Wrexham Association Football Club, a modest team in the National League, has undergone an unprecedented rise thanks to its ownership by Hollywood celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Since their takeover in November 2020, Wrexham has experienced a remarkable transformation, culminating in their first promotion in years and a friendly match against Manchester United during their US tour.
Before Reynolds and McElhenney arrived, Wrexham was a club with a rich history but limited global recognition. The new owners saw the potential in the club’s heritage and community spirit. Their bid to take over the club received overwhelming support from the Wrexham Supporters Trust. In their pitch to the fans, the celebrity duo made three promises: to bring the club back to its winning ways, reinforce the values of the Wrexham community, and turn Wrexham into a global force in football.
They wasted no time in investing £2 million into the club, which included the establishment of a new gym and plans for a state-of-the-art training center. Reynolds and McElhenney also became actively involved, attending multiple games and immersing themselves in the Wrexham culture.
The immediate impact of the new ownership was evident on the field. Wrexham improved significantly from their disappointing 2019-20 season and finished eighth in the league. However, it was the 2021-22 campaign that truly showcased Wrexham’s rise to prominence. The team went on a stunning 12-match unbeaten streak, bolstered by the signing of quality players like Paul Mullin, the top scorer from Cambridge United.
Although Wrexham narrowly missed out on promotion that season, their determination was only fueled by the disappointment. The 2022-23 season saw them play at an extraordinary level, setting a record with 110 points in 45 games and scoring an impressive 114 goals. Led by the prolific goal-scoring of Paul Mullin, Wrexham secured promotion to the Football League.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s vision to make Wrexham a global force in football seems well on its way to becoming a reality. The club’s remarkable journey, backed by passionate ownership and an incredible community, has won the hearts of fans and media alike. Wrexham’s story is a reminder that in football, anything is possible with dedication, ambition, and the unwavering support of passionate fans.
As Wrexham continues to grow in stature and ambition, the future looks bright for this once unheralded club. Their fairytale journey from the lower leagues to a competitive match against Manchester United serves as an inspiration to other aspiring clubs dreaming of achieving greatness. Wrexham’s newfound global appeal has proven that football can transcend borders and unite people from all walks of life.
