Wrexham get one over on Tom Brady’s Birmingham City after 24/25 rankings highlight meteoric rise……

Wrexham’s Triumph Over Tom Brady’s Birmingham City: A 2024/25 Season Overview

The 2024/25 football season witnessed a compelling narrative unfold in English football, as Wrexham AFC, under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, achieved a remarkable feat by securing promotion to the EFL Championship. This accomplishment was particularly notable as it came at the expense of Birmingham City, a club recently bolstered by the involvement of NFL legend Tom Brady.

Wrexham’s Meteoric Rise

Wrexham’s journey to the Championship was nothing short of extraordinary. After clinching the National League title in the 2022/23 season, the club continued its ascent by securing the League Two title in the 2023/24 season. The 2024/25 season marked their first in League One since the 2004-05 campaign. Despite the challenges of competing in a higher division, Wrexham demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, culminating in a 3–0 victory over Charlton Athletic on April 26, 2025, which sealed their second-place finish and promotion to the Championship

Birmingham City’s Season Under New Ownership

Birmingham City’s 2024/25 season was characterized by significant changes both on and off the pitch. The club’s acquisition by a consortium including Tom Brady, who assumed a minority ownership role, brought renewed hope and ambition to the Blues. Under this new leadership, Birmingham City aimed for a strong promotion push. However, despite a commendable campaign, they finished just behind Wrexham in the promotion race. A pivotal moment in their season was the 1–1 draw against Wrexham on January 23, 2025, which maintained their five-point lead over the Welsh club 

The Hollywood Derby: A Draw That Defined the Season

The encounter between Wrexham and Birmingham City on January 23, 2025, dubbed the “Hollywood Derby,” was a microcosm of both clubs’ seasons. Wrexham took an early lead through Oli Rathbone’s goal in the 9th minute, but Birmingham City’s Lyndon Dykes equalized in the 18th minute, resulting in a 1–1 draw. This match was not only a showcase of footballing talent but also a testament to the growing global interest in English football, with the match being broadcast across the U.S. by CBS and accompanied by immersive events in Los Angeles and Dallas .

Comparative Analysis: Wrexham vs. Birmingham City

For Birmingham City, the 2024/25 season, while falling short of automatic promotion, still represents progress. The involvement of Tom Brady has brought increased visibility and a renewed sense of purpose to the club. With continued investment and strategic development, Birmingham City aims to build upon this foundation and secure their place in the Premier League in the near future.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 season will be remembered for the remarkable rise of Wrexham AFC, culminating in their promotion to the Championship. Their journey, characterized by determination and strategic foresight, serves as an inspiration to clubs across the footballing world. While Birmingham City, under the ownership of Tom Brady, continues to rebuild and aspire for greater success, the “Hollywood Derby” highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of English football, where ambition and investment are key drivers of progress.