Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Renew Wrexham’s Championship Aspirations

Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have expressed their commitment to seeing Wrexham AFC lift the Sky Bet Championship title, marking a significant shift from the club’s National League roots as they aim for promotion to the Premier League. Wrexham is set to begin their Championship campaign with a Welsh derby against Cardiff City on Monday, after narrowly missing out on a play-off position last season, finishing in seventh place.

Under manager Phil Parkinson, Wrexham entered the final day of the previous season in sixth but a 2-2 draw at home against Middlesbrough allowed Hull City to overtake them for the play-off spot, with Hull subsequently securing promotion to the Premier League.

Reynolds expressed his “obscene pride” regarding Wrexham’s previous league performance, while co-owner McElhenney emphasized their urgent desire to succeed. “What we say [to players] is we want to win – and we want to win right now,” McElhenney stated on the Men in Blazers video podcast. He added, “We don’t want to win at all or at any cost. But believe us when we say, we want to win the Championship, go to the Premier League, become the best, because that is the entire endeavour of what football is about.” He also highlighted the importance of daily self-improvement alongside competitive success.

The ownership duo celebrated their fifth year in charge of Wrexham in February 2026, with their journey showcased in the acclaimed docuseries ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, which has attracted a global audience and spotlighted the town itself.

Recently, it was reported that Jeff and Janice Ivey, a couple from Texas, are relocating to Wrexham after being charmed by the city through their viewings of the Disney series and numerous visits over the last two and a half years. Reynolds humorously mentioned on social media his gratitude that the Iveys “didn’t watch Chernobyl,” while recalling his reaction to the reality of Wrexham’s dream of top-flight football during his initial press conference at Racecourse in 2021.

“The expectation was set so indelibly in that first press conference when you even say the words ‘Premier League’ and there’s a wave of tittering laughter that extends up the stands, out the front door of the Racecourse Ground, across Wales, and then eventually all of the UK,” Reynolds recounted. He noted that this initial reaction became beneficial in raising Wrexham’s profile, stating, “…five years ago I would probably have said you’re crazy.”

To prepare for the new season, Wrexham invested approximately £33 million last summer, enhancing their squad to compete at the Championship level. Recent signings include Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, Crystal Palace wing-back Danny Imray, and Preston midfielder Ben Whiteman.

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, Reynolds remarked, “I miss the games. This feels like the longest off-season we’ve ever had. I know for most sports it’s a ridiculously long window, but I feel like what the hell? I feel like it’s been a year.”

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn