How Wrexham's stunning player wage bill compares to League One clubs

Wrexham's wage bill has been compared to clubs in League One following their promotion, and the results are staggering.

Earlier this month Wrexham clinched promotion for the second time in as many years, earning a return to the third tier after a 19-year absence.

The Welsh club have enjoyed an upwards trajectory since Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover of the club in 2021.

Wrexham pipped Notts County to the National League title last season, and followed that up this term by finishing inside the automatic promotion places in League Two.

Although Stockport County have won the title, Wrexham could finish second if they beat the newly crowned champions on Saturday.

While Wrexham's rise back up the leagues is a great story and an impressive achievement, it's no secret that the club's owners have thrown a significant amount of money at the project.

Several first team stars including Paul Mullin, James McClean and Steven Fletcher dropped down several divisions to play for the club, with some on some pretty big wages.

In fact, it turns out that Wrexham's wage bill is bigger than most of the teams that played in League One this season.

According to data published by Capology, Wrexham would have the sixth-highest weekly wage bill of teams currently in the third tier.

Wrexham celebrate promotion to League One. Image: Getty

Wrexham reportedly spent £107,238 per week on wages, over £20,000 per week more than second-highest spenders Gillingham.

Of all the clubs that played in League One this season, only Derby County, Portsmouth, Reading, Bolton Wanderers and Oxford United paid their players more than Wrexham.

Portsmouth and one of Bolton or Derby will play in the Championship next season, which illustrates just how huge Wrexham's wage bill is for a fourth tier side.

Wrexham's weekly wage bill was more than former Premier League clubs Reading, Wigan Athletic and Blackpool.