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A Tale of Triumph: Wrexham AFC's 2023/24 Season Journey

Connor Banks
Apr 22, 2024
2 min read

A football in the middle of a football pitch in the middle of a football stadium.

In the quaint town of Wrexham, the 2023/24 season unfolded like a page-turner, brimming with drama, passion, and the relentless pursuit of glory. For Wrexham AFC, it was not just about football; it was a story of revival, ambition, and a community coming together, dreaming bigger under the spotlight of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The Hopeful Beginning

The season began with the echoes of fans’ cheers at the Racecourse Ground, filled with dreams of a victorious return to League Two. The opening match against Milton Keynes Dons, while a thrilling spectacle, ended in a 5-3 defeat. Despite the loss, it showcased the team's fighting spirit and hinted at the rollercoaster ride to come.

The Rollercoaster Ride

The season’s narrative was a blend of dizzying highs and sombre lows. After the initial stumble, Wrexham’s journey through the autumn months saw them finding their rhythm, punctuated by a memorable 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley, where Paul Mullin's hat-trick dazzled the supporters. Yet, not all was smooth sailing. The team faced setbacks and challenges, teetering at times on the brink of despair, only to rise back up, fueled by the roaring support from their unwavering fans.

Turning Points for Wrexham AFC

As winter settled over North Wales, Wrexham's campaign gained momentum. Key victories and strategic plays saw them climbing the League Two table. A significant moment came in a win against Newport County, a victory that not only avenged past playoff heartbreaks but also solidified their promotion ambitions as they surged into the automatic promotion spot.

The Climactic Finish

The crescendo of the season approached in April, a month that would define their fate. In a match steeped in anticipation and tension, Wrexham faced Forest Green Rovers. With the stakes higher than ever, the team delivered a performance etched in the annals of their history, securing a win that, combined with defeats for MK Dons and Barrow, clinched their automatic promotion to League One.

This victory was not just a win on the scoreboard; it was a testament to the resilience and unity of a club deeply rooted in its community. It was a celebration that spilt from the stands onto the streets, where chants, cheers, and tears of joy painted the town red.

As the 2023/24 season drew to a close, Wrexham AFC stood not only promoted but reborn. The town and its football club had embarked on a journey from the shadows of obscurity to the lights of success, driven by a spirit that refused to be daunted by the past’s ghosts.

Wrexham’s story in the 2023/24 season is more than football. It’s about the magic that happens when a town believes; when every tackle, pass, and goal carries the weight of its hopes. It’s a reminder that in football, as in life, the underdog can have its day, turning dreams into reality.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launches to Record Sales, Mixed Reviews, and Market Shifts

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12 June 2025

Paul Francis

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After months of speculation and mounting anticipation, Nintendo has launched the Switch 2 in the UK and globally, marking a significant step forward for the Japanese gaming giant. The hybrid console, which was released on 3 June, has already become Nintendo’s fastest-selling device, shifting over 3.5 million units in just four days.

The console launched in the UK at £379.99 for the standard edition, with the “Deluxe Set” bundling in Mario Kart World and enhanced Joy-Con controllers for £429.99. Despite the hefty price tag, retailers reported widespread sell-outs within hours of release. GAME and Argos saw queues online and in-store, with some high street stores reporting stock shortages through the first weekend.

"The screen is beautiful, the new Joy-Cons feel far sturdier, and I love how snappy the menus are."

Jason Webb, a gamer from Leeds

Launch Line-Up and New Features

The Switch 2 arrived with a launch line-up headlined by Mario Kart World, Pikmin 5, and Splatoon Nova, with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Depths set to follow in July. The console features a brighter 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, upgraded internal storage, and improved detachable controllers. Nintendo has also introduced GameChat, its first in-built voice and video chat system, seen by many as a long overdue step into modern multiplayer gaming.

Early Market Jitters Now Easing

When Nintendo confirmed the console back in January, investors were not immediately convinced. Shares dipped nearly 7 per cent in Tokyo, with analysts criticising the reveal as thin on detail. The company was tight-lipped about the price, backwards compatibility, and exact release date, leading some to worry that Nintendo was not ready to compete with devices like the Steam Deck or PlayStation Portal.

However, as pre-orders sold out in April and early reviews trickled in, investor confidence returned. By late May, Nintendo’s stock had climbed to record highs, with analysts from Jefferies and Goldman Sachs issuing strong buy recommendations. Goldman expects long-term growth from the console, forecasting that it could sell over 60 million units during its lifespan.

Close-up of blue and red handheld game controllers against a dark background, with buttons and joystick visible. Vibrant colors.

What Users Think of the Switch 2?

Despite commercial success and analyst optimism, the Switch 2 has divided opinion among users. While many in the UK gaming community have praised the device as a worthy successor, others feel it fails to justify its premium price or fully resolve lingering issues from the original console.

The Good

For those upgrading from the original Switch, the improvements are tangible. "The screen is beautiful, the new Joy-Cons feel far sturdier, and I love how snappy the menus are," said Jason Webb, a gamer from Leeds who picked up his Switch 2 on launch day. Online forums and subreddits have filled with praise for the display, improved load times, and the seamless nature of GameChat.

Others have applauded Nintendo’s decision not to reinvent the wheel. “It’s exactly what I wanted – more power, better battery, and still the same pick-up-and-play feel,” wrote one user on r/NintendoUK.

The Bad

However, not everyone is impressed. A common criticism has been the console’s high price, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis. “£429 for a new console when I still have a perfectly good Switch? Nintendo’s taking the mickey,” said Sarah Khan, a student in Manchester.

Battery life has also come under scrutiny. Some users reported shorter-than-expected play times during launch week, prompting Nintendo to acknowledge a software bug that would be addressed in a future update. There have also been concerns about the magnetic controller attachments. “The little nub is already bending, and I’ve only had it a week. My kid snapped the last one in two months,” one frustrated parent shared on Facebook.

Another sore point is the sense that the Switch 2 is more of a refinement than a revolution.

“It feels like a Switch Pro, not a new generation. Where’s the wow factor?”

Reddit user @WanderingPlumber.

The Road Ahead

Despite some early growing pains, the Switch 2 is off to a flying start. It has reignited interest in physical game releases, brought Nintendo back into the conversation around social and multiplayer innovation, and won over a loyal base of fans who see it as the best version of the console to date.

As the console heads into its second month, all eyes will be on Nintendo’s software pipeline. With the promise of a new Zelda, Pokémon Revival later this year, and strong third-party support, the Switch 2 may yet prove to be more than just a refresh. But with rivals looming and expectations sky-high, Nintendo has little room for error.

Whether the Switch 2 becomes a long-term game-changer or a short-term spike remains to be seen. What’s clear for now is that it has already made its mark.