In a small town called Wrexham, tucked away in the serene hills of Wales, an extraordinary story is unfolding. It's a tale that seems pulled from the pages of a Hollywood script, featuring two A-list celebrities who have not only embraced the world of soccer but are propelling a club to new heights. Welcome to Wrexham, the club that has become the embodiment of ambition and passion fueled by the star power of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Three years into their ownership, Reynolds and McElhenney's enthusiasm for Wrexham shows no signs of waning. The players bask in the glory of their celebrity owners, with striker Steven Fletcher even joking that Reynolds sends him texts before his own wife does. Such is the level of dedication that Reynolds exhibited at the start of the new year when he announced contract extensions for two of Wrexham's top players, Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee. Not only that, but he took to social media to send his best wishes to two injured players from the opposing team. Talk about spreading the love!
Wrexham, a club that has gained global notoriety due to the profile of its owners and being the subject of a popular fly-on-the-wall TV series, 'Welcome to Wrexham,' has also garnered attention for its on-field performance. Promoted from the National League to English soccer's fourth tier, Wrexham is making a remarkable run at the League Two title, sitting just two points off the lead. With the prospect of automatic promotion to the third division, dreams of reaching the Premier League no longer seem outlandish.
And why not dream big? The 36-year-old Fletcher, who has experienced Premier League football with Sunderland and played internationally for Scotland, attests to the electric atmosphere surrounding Wrexham. Even in training sessions, the stadium is buzzing with excitement and the support from the fans is unparalleled. As Fletcher puts it, 'I've played for Premier League teams and you don't see that.' The hype around Wrexham is no fluke; it's a genuine testament to the passion and dedication of the club's owners and the community that supports them.
While the pursuit of promotion is undoubtedly on everyone's mind, Wrexham's players are currently focused on another competition close to their hearts: the FA Cup. Last year, the club's memorable cup run saw them defeat Championship team Coventry and push Premier League-bound Sheffield United to a replay. Reynolds even made an appearance at the home match against Sheffield United, captivating English football legends Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in a pre-match interview. The FA Cup holds a special place in Wrexham's history, and the players are determined to create more magical moments this season.
This weekend, Wrexham faces Shrewsbury, a local rival from a town just a short drive away. The match offers a respite from league play but carries significant importance for the players. It's a chance to demonstrate their mettle against a team playing in a higher division. Meanwhile, Wrexham's eyes remain fixed on their ultimate goal of achieving back-to-back promotions and continuing the momentum generated by the presence of Reynolds and McElhenney.
The transformation of Wrexham is awe-inspiring. A club that was once beleaguered by ownership issues and financial concerns now enjoys sell-out crowds at the iconic Racecourse Ground. American influences are infused throughout the stadium, with advertisements for Betty Buzz, United Airlines, and Aviation American Gin lighting up the electronic hoardings. On match days, fans can be spotted proudly donning hats of NFL teams like the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. The club has evolved into a vibrant hub of energy and ambition.
Paul Mullin, one of Wrexham's top players, sums it up perfectly: 'It's been a phenomenal journey, but one that's not stopping here. We're on the train for quite a while.' The story of Wrexham continues to capture the imagination of both soccer enthusiasts and Hollywood fans alike. With Reynolds and McElhenney at the helm, the future is bright for this once modest club from Wales. Dreams of Premier League glory aren't far-fetched; they're becoming a tangible reality. So, buckle up, folks, because the Wrexham train is barreling forward, and the destination is pure magic.
