Wrexham are on the brink of promotion to the Football League under the stewardship of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Since their takeover in February 2021, the pair have invested large sums of their own money into the club to revamp the playing squad as they try to take the Dragons into League Two for the first time since 2008.
The north Walian side have made some big signings in recent times with proven Football League players like Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Paul Mullin stepping down a level to join the non-league outfit. You can read why Mullin took the decision to join the club here. Wrexham also recently signed ex-England international goalkeeper Ben Foster until the end of the season as they look to get over the line in their bid for promotion. However, the former Manchester United shot-stopper insists he’s being paid “peanuts”.
“I don’t need much money,” said Foster. “The part for me is getting the team over the line and getting them promoted. I’m a very low maintenance player. Just wheel me out and I’ll do a job.”
READ MORE: How much Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney paid for Wrexham and who owned them before
In January 2022, the club paid a reported £375,000 for striker Ollie Palmer from then League One club AFC Wimbledon. This level of spending, and being able to attract players from leagues above them, is unheard of at National League level and has left people wondering how much these players are being paid.
According to reports, star striker Mullin is paid £4,500 a week, four and a half times more than the average weekly wage at National League level which is believed to be £1,000. Defenders Tozer and Hayden are thought to be earning £3,000 a week, highlighting how much money Reynolds and McElhenney have pumped into the club.
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Reynolds and McElhenney also recently revealed that the players will receive a £250,000 bonus if the club are to gain promotion this season.
Executive director Humphrey Ker told the club’s website: “Rob and Ryan wanted to recognise the players’ confidence that they can reach this season’s play-offs and provide an added financial incentive to achieve this.
“There was no obligation to address this, but it felt like the right thing t do in order to support the existing playing squad who are all playing for their futures at the club.”
If the Dragons do achieve promotion to League Two, they will see their revenue increase immediately. Clubs in League Two receive a central payment from the EFL of around £1.1 million, covering their share of TV income/sponsorship and the annual Premier League solidarity payment.
This will be a seven-figure increase on what they currently receive in the National League. The club would also make more money if their matches are shown live on Sky Sports. It’s highly likely the club would be chosen for TV coverage throughout the season and this comes with a £20,000 fee for the home side with a £10,000 fee for the away side.
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