The fanfare greeting Wrexham AFC’s arrival in Wellington for a pre-season friendly tells you everything you need to know about the current global wave of popularity the Welsh side is riding.
Back-to-back-to-back promotions under the ownership of Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the club from no-hopers to a pop culture phenomenon.
Or perhaps, more specifically, it’s the hit documentary series Welcome to Wrexham that has made stars out of non-Premier League players and die-hard supporters.
How else would you be expected to know who Ollie Palmer is?
Or find yourself gutted that Paul Mullin’s been squeezed out to Wigan?
This afternoon the Wellington Phoenix will be hoping some of Wrexham’s gold dust rubs off them.
The Big News
Wrexham may have a few extra supporters in the cake tin today after announcing the signing of former Phoenix fan-favourite Liberato Cacace.
The All Whites star has made a record-breaking move to Wales from Empoli, with the announcement splashed across the club’s website this morning.
It’s a massive challenge for the left back.
The Championship is notorious for being ferociously competitive, with teams desperate to reach the promised land of Premier League football.
But he’s thrived at every new level he’s reached and will be battle-hardened even further in a World Cup year.
Phoenix form
The Phoenix endured a torrid time last season, and it would be a surprise to see them recreate the scenes of famous pre-season friendly victories from the past (Andrew Durante’s winner against West Ham in 2014, anyone?).
You can’t blame them for being undercooked – they’ve only just returned to pre-season and have lost key players – but they’ll be desperate to see some green shoots of hope, most likely in the shape of youngsters-to-watch.
Wrexham favourites missing
Star man Ollie Rathbone picked up a nasty-looking ankle injury in Wrexham’s 2-1 loss to Sydney FC this week. Jay Rodriguez – former teammate of Chris Wood at Burnley – also picked up a knock, and Sam Smith is yet to feature.
Travelling fans of the Red Dragons will be eager to watch some of the more high-profile heroes get a run-out in their final Down Under hit-out.
Fairy tales can come true
Ok, Wrexham have had the benefit of heavy investment from multimillionaire owners.
But don’t forget where they’ve come from and how difficult the path to the top has been.
If the Phoenix can take anything from the Wrexham narrative, it’s that it absolutely is possible to rise from the ashes and write your own success story.
Watch the Phoenix take on Wrexham live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ2 from 4.30pm.