BIG-SPENDING Wrexham have had their critics but Lee Fowler says Phil Parkinson deserves a lot more credit for gelling a record-breaking side.

The Reds boss has been armed with a sizeable budget since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover at The Racecourse in February 2021.

High profile signings such as Aaron Hayden, Paul Mullin, Ben Tozer and Ollie Palmer have been recruited and it had the desired effect this season as Wrexham clinched automatic promotion and return to the Football League following a 15 year absence.

Rivals have condemned Wrexham for buying the National League title but former Reds’ midfielder Fowler insists success is not just down to money.

“Money doesn’t guarantee you success, although it certainly gives you a big chance,” said Fowler.

“Luton, Crawley, Fleetwood, Salford and Stevenage had the biggest budget and got promoted so there is a method behind it.

“Is it frowned upon by the teams who haven’t got the riches? 100 per cent.

“But Wrexham haven’t had the riches for a number of years, I was there when they almost went backrupt so why shouldn’t they be the team who gets the money to go and do it.

“You have still got to have a manager and players to go out and win the league.

“People are envious because of it but you have still got to have a manager to put it all together, and Phil did."

Wrexham were pushed all the way by Notts County in a thrilling title race that saw both teams smash numerous records.

The Reds eclipsed the club record 98 points amassed during the 2011-12 campaign when Andy Morrell’s men were pipped to the title by Fleetwood Town who splashed the cash.

Fowler ended that season with Fleetwood after leaving The Racecourse and he said: “I think that season was a bit different to the situation Wrexham were in this season.

“There are more teams against Wrexham this year saying they bought the league. I would say there is about 50 per cent admiration and 50 per cent jealousy.

“The rivalry was mainly Fleetwood against Wrexham that season.

“Fleetwood were a good team but from Wrexham’s point of view, they bought the league.”

Wrexham are being backed by bookmakers to continue rising through the divisions under Reynolds and McElhenney, and Fowler sees no reason why the success story won’t continue at the north Wales club.

“Look at Luton who are one game away from being in the Premier League,” added Fowler.

“It is only 10 years since they got promoted from the Conference so why can’t Wrexham get promoted to the Premier League.

“Bournemouth were in the old Division Three and got to the Premier League and so were Brentford.

“You saw Wrexham go toe-to-toe with Sheffield United this season in the FA Cup and they got promoted to the Premier League, and it will be easier to go up next season with three going up automatically from League Two.”