STOCKPORT COUNTY just missed out on a second successive automatic promotion but Andy Morrell believes Wrexham are even better equipped to go straight up for a second season in a row.

Phil Parkinson’s men were pipped to the National League title by the Hatters in 2021-22 before losing to Grimsby Town in the play-off semi-finals.

But Wrexham shrugged off that disappointment by enjoying a record-breaking season culminating in automatic promotion and a return to the Football League following a 15-year absence.

Backed to continue rising through the divisions under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Reds are 7/2 to win the League Two title in 2023-24 and are as short as evens to secure back-to-back promotions.

Stockport just missed out on a top-three finish before losing in the play-offs but with a squad full of quality already at Parkinson’s disposal before any new signings arrive at The Racecourse, Morrell expects former club Wrexham to be in the mix once again.

“I think Wrexham are strong,” said Morrell, who had two spells as a player at The Racecourse and was also manager.

“They are in a stronger position than what Stockport were in the summer.

“They will certainly add to the squad because they can do that with the finances they have got.

“Phil Parkinson has got a good group and Stockport have shown they can do well.

“Hartlepool have come down after a couple of seasons in League Two but Wrexham are geared up ready to go again with the players they have brought in. They will be up and around it.”

Morrell says having three automatic promotion spots in League Two, compared to one in the National League, means Wrexham stand an even better chance of continuing the success story.

“The bottle-neck that Wrexham have had with this one-up in the National League, they have got out of that and three go straight up next season; four altogether with one from the play-offs,” said Morrell.

“Wrexham have got every chance of really pushing and making the play-offs at least next season.”

Wrexham were pushed all the way by Notts County in a thrilling title-race that saw both teams pass the 100 points mark.

However, a 3-1 home win against Boreham Wood secured automatic promotion with one game to go.

More than 10,000 supporters saw Wrexham secure a spot in League Two for the first time since 2008, and ex-Reds’ striker Morrell was delighted that the club’s long-suffering fans finally had promotion to celebrate.

“I am so pleased, you can see what it means to everyone,” he added. “You could see what it meant to everyone getting over that line against Boreham Wood.

“The fans have just backed the team right from the word go.

“They have taken thousands all over the country on long trips and they have backed their team and really got them through some hard times.”