PHIL PARKINSON, his staff and players have done Wrexham proud this season but the promotion celebrations were for the supporters who have stuck by the club through thick and thin.

There have been more lows than highs during the non-league era with Reds’ fans also raising more than £100,000 to save their club from extinction nearly 12 years ago.

On the pitch it’s been a tough slog but the takeover by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in February 2021 gave renewed hope that Wrexham would finally get back in the Football League - and yesterday’s bus parade celebrations were just one of the rich rewards fans have feasted on.

The promotion dream was finally realised when Wrexham clinched the National League title with a 3-1 win against Boreham Wood at The Racecourse 11 days ago.

It’s been a remarkable season with Parkinson’s men pushed all the way by Notts County, smashing numerous records in the title-race, and the Reds have returned to the Football League following a 15-year absence.

It’s no more than the loyal fans, starved off success since the last promotion in 2002/03, deserve.

Wrexham were well supported long before the famous actors completed their takeover, always having one of the best average attendances in the fifth tier.

Success on the pitch inevitably leads to bigger crowds and there has been no problem filling The Racecourse this season with any spare tickets quickly snapped up.

Supporters got the promotion wish they dreamed for and let’s hope this is just the start, with Wrexham continuing to progress through the divisions.

For now, let’s just enjoy what Phil and his players have achieved this season and the open-top bus parade was something all Reds’ supporters deserve.

Thousands lined the streets as Wrexham, with Rob and Ryan on board, celebrated success.

It was a memorable occasion and more than makes up for those long midweek away trips reporting on Wrexham, when I've arrived back from Gateshead at 2am and are back in work a few hours later.

I’ve been privileged to report on Wrexham, my home-town club, since 2004 for the Leader so I’ve been there every step of the way - from Barrow to Eastbourne - during the non-league era.

There have been some seasons when, even though it has felt like a chore with the Reds struggling on the pitch, I have been to every match.

I only missed one game last season when Wrexham were pipped to automatic promotion by Stockport County and was again only absent for one match - the 0-0 draw at Wealdstone in November - this term.

Like many Reds fans, I fancied Wrexham could finish the job this season.

The squad only needed tweaking last summer and the recruitment was spot-on as Wrexham went on to enjoy a record-breaking campaign.

Parkinson himself has said that this is only the start of the journey and you wouldn’t bet against another promotion push in League Two in 2023-24.

The feelgood factor has returned to the area and hopefully there are more open-top bus parades to come.

RICHARD WILLIAMS