New Delhi: It must not be overlooked. Sixteen months ago, Wrexham and almost half of their starting lineup were playing fifth tier football. After nearly twenty years away from League One, the team has earned its place at this level. The fact that they haven’t really stepped foot wrong since the step up speaks highly of Parkinson’s side. It had been a dream start, undefeated and all, but this served as a bit of a reality check. It seemed like a cup tie with the early excitement, even in the first ten minutes, when a front-foot Wrexham side startled the hosts with their push and Jack Marriott’s opening goal.
Birmingham simply appeared to be a cut above after that. It served as an example of what it takes to be at the top of this league, whether it was through the moments of brilliance, making the mistakes, or depriving Wrexham of hope. Few can equal Blues at this level of performance, much less a recently promoted team that initially felt the leap was a bit too great. The match and the outcome revealed more about Blues than Wrexham, despite Parkinson’s admission that his team should have performed better after falling behind. In all but name, Birmingham resembled a Championship team.
Tom Brady, David Bekham and Rob McElhenney in the house
Rob McElhenney, co owner of Wrexham hold up Ryan Reynolds, co owner of Wrexham on his mobile phone during the Sky Bet League One match between Birmingham City FC and Wrexham AFC (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Wrexham managed to lose the game 3-1 against Birmingham, but there were Rob McElhenney, Tom Brady and David Beckham, who were all present in the stadium. The Blues’ 3-1 victory served as a reminder that nobody attends a game to gaze at the bleachers. Yes, there was the allure of the fantastical aspect of it all, including the prestigious directors’ box that was unlike anything League One had ever seen.
Few would also contest the significance of the owners’ financial and aspirational motivations for their individual teams, nor the fact that they managed to elevate a third tier match to a must watch for those outside of the EFL regulars. However, as is always the case with sports, the greatest drama and the most sensational headlines are always produced by what occurs on the field. It was the footballing sensation David Bekham, NFL legend Tom Brady and American television star Rob McElhenney who stole the show with their presence on the field.
Whether you’re sitting among A-list celebrities or in the most affordable tickets, the support’s reaction always draws people in because it’s the same combination of atmosphere and adrenaline. The excitement of getting carried away with what could be next, the devastating blow of a return, and the intoxicating hope.
At St Andrew’s, it was all there. Fans of Wrexham may be wondering if they can sustain their remarkable ascent, but they must also acknowledge the magnitude of the task ahead. For Birmingham supporters who vehemently think they can go back to greater and better things. Football has a tendency to bring people together. At this stage, here in the third tier things are a little more raw and loud, a little more desperate and dreamlike than what the headliners are used to.
Because of this, Brady, a minority shareholder in the Blues and an unmatched success in his own sport, joined countless other home supporters in celebrating what felt like an already noteworthy performance and outcome. This is the reason why Ryan Reynolds, a co-owner of Wrexham who was only able to attend via video chat with fellow chairman McElhenney, had to laugh off the songs that made fun of him.
That’s the reason why, by the end, the conversation had shifted to Jay Stansfield’s objectives, exploding egos, and holding off until the “Hollywood” rematch at the Racecourse in January.
The EFL League 1 clash between Wrexham and Birmingham at St. Andrew stadium was lit up by the presence of some of the biggest names, including the likes of Tom Brady, David Bekham and Rob McElhenney. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
