In a move that has shocked the world of football, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have received a £25m boost for their takeover of Wrexham AFC. The actors, who announced their plans to purchase the Welsh team in November, have been working hard to secure the funds needed to take over the National League club. The news of this major investment is set to change the future of Wrexham, and could pave the way for more high-profile investors and even promotion to the Football League.
Wrexham is a football club located in Wrexham, Wales. It was formed in 1864, and over the years, it has become a beloved institution in the region. The club boasts a rich history, having played in the English Football League for over 87 years before being relegated to the National League in 2008. Since then, the club has been battling to climb up the ranks and regain their top-tier status.
Recently, Wrexham has received a significant boost in the form of a £25 million Welsh government grant. The grant was provided to help Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney complete the work on a new stand at the Racecourse Ground. The Hollywood duo, who purchased the club in 2020, have poured cash into the club, and their efforts seem to be paying off. With National League promotion just games away, the new stand will bolster the club’s infrastructure and take the ground’s capacity to 15,000, positioning it among the biggest grounds in the fourth tier of English football.
Initially, the club had applied for Levelling Up Fund money from the UK government in January 2021, but their application was rejected. However, the council’s executive board has since unanimously backed funding for the new stand. The news has been met with great excitement, as Wrexham prepares for life in League Two, which is just one win away following their win over Yeovil on Tuesday night. If they secure a win, it will be the club’s first promotion since 2008, but the profile of the club, which continues to rise at a rapid rate, means there would be huge expectation to challenge immediately next term.
Reynolds and McElhenney have long hailed the town’s fans, who have regularly made home games sellouts. The Canadian, since taking over the Welsh side, has built an impressive relationship with the fans, who have previously sung his name at home matches. He has spoken of his love for the club and the town, saying that “it’s been brilliant. I love getting here early because I get to meet some of the locals as well as supporters who’ve been coming here for decades and decades. I met a supporter the other day whose grandfather’s ashes were scattered across this (football) field, so I look at this place a bit like a church, is what it really is. It’s really bore a special place in my heart and my entire family’s heart.”
The news of the £25 million grant has provided a major boost to the club’s hopes of regaining their top-tier status. The additional funds will enable the club to improve its infrastructure, which will help to attract new talent and improve their chances of success in the years to come. Wrexham still have a long way to go, but with Reynolds and McElhenney’s continued investment, there is every chance that the club will continue to climb the English football pyramid.
As Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney continue their journey as new owners of Wrexham AFC, the future looks bright for this small Welsh town. With their £25 million investment, the possibilities are endless for the football club and its supporters. This is not just a financial investment, but a commitment to a community and a culture. The charm and character of Wrexham are woven into every aspect of this historic club, and Reynolds and McElhenney have acknowledged and embraced this. As we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for Wrexham AFC, one thing is certain – the club is in good hands.
