Wrexham celebrate promotion last season _(Image: PA)_
NIGEL WINTERBURN expects to see both Wrexham and Birmingham earn promotion to the Championship this season.
Runaway leaders Birmingham are on course for the League One title while the race is on to secure the other automatic promotion spot.
Wrexham are third, on the same points tally as second placed Wycombe Wanderers who entertain Phil Parkinson's side in tomorrow's huge showdown at Adams Park.
Winterburn, in the Arsenal side that was beaten 2-1 by Brian Flynn's side in the biggest ever FA Cup shock 33 years ago, expects the Reds to come good and secure an historic third successive promotion to continue the success story under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Winterburn told [William Hill Vegas](William%20Hill%20Vegas%20) : "By the end of the season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see both Wrexham and Birmingham earn promotion to the Championship. It’s shaping up to be an exciting battle.
"Birmingham have already shown they’ve struggled in the top divisions and have faced challenges, while Wrexham are on a steady rise and they are on the way up.
"Now, they’re competing in the same league - a testament to Wrexham’s progress.
"The big difference I see between Wrexham’s owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and Birmingham’s minority shareholder, Tom Brady, through Shelby Companies Limited, is the level of involvement.
“At Wrexham, Ryan and Rob are full owners, and their direct input and the profile they’ve given the club have been transformative. Their fame has brought unprecedented attention to Wrexham, but what stands out is their focus on supporting the manager, Phil Parkinson, and letting him do his job.
"That’s been key to their success. They’ve been careful with financial fair play and have struck the right balance, which has allowed them to thrive."