WREXHAM, Wales — Billed as the “Hollywood derby,” the clash between Wrexham and Birmingham City promised glitz, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac facing off against Tom Brady and two American-owned clubs aiming for Premier League glory. Instead, fans witnessed the gritty reality of the EFL Championship.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw at the Racecourse Ground, with Patrick Roberts rescuing a point for Birmingham after George Dobson’s first-half opener. Wrexham remain without a home league win this season, while Birmingham extend a slump with just one victory in seven games.
Both clubs entered the season hoping to use Wrexham’s promotion from League One and Birmingham’s history as springboards toward playoff contention. Currently, Birmingham sit 11th and Wrexham 14th, showing that the Championship demands endurance as much as skill.
“The squad are growing together and bonding together,” Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said. “We are looking stronger and we will use the next two weeks during the international break to keep improving. But we need to start turning these draws into wins.”
Wrexham’s meteoric rise—from National League to Championship in just three seasons—was fueled by a £30 million summer overhaul, second only to relegated Premier League sides Ipswich Town and Southampton. Yet, despite the investment, Wrexham are still building chemistry. Only Academy product Max Cleworth remains from the squad that achieved promotion, while key players like Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer have moved on.
Birmingham, too, are in transition. Manager Chris Davies, facing pressure from fans over inconsistent results, reminded reporters of the league’s competitiveness:
“The theory that we were entitled to walk into the Championship and stroll it is deluded… We are a team that have to compete and earn everything we get at this level.”
Chairman Tom Wagner showed support, saying, “Chris has the complete and total confidence of the board… We are focused on a process and I am confident it will pay dividends.”
The challenge for both clubs is clear: the Championship is unforgiving, and success cannot be instant. Wrexham and Birmingham are learning that consolidation this season may be the necessary step before mounting another promotion push.
A year of adjustment may lack the Hollywood fairy-tale, but it reflects the real journey of clubs navigating the toughest league outside the Premier League. Even Wrexham’s star-studded ownership can’t make every season a blockbuster.
