Wrexham goes to Hollywood: Actors win approval for football club takeover

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have taken over Wrexham AFC (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have become the new owners of Wrexham AFC after their takeover bid was approved by the National League club’s Supporters Trust.

Wrexham Supporters Trust members voted 98.6% in favour to accept the offer of Deadpool star Reynolds and fellow actor McElhenney, who told them last week that they plan to turn the Welsh football club into a “global force” .

The supporters’ group said: “Subject to final agreement, league and FA confirmation – the RR McReynolds Company, LLC will take 100% control of Wrexham Football Club Limited from the WST.

A message from our owners-elect...

Welcome to Wrexham AFC, @RMcElhenney and @VancityReynolds 🥳

🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/ho1vV8cvry

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) November 16, 2020

“Both parties will now proceed with finalising the details of the takeover, and we will update Wrexham supporters as soon as we can.”

The proposed takeover could lead to £2 million being invested in the club, which has been in fan ownership since 2011, and a Netflix-style documentary at the Racecourse Ground.

Reynolds and McElhenney presented their vision to trust members on November 8 at a virtual meeting, and told them they wanted to attend as many games as possible and “have a pint with the fans” .

The actors both tweeted “Wrexham is the name” alongside a crest of the club which was formed in 1864 and play in English football’s fifth tier following their relegation from League Two in 2008.

Wrexham Is The Name. @Wrexham_AFC pic.twitter.com/V2ary5X41D

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 16, 2020

They also appeared in a comic video on the club’s official Twitter account promoting kit sponsor Ifor Williams Trailers.

Reynolds said: “Why am I and Rob pitching a North Walian trailer manufacturer?”

To which McElhenney replied: “Well, because we just became owners of Wrexham Association Football Club and they are our team sponsors.

“You may never have heard of Wrexham, the Racecourse Ground or Ifor Williams, but you will. So to the Wrexham Supporters Trust, thank you for your faith and trust in us.”

Wrexham Is The Name @Wrexham_AFC pic.twitter.com/quqxfwmCmT

— Rob Mac (@RMcElhenney) November 16, 2020

Reynolds added: “We are humble and we are already getting to work. Is this really happening?”

Reynolds and McElhenney, known for his role in It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, say they want to protect the heritage of the Welsh club, reinforce the values woven into the town itself and make Wrexham AFC champions again.

The Trust added: “Wrexham Supporters Trust Board would like to thank Mr Rob McElhenney and Mr Ryan Reynolds, and their advisers Inner Circle Sports and Walker Morris, for their professional and considered approach and for the time they have already put into the process.

We are humble and we are already getting to work. Is this really happening?

Ryan Reynolds

“As Wrexham supporters, we would like to wish them the very best of luck in charge of our football club and look forward to what the future brings.”

It is understood that Reynolds and McElhenney are prepared to use their own money and fame to help the side return to the glory days of the 1977-78 campaign, when they made it to the FA Cup quarter-finals and clinched the Third Division title.

First Minister Mark Drakeford responded to news by tweeting: “Truly exciting times for the world’s third oldest football club – I look forward to watching your progress.”