Wrexham is embarking on its inaugural tour of Australia and New Zealand. While the Welsh club is set to compete in the championship for 2025-26, it first needs to face three A-League teams across three cities during this preseason venture.
ESPN is following Phil Parkinson, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and the rest of the team closely as they strategize their journey toward the Premier League.
Contrasting Australian experiences for Wrexham and Wayne Jones
Melbourne, Australia – Since returning to Australia in 2005, Wayne Jones has experienced significant changes as one of the standout figures from the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series and a devoted supporter of Wrexham.
Two decades ago, he wrapped up a two-year journey backpacking through Australia, embracing the local custom of working holidaymakers and even picking bananas and grapes in Perth.
In contrast, Wrexham has faced its own challenges, becoming the first football league club to be relegated from League 2 to the National League a few years later.
Without the protests from fans against Alex Hamilton’s ownership detailed in the sixth episode of “Welcome to Wrexham,” the club might have faced demise. Now, under the ownership of Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham is poised to compete in the second tier of English football for the first time since 1982, achieving a historic status within the English pyramid.
Once a lesser-known pub landlord, Jones has gained international recognition due to the documentary that chronicled Wrexham’s ascent. After participating in a prior North American preseason tour, he is now back in Australia with the Red Dragons.
“Coming back after 20 years feels different; it’s now a championship club with dedicated ownership that truly seeks the best for everyone involved,” Jones shared with ESPN. “The contrast is staggering, and I’m enjoying this experience far more.”
“For a while, I was in denial about how much my life has changed. But clearly, it has. Now I’m in Australia talking to everyone, and people recognize my shirt on the street,” he reflected.
Indeed, the documentary has significantly improved Wrexham’s reputation. “When I was here last, hardly anyone knew about Wrexham or our football team,” he noted.
“Twenty years ago, if I mentioned living in Wales, people would just shrug. Now, we encounter recognition everywhere. The staff at the airport said, ‘We get tons of your shirts every week.'”
Impressions and Updates
All the details! We’re unveiling our new home kit and ready for our return to the EFL Championship ⬇️
🔴⚪ #wxmafc
– Wrexham AFC (@wrexham_afc) July 9, 2025
Wrexham recently revealed its kit for the 2025-26 season, drawing inspiration from their previous second-tier designs. Jones is enthused, saying, “It has the signature Joey Jones vibe.”
Quote of the Day
“I haven’t seen the latest season yet, but I’ve watched the first few. My career has always seemed to be intertwined with Ben Foster since I met him at 13.” Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Jack Duncan had a stint at Wrexham.
Looking Ahead for Wrexham
The upcoming match day features Wrexham facing Melbourne Victory in the A-League at Marvel Stadium.
Despite Melbourne Victory’s struggles last season, they are gearing up for a new preseason, having only recently resumed after a three-month hiatus since the start of Australia’s top leagues.
Additionally, while several prominent players, including Socceroos like Kasey Bos and Daniel Arzani, have transferred to European clubs, essential team members such as Nishan Velupillay and Rino Piscopo remain under coach Arthur Diles’ guidance.
Fan Take:
This news is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it illustrates Wrexham’s remarkable transformation and the growing global appeal of lower-league football. Wrexham’s journey could inspire other clubs and highlight the importance of fan engagement and effective management in revitalizing a team’s fortunes.
