Dragons rise up league matched by the wage bill

WREXHAM have achieved a third consecutive promotion and next season will compete in the Championship for the first time in 43 years.

- By LIAM RANDALL

The Red Dragons' rapid ascent through the divisions has been fuelled by the financial backing of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whose ambition to take the club to the Premier League remains undiminished.

Last year, the duo welcomed additional minority investors to aid them in their ambitious goals. The introduction of the Allyn family, previous owners of global medical device company Welch Allyn before its $2billion (£1.5bn) sale in 2015, has enabled them to fast-track their growth plans.

In January, manager Phil Parkinson made significant investments to bring in forwards Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez, while wing-back Ryan Longman was also signed. Construction is set to begin shortly on a new 5,500-seat Kop stand.

As Wrexham's wealth continues to grow, many wonder how the salaries of the star players compare to those of their competitors.