SIMON SPENDER believes Wrexham can clinch two more promotions under their Hollywood owners before the Reds “will really be tested”.

Phil Parkinson’s men enjoyed a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign, clinching automatic promotion from the National League and a return to the Football League following a 15-year absence.

The Reds, favourites for the League Two title next season, are being backed to continue climbing the divisions under co-chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Spender, who made 110 league appearances for Wrexham from 2004-09, believes the success story will continue.

“Even though I left a good few years ago, I grew up supporting Wrexham,” said Spender, who is currently an academy coach at The New Saints and played in Wrexham’s last League Two match at Lincoln City in 2008.

“I was a fan before I played for Wrexham and still go to the games when I can. It is great to see them back in the league and I think it is same again.

“Everyone has got the expectations that they are going to go up again and go through the leagues.

“When you look at it, you can’t see why they won’t because of the investment and the players they have brought in.

“As soon as you get to the Championship, that is when you will really be tested but I think this year they should be up there pushing for promotion to League One, and play-offs minimum with how the club is looking.

“They are exciting times.”

Parkinson, whose side are currently on a two-week tour in America, has been backed in the transfer market by the multi-millionaire actors but Spender says money doesn’t guarantee success and the Reds’ boss deserves credit for spending wisely.

“You look at how long it took other clubs to go up as well,” added Spender. “Forest Green spent money for years before they got promotion.

“It is a tough league to get out of and the run that Wrexham were on and points they got, you can’t under-estimate the job Phil Parkinson has done there. Hopefully he can do it again and they can have a few more promotions.”

REDS ON TOUR....pages 38/39