WREXHAM supporters didn't get the promotion they craved but Mickey Thomas praised the club's Hollywood owners for putting smiles back on fans' faces.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their high-profile takeover at The Racecourse in February 2021 and hopes were high that the Reds could secure a return to the Football League in the duo's first full season in charge.

Despite making up ground on Stockport County and taking the title race down to the final game, Phil Parkinson's side had to settle for runners-up spot in the National League and Wrexham were beaten 5-4 after extra-time by Grimsby Town in Saturday's epic play-off semi-final.

Defeat means Wrexham are preparing for a 15th campaign in non-league and although disappointed with the outcome, Racecourse legend Thomas says the feelgood factor has returned to the football club and the town under the Hollywood superstars, and the future is bright.

"The owners have been magnificent, there's no question of that," said Thomas.

"They have brought life back into Wrexham, not just the football club but into the town.

"Everyone has been happy, everyone smiling.

"There are sad faces after Saturday and it is a tough one to take because we have to go through the summer and start again next season.

"I'm sure the fanbase will still be here because the foundations here now are very, very solid which is what you need at a football club."

Thomas added: "Obviously there will be changes in terms of players going out and new players coming in because you want it in your hands next season - the chance to get automatic promotion.

"Stockport going up was a sickener because we clawed our way back into it and just fell short, and we missed out in the play-offs.

"It is hard to take and it is a sad day for Wrexham people more so than anyone."

Grimsby scored a 119th minute winner following an dramatic contest as Wrexham's promotion challenge came to an end.

Thomas was disappointed that the the Reds, who also reached the FA Trophy final where they lost to Bromley at Wembley Stadium the previous weekend, were unable to make the most of home advantage in the play-offs with nearly 9,800 supporters packing into The Racecourse.

"You think it's been a good season," said Thomas.

"You get to a cup final and second in the table, just missing out on automatic promotion, get to the play-offs and don't make it.

"Obviously it disappointing, getting to this position - having home advantage in the play-offs with all the fans - and not really delivering.

"We only really troubled Grimsby from throw-ins, on the day we fell short.

"We did well to get back in the game but we didn't perform when we needed to."