Wrexham, where Hollywood meets football

It feels like the plot of a movie - a small, failing Welsh football club is purchased by a couple of Hollywood actors and it defeats opponents to win the National League. However, this is the true story of Wrexham football club, one of the oldest football clubs in the world.

Until September 2020, it was completely in the hands of fans, but they voted to let celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney take over.

Stephen Hughes speaks on behalf of Wrexham locals.

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."

Since the purchase in early 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney have parted with around £10 million from their own pockets, appointed a new manager and dedicated time to frequenting games and fitting into local society. Reynolds now owns a house in the area, to accommodate him when visiting.

And inevitably the two actors weren't going to miss the celebrations of Wrexham's victory in the Welsh National League, and their promotion up to the English Football League, after a 15 year absence.

Wrexham fans are over the moon.

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."

One passionate supporter, Tracey Jones, attributes Wrexham's phenomenal success to 'Rob and Ryan', as they're referred to 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."

And who knows? Maybe winning the English Premiership is now within Wrexham's reach. As for a Hollywood movie, it's already a Disney Documentary series!

View Less