, again, a football club that was almost forgotten about.

"I think they were down for 11/12 years in the National League, you know, they're going to be in the Championship next year.

"The job that everyone at that club has done is absolutely incredible," the 43-year-old stated. "And yes, money, money, money, but they've been smart with it.

"They've found new ways to get finance into the football club, you know, they've been innovative with ideas. They want to take the club forward, we should be celebrating it.

"They're good owners, we've talked so much about bad owners on this podcast and in the EFL.

"They have been absolutely brilliant.

"Love them or hate them from their personality and some of the stuff they do around it, they have transformed that football club and the EFL is reaping the benefits and a better place for it."

Wrexham AFC aren't in the Championship to make up the numbers

Regardless of the fact they will be facing off against former Premier League winners such as Leicester City and potentially, Blackburn Rovers, alongside many established sides in the Championship, Wrexham will not come into the division with the thought of making the numbers up.

Despite having a squad with the second-oldest average age in League One, it is a blend of youth and experience that has served the club well, with the likes of Arthur Okonkwo and Max Cleworth at the back as integral to their success as the likes of Elliott Lee, James McClean, Steven Fletcher, Paul Mullin and record-signing, Sam Smith.

A fresh revelation from Sky Sports claims that they and Birmingham are set to target players who are also set to be on the radars of Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton following their respective relegations back into the EFL, which would be a major statement of intent, although a fourth successive promotion would be an extremely bold prediction to make at this stage.