Wrexham, where Hollywood meets football

Locals in the Welsh town of Wrexham feel they're in a fairy tale. Their unsuccessful football club was recently bought by two Hollywood stars, and now they've just come top of the National League.

The club used to be owned 100 percent by supporters. That changed after September 2020, when actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came on the scene.

Like many locals, Stephen Hughes is grateful to the pair for saving his club.

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."

In early 2021, the two film stars bought the club. Since then, they've invested £10 million of their own money. They've employed a new manager, regularly attended matches and become part of the local community. Reynolds has even purchased a house locally for his visits.

Of course, they were also present at the recent celebrations. Wrexham won the National League and was then promoted to the English Football League.

Supporters can't believe the club's change of fortune.

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 thanks to 'Rob and Ryan', as they're known locally.

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."

Now supporters hope to reach the English Premier League. As Wrexham's story's already a Disney Documentary series, perhaps a Hollywood film's the club's next chapter!

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