Troy Deeney has confidently predicted that Birmingham City will thrive in the Championship next season – and says they are better equipped than fellow promoted side Wrexham.
The former Blues captain, now working as a pundit, was speaking on talkSPORT following both clubs’ ascent from League One. Birmingham won the title with a record-breaking 111 points, finishing 19 clear of Wrexham, who sealed second under Phil Parkinson.
Tough To Step Up
While acknowledging Wrexham’s achievements, Deeney suggested the Welsh club may not find the step up so smooth.
“I think Wrexham will struggle more than Birmingham going into the Championship,” he said. “And what I mean by that is how it’s currently set up. They play a very deliberate way – a 5-3-2 – getting loads of crosses into the box. I think a lot of Championship teams are comfortable with that.”
Wrexham, backed by high-profile owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have secured three consecutive promotions to climb from the National League into the second tier. But Deeney believes the style of football and the level of opposition could present new challenges.
“I just don’t know whether they can tweak it and do what needs to be done in terms of getting into the play-offs,” he added. “But they have money and they’ve shown that every step of the way they can adjust. So Wrexham have been great, but we’re better.”
Promotion Blueprint Gives Blues The Edge
Deeney was more bullish about Birmingham’s prospects, praising the structure and ambition already in place under head coach Chris Davies and the Knighthead-led ownership.
“Minimum play-offs is what they will be looking at,” said Deeney. “The squad was built to have Championship players in League One. You would expect that they will try to get players that have been in the Prem, Premier League experience, to come in and kick on.”
He also made a pointed observation about the current state of the Championship.
“As much as I love the Championship and the EFL, it’s not what it once was. No striker has scored 20 goals in the Championship this season. That’s crazy.”
Birmingham, reinvigorated by new investment and a modern footballing vision, are being tipped to mount a serious challenge in 2025/26. With a recruitment focus on top-tier experience and a strong core already in place, optimism is high at St Andrew’s.
Writer’s View
Troy Deeney’s assessment won’t sit well with Wrexham fans, but it’s hard to argue with the logic. Birmingham City’s infrastructure, recruitment model and recent dominance in League One suggest they’re more likely to hit the ground running in the Championship.
Wrexham, despite their remarkable rise, face a different test now – one that requires tactical evolution, not just financial clout. If they don’t adapt quickly, Deeney’s words may well prove prophetic.
