Wrexham Women eye another first as ‘genuine’ investment fuels Champions League push | OneFootball

Per NY Times, head coach Jenny Sugarman said Wrexham Women’s Champions League breakthrough rests on genuine backing from ownership and senior decision-makers.

Wrexham debuted with a 4-2 comeback over FC Pyunik in the first qualifying round semi-final. They host Latvia champions Riga on Saturday, with the winner advancing to round two. Wrexham were the lowest-ranked of the 88 qualifiers by national coefficient.

Such progress would mark the deepest run by a Welsh women’s side. They have already become the first Welsh team to win in the competition since Cardiff Met in 2019-20.

Sugarman cited investment by majority owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, plus the Allyn family and Apollo Sports Capital. Wrexham appointed her last July and bought The Rock Stadium, becoming the first Welsh women’s team to own their ground and training base.

Amid summer cuts across the English pyramid, including WSL2 sides Southampton and Durham, and closures at Plymouth Argyle and Forest Green Rovers, she argued for patient investment over quick profit. Wrexham posted a £14.85m operating loss in 2024-25 despite £33.3m turnover, taking total losses beyond £25m since the takeover, driven by a 73 per cent wage bill rise.

They have added four signings, including Bella Reidford, 23, from Stoke City, and 19-year-old Lydia Sallaway on loan from Aston Villa. The aim is to extend the run, though Riga look a stern test after a tight turnaround from Wednesday.

Source: NY Times