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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Fraser Watson

Wrexham players begin "monster" party in Las Vegas as Ryan Reynolds' picks up the tab

From the brink of oblivion to players enjoying a promotion party in Las Vegas with Hollywood A-listers covering the cost - perhaps nothing signifies the incredible recent rise at Wrexham than their current jaunt in 'Sin City'.

Less than a week than a 1-1 draw at Torquay concluded a record breaking National League title winning campaign, and less than 48 hours after thousands of fans lined the streets for the trophy parade, first team stars touched down in the US for a four-day 'monster' trip of a lifetime. True to their word, owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have sorted the luxury holiday as just reward for delivering glory.

And the sense of togetherness that has engulfed the club, not to mention the North Wales town, was apparent as the players prepared to board the flight. Striker Ollie Palmer uploaded images to Instagram which showed all holiday-goers decked out in special league winning hoodies, courtesy of the new Wxm Clothing brand that Reynolds has trademarked.

But despite only just returning to the football league, it seems that Wrexham players will need no introduction amid the growth of their global appeal these past two years.

After touching down at the Harry Reid International Airport on Thursday evening, the Hakkasan Night Club in Vegas was not only decked out in Welsh flags, but welcomed the players with a message on its big screen that read: 'HAKKASAN WELCOMES THE CHAMPIONS'.

The famous BrewDog bar is also keen to host to the stars, tweeting: "Lads - if you fancy popping into our fancy Vegas bar for a round on the house, we'd be happy to dish out some well-deserved free beers…"

There were also glamourous girls who spelled out the club's name with balloons while Welsh flags were also waved. DJ James Hype played the tunes while they were treated to champagne as the likes of captain Ben Tozer partied on the dancefloor.

Wrexham FC stars arrive for dinner at Hakkasan in Las Vegas before partying the night away in Sin City (Johnny Goldsmith)
The owners haven't made an appearance in Las Vegas just yet (Variety via Getty Images)

Resorts World Las Vegas also aren't about to miss out, posting: "Hey @Wrexham_AFC, @VancityReynolds, @RMcElhenney, are you ready to see what Vegas is all about? We want to host you and make your stay unforgettable!

"We’re already planning the welcome dinner. How does a feast fit for champions sound?"

Not that the travelling party will need anything dished out on the house.

The substantial amount already pumped into the club by Reynolds and McElhenney since they completed their takeover in February 2021 could rise significantly by Monday, with the pair promising to pick up the tab.

Wrexham players pose on their opening night out (@eoghanoconnell6/Instagram)
Ben Tozer enjoying Las Vegas (Instagram/eoghanoconnell6)

Ben Foster, who came out of retirement to help this side at the tail-end of the season before writing himself in Wrexham folklore with THAT injury time penalty save against Notts County, told CBS Sports a 'monster' party was on the cards.

But one man who hasn't let himself go, literally, is manager Phil Parkinson.

During this week's victory parade, he told Sky Sports: "I didn't make the cut for the Vegas trip, unfortunately.

"We'll leave that one to the lads and hopefully, they will come back in one piece. I'm sure they will."

The Wrexham squad were welcomed to the Hakkasan nightclub (@hakkasannightclub/Instagram)
Large Welsh flags were waved as the players were welcome to Las Vegas (@hakkasannightclub/Instagram)

Top scorer Paul Mullin also appeared touch and go, admitting his other half wasn't best pleased by the prospect. However, come Thursday, and the fact the star striker was sharing a picture of himself grasping a pint of beer in San Francisco Airport confirmed the 28-year-old had been granted permission.

Indeed, Mullin shared his nerves about the trip before flying over, admitting he was excited but worried that he "might be dead" when it ends.

He told GQ: "It became a thing where if we won the league, we’d get a holiday. So we’re off to Vegas. Ryan and Rob told us to leave our cards at home, they're sorting the lot. They sent us a full itinerary just now.

"Part of me doesn’t want to go, I might be dead by the end of it. But I’d never go to Vegas by me own accord, so I’m buzzing for it."

What isn't yet certain, is whether the scenes from 'Sin City' will be included in the next series of Welcome to Wrexham, a notion which may add a notch or two to what already promises to be a box-office production.

But the Vegas trip won't be the only time that Wrexham bid to conquer the US during the off-season.

The squad will return to the States in the summer, playing glamour friendlies with the likes of Chelsea, Man United, and LA Galaxy II.

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