Much of the reaction to Wrexham’s return to the Football League has been understandably centred around their Hollywood owners.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have not only brought success to the Racecourse Ground, but also a generous dollop of glitz and glamour. But both Reynolds and McElhenney have gone out of their way to divert attention away from themselves and back onto the club as a whole.
That was evident as the two owners, emotionally drained from the side’s 3-1 win over Boreham Wood, thanked the community for their acceptance. “I think we can hear what it feels to the town. It's a time of celebration and to be welcomed into their community and to be welcomed to this, it is the honour of my life,” McElhenney told BT Sport.
And the It’s Always Sunny star has continued to cast a light on those away from the cameras, singling out the club’s CEO Fleur Robinson for special praise. Robinson was prised away from Burton Albion shortly after the 2021 takeover was completed.
She has been credited with striking a number of commercial agreements to spread the brand across the world, including getting Wrexham on to FIFA 22 - becoming the first non-league side to appear on the game. Robinson was also instrumental in navigating the hit documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ which has given the Welsh club a legion of fans across the world.
"Fleur’s enthusiasm just shone through and having successfully navigated the journey to the EFL from the National League, she was able to offer us something different but exceptionally relevant,” Reynolds said of her appointment.
"Fleur will be a great leader for Wrexham. Her commitment to placing the club at the centre of the community and experience in doing so was exceptionally attractive when you consider the importance we place on that area in our mission statement,” McElhenney added.
That decision has quickly paid dividends with both the men’s and women’s teams achieving historic promotions and league titles. She took to social media after Phil Parkinson’s charges toasted a return to the Football League, posting: “Many congratulations to our amazing men's first team on achieving our promotion dream.
"A special moment to savour for our club, our fans, our community and the whole of North Wales. Dreams do come true”
McElhenney then retweeted Robinson’s post, adding: “She doesn’t seek out the limelight but @fleurrobo is a hero in this story. If you enjoyed this run I hope you understand that it would not have happened without her. Please join me in showing her the love she deserves. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING FLEUR.”
Deadpool star Reynolds posted about Robinson back in March when she was part of the team that shovelled snow off the pitch during the cold winter months. “Today’s Wrexham AFC match is happening come hell or high water. That’s our manager: Phil Parkinson, our CEO: Fleur Robinson and my personal hero: Shaun Harvey, shovelling snow to clear the pitch in time. I love this town with all my heart.”
