Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Mark Griffiths
Guest(s)
Release Date
3 August 2023
Duration
84 min
In this special episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by Mark Griffiths, the voice of Wrexham AFC and host of Final Whistle, the world’s longest-running football podcast. Together, they chart one of modern football’s most compelling comeback stories — the rebirth of AFC Wrexham between 2021 and 2023.
Once giants of the lower leagues, Wrexham spent 15 years in the non-league wilderness, their proud Racecourse Ground echoing with memories of European nights and Welsh Cup glory. That all changed when Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club in late 2020, promising not glitz, but growth. What followed was a remarkable journey that blended tradition with transformation.
Mark Griffiths provides insider insight into Wrexham’s renaissance — the meticulous rebuilding under Phil Parkinson, the signing of EFL-calibre stars like Paul Mullin and Ben Tozer, and the worldwide phenomenon sparked by the Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham. From record crowds to community ownership legacies, the episode celebrates a club that stayed true to its roots even as it captured global hearts.
The conversation culminates with Wrexham’s triumphant 2022–23 National League title, their long-awaited return to the Football League, and the reawakening of a fanbase that never stopped believing.
This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and redemption — proof that even in football’s modern age, romance is far from dead.
Takeaways
AFC Wrexham's revival is a perfect blend of old-school football and modern storytelling.
The ownership transformed visibility but respected tradition.
Phil Parkinson built stability through character and experience.
Paul Mullin became both a cult hero and global ambassador.
The fans’ loyalty through the dark years remains the heart of the club.
Welcome to Wrexham amplified the club’s story without losing authenticity.
The Red Dragons are once again breathing fire in the Football League.
AFC Wrexham 2021–2023: Hollywood Revival, Welsh Spirit
Between 2021 and 2023, Wrexham AFC went from a non-league side in exile to one of the most talked-about football clubs on the planet. Backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Red Dragons combined global fame with grassroots heart, reigniting pride in one of football’s oldest institutions.
Under the steady management of Phil Parkinson, Wrexham rebuilt from the ground up — mixing local loyalty with professional precision. The arrival of Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, and Ben Tozer transformed the team’s competitiveness, while Welcome to Wrexham, the hit documentary series, captured their fight for promotion and the passion of the Racecourse faithful.
The 2022–23 campaign saw the club break National League records, scoring over 100 points and sealing promotion back to the Football League for the first time in 15 years. The season embodied everything fans love about football — resilience, drama, and unfiltered emotion.
Wrexham’s story is not just about money or fame; it’s about rebirth, belonging, and the belief that football’s magic still lives at every level.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Wrexham’s historic identity and community roots
The impact of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership
Phil Parkinson’s leadership and squad rebuilding
Paul Mullin’s heroics and fan connection
The global spotlight of Welcome to Wrexham
Return to the Football League after 15 years
Takeover announcement by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
6–5 FA Cup thriller vs Sheffield United
National League record points tally
Paul Mullin’s goal-scoring exploits
Return to the Football League
Racecourse Ground sold-out celebrations and global fan scenes
Notable Manager
Phil Parkinson
Notable Players
Paul Mullin, Ben Tozer, Ollie Palmer, Luke Young, Elliot Lee, Jordan Davies, Ben Foster, Aaron Hayden, James Jones, Eoghan O’Connell, Jacob Mendy
Style of Play
3-5-2 Formation, High Press, Direct Transitions, Set-Piece Strength, Compact Defence, Counter-Attacking
Under Phil Parkinson, Wrexham’s style in 2021–2023 was both pragmatic and powerful — a modernised take on traditional British football infused with intensity, leadership, and technical nous.
The team typically lined up in a 3-5-2, built on physical dominance, aerial strength, and direct attacking transitions. At its heart was a robust defensive trio marshalled by Ben Tozer, whose long throws became a lethal weapon. Wing-backs like Jacob Mendy and Callum McFadzean provided width and relentless energy, turning defence into attack within seconds.
In midfield, players like Luke Young and Elliot Lee combined grit with creativity, while the strike partnership of Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer terrorised defences with movement, pressing, and clinical finishing. Mullin’s combination of intelligence, aggression, and work rate made him a talisman — the emotional and tactical focal point of the side.
Parkinson’s Wrexham were unapologetically efficient — pressing high, exploiting set-pieces, and thriving on emotion. Yet beneath the muscle lay structure: defensive organisation, compact spacing, and the ability to manage momentum.
Their identity reflected their fans — hard-working, passionate, and impossible to silence. By 2023, Wrexham were not just a good football team; they were a cultural force that reminded the world why the lower leagues matter.
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