Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, new owners of Wrexham, at their first news conference. Getty Images
WREXHAM (Wales) -- Nearly nine years after finalizing the takeover of Wrexham A.F.C. in north Wales, screen stars Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney made their debut on Thursday at the home pitch to see the team practice and address a crowd of media from all over Britain.
Reynolds stated that the best thing about the experience was the chance to spend time with the players and help break down the strange wall that has been enveloping us for over a year. I'm sure many of the pitch guys have wondered "Who are these guys?" What's the deal? How is it going to work? It was nice to have these little moments between all the pomp and circumstance."
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In recent years, English football has been subject to a steady flow of foreign investors. Celebrities and billionaires have bought high-profile teams as well as teams that are under financial pressure. Reynolds and McElhenney stressed that while they are attracted to the romance of helping a struggling club to rehabilitate after its 2008 relegation, their primary goal was to win.
McElhenney recalled asking an advisor if it was possible for Wrexham one day to compete in the Premier League. McElhenney was told by an adviser that it was theoretically possible for Wrexham to play in the Premier League. This made him skeptical.
"I don’t get why you would want to go that far, even though theoretically we could. We have the structure and system to enable us to grow at large scale. Why not dream big? McElhenney stated.
The transaction was completed last winter but travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19 made it impossible for the couple to visit their new property. They attended their first Wrexham match on Tuesday at Maidenhead United. The home fans heckled the entertainers.
Reynolds stated, "Normally I get heckled in my own home." "So this was kind of new to me and sorta weirdly exciting."
After being intrigued by the possibility of restoring Britain's third oldest soccer club, McElhenney and Reynolds invested approximately $2.75million. They also gathered the support of Wrexham Supporters Trust Board (the fan organization that ran the club).
McElhenney stated that he loves the idea of telling the story about a working class town and a club, pointing out the similarities he sees between Wrexham's hometown of South Philadelphia. McElhenney, Reynolds and a documentary crew will accompany them on their trip. The documentary will focus on the club and community and will be released in 2022.
Reynolds stated that sports is storytelling. You can see how closely the club and the surrounding community are linked when you dive deeper in Wrexham. This club has a rich history and there is so much potential for growth.
It has a Cinderella element. It has a powerful underdog story that is potent and powerful.
