**Wrexham Predicted to Outshine Welsh Rivals in Stunning Rise, Says Former Star**
In a bold prediction certain to energise Welsh football fans, former Wales striker Nathan Blake has suggested that Wrexham AFC’s meteoric climb through the leagues shows no signs of slowing, with Premier League football potentially just around the corner for the club now owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Blake, renowned for his stints in the top tiers of English football, lent his voice to growing whispers that Wrexham, riding the high of their sensational back-to-back promotions, could soon eclipse fellow Welsh sides Cardiff City and Swansea City. He believes the Dragons have all the right ingredients to not only reach the Championship play-offs this term, but to achieve promotion to the top flight within the next two to three years.
Speaking during a recent episode of “Rob and Blakey’s Commentary Box”, a podcast developed with the support of the University of South Wales’ media and journalism programmes, Blake was unreserved in his optimism regarding Phil Parkinson’s squad. “I genuinely think Wrexham are in a strong position for a top six finish, and I said this before their latest transfer activity,” he commented during the recording. Blake’s repeated assertion was clear: while it might surprise some, he envisages Premier League football in Wrexham’s not-too-distant future.
The momentum at the North Wales club is palpable. Since being taken over by Reynolds and McElhenney, Wrexham have surged from non-league obscurity to the Championship, boasting three consecutive promotions—a feat rarely seen in English football. This summer, the club’s ambitions were underlined by significant investment, reportedly totalling £13 million on player acquisitions, including the addition of seasoned former England international Conor Coady.
Blake highlighted the club’s prudent yet ambitious approach to decision-making as a major factor behind its success. “Their recent moves send a clear message: they are here to compete at the highest level,” he said, reflecting on the impact of the ownership’s hands-on strategy.
However, the former striker was distinctly less buoyant when discussing Wrexham’s fellow Welsh clubs. Swansea City, who have previously enjoyed a notable spell in the Premier League, have encountered financial constraints and Blake questions whether they possess the resources or intent necessary for a return to the top tier. Despite recent news linking the Swans with support from high-profile figures such as Luka Modrić and Snoop Dogg, Blake noted, “A £5 million spend on transfers is not a substantial figure in the Championship these days. Without greater investment, the club risks sliding into the lower reaches of the table.”
Cardiff City, meanwhile, are experiencing turbulent times of their own. Recently relegated from the Championship after more than two decades in the second tier, the Bluebirds are now starting their campaign in League One for the first time in 23 years. The prospect of a Gareth Bale-led takeover has fuelled considerable speculation, but so far, such rumours have failed to progress beyond hopeful chatter.
Blake voiced concern about the current culture and ownership at Cardiff, remarking on a sense of disillusion among supporters following changes to club identity and alleged mismanagement. “There’s been a cloud over the club for a while now,” he observed. “When the heart and symbols of a club are tampered with, you inevitably turn the fans against you. Without stability and fighting spirit, the path back to former glories becomes ever more uncertain.”
Despite his criticisms, Blake left the door open for optimism, stating that tangible change—possibly through a new ownership group—might help Cardiff City regain solid footing. In the meantime, as Wrexham look set for a high-profile Championship campaign, their script continues to rival Hollywood’s finest, casting a long shadow over their historic rivals to the south.
“Rob and Blakey’s Commentary Box” is available weekly across major podcast platforms, providing further insight and debate on the fortunes of Welsh football as the new season unfolds.