FA Cup: Wrexham’s story ‘written in the stars, literally’

“It feels like the stories were written in the stars. Literally.”

While he was highly critical of the efforts of many of his players, even Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche admitted there was something stirring at Wrexham when they knocked his Premier League side out of the FA Cup.

Fronted by co-owner Ryan Reynolds, the Red Dragons’ class of 2025-2026 etched themselves into Cup folklore by scalping the top flight at Stok Cae Ras on penalties – and with drama befitting their association in modern Hollywood.

The team was twice ahead of the team that reached the semi-finals last year by two goals before being dragged, exhausted, into extra time, where they produced a dramatic climax.

For a club with so many FA Cup upsets, this win was the most exciting – and witnessed by the hero of the iconic win over Arsenal in 1992, Mickey Thomas.

Before match director Phil Parkinson said he had wanted to face a Premier League side ever since the club’s journey from the fifth tier began five years ago.

Parkinson said: “We have highlighted for the players some great moments in this club’s history in the FA Cup and can we make a little history of our own tonight. We certainly did.”

They did so, then beat top-flight opponents for the first time since 1999 to advance to the fourth round.

But Wrexham are used to writing their own scripts.

“It’s not just about the money and the fame and the people involved who have been amazing in the whole story, but to maintain that edge and keep pushing like they’re doing is huge,” Dyke said.

Referring to Wrexham’s position just outside the Championship play-offs, having been a non-league side until 2023, he added: “They might add to the story.”