Wrexham, where Hollywood meets football

It's the stuff of dreams and has the makings of a major movie. A mediocre Welsh football club, albeit one with provenance – it's the oldest Welsh team and the world's longest-established international football ground – has struck gold.

Wrexham football club, acquired in early 2021 by two American movie heartthrobs Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has just clinched the National League championship.

Shifting in September 2020 from a club entirely fan-owned to one with celebrity owners has marked a miracle turnaround, and local Stephen Hughes is truly grateful.

Stephen Hughes: "So, I think people were a little bit suspicious, maybe, that it would be a Hollywood plaything. But I think the past few years have proved to the fans that these guys are serious, it's a long time project. And, in old fashioned language, they've been bitten by the bug. In more modern language, they get it."

Reynolds and McElhenney have ploughed around £10 million of their own funds into the club, taken on a new manager, regularly shown up at matches and immersed themselves into the community. The pair initially secured the ground for 20 years, to demonstrate their long-term commitment, and Reynolds has acquired a local property for his stays.

Needless to say, the duo joined in the exuberant celebrations when Wrexham triumphed in the National League, propelling themselves into the English Football League after being relegated 15 years ago.

Local devotees are on cloud nine.

Darryl Farrald: "It means the world to me. I've been supporting them since 1974, and as you can see, the younger generation are going to see the times that I've seen."

For Wrexham fan Tracey Jones, it's all down to 'Rob and Ryan', as they're affectionately known about town.

Tracey Jones: "When the rumours first came out a couple of years ago that they were taking over the town and the football club, nobody ever dared to believe that it was true. But, you look at it now, you wouldn't imagine it. And what's the thing? What's possible in four to five years time? Premier League? Who knows?"

The dream of winning the English Premiership may become reality. After all, the club's Cinderella story's already a Disney Documentary series, implying a Hollywood movie might come next! Weniger anzeigen