League Two 2023/24: Back Wrexham for automatic promotion at 6/5

• Wrexham return to EFL after record-breaking promotion

• Worldwide backing thanks to Ryan Reynolds ownership

• One bet to consider from our tipster

Record breakers

Even with their world-famous ownership, major sponsors and squad on paper, nobody associated with Wrexham expected promotion in such remarkable fashion.

They won promotion out of the Vanarama National League as Champions. They broke records for most points (111), wins (34) and home record (22 wins and 1 draw). They are joint-record holders for fewest defeats (3). They would have broken records for highest goal difference (73) and goals scored (116) had it not been for title rivals Notts County.

It was quite the tonic for the club whose first Welcome to Wrexham Disney+ series ended with losses in a potential title decider, FA Trophy final and play-off semi-final. However, year one of the new ownership set the tone, identity and culture for what was about to follow.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are far more than famous faces with their names on a contract and they aren't about to slow down their investment. They have put money into the club, the people and the town, fostering a real sense of togetherness that was the catalyst for last season's triumph.

Wrexham used to being favourites

The Red Dragons are there to be shot at. It's one of the big factors in people backing against them in the race for promotion, believing that every other club in League Two is going to see Wrexham as the team to beat, making life more difficult for the side from North Wales.

That's nothing new. Wrexham were always big fish in the National League but that has grown exponentially in the last two years. They have responded by winning 60 of their 90 National League matches and losing just once at the Racecourse Ground.

Any belief that quality may play a part is wide of the mark too. Their starting XI and bench on any given day is likely to contain 14-16 players with good EFL experience, including a number of players that have previously won promotion, such as Ben Tozer, Will Boyle, Elliott Lee and Paul Mullin.

Manager Phil Parkinson knows how to win promotion too - he has now overseen four of them during his managerial career. The 55-year-old has done a fine job of cultivating leadership, organisation and togetherness, characteristics that have helped shape a side that doesn't panic or wilt under pressure.

No wonder they are the 5/61.84 favourites to be promoted from League Two, ahead of Stockport 5/42.25 and Notts County 13/82.63.

No Mullin, No Problem

Paul Mullin has played a huge part in Wrexham's success. The 28-year-old has scored 79 goals across all competitions during his two years with Wrexham and returns to League Two for the first time since firing Cambridge United to an unlikely promotion, scoring 32 goals and winning the division's Player of the Year award.

It was therefore big news when Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop clattered into the Merseyside-born striker during a pre-season fixture in America and punctured his lung.

However, Parkinson isn't such of options to replace Mullin's goals. Strike partner Ollie Palmer, attacking midfielder Elliott Lee and centre-back Aaron Hayden managed double figures last season. Striker Sam Dalby managed 0.5 goals per 90 and Billy Waters 0.4 per 90 in League Two for Barrow.

Finally, Parkinson has been well-backed by the owners to add new bodies when needed, as proven by the signings of Waters, Ryan Barnett and Ben Foster in the spring. It should be expected that they will continue to back him as they look for another promotion.