Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have dramatically transformed Wrexham since their arrival in Wales. The football world was stunned in 2021 when the Hollywood duo decided to purchase the club. Reynolds, a globally recognized actor known for his roles in blockbuster films, especially *Deadpool*, teamed up with McElhenney, famous for his role in the hit US comedy *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*. Their decision to take control of the Red Dragons from the Supporters Trust in February 2021 came as a major surprise.
Despite some disappointment in their first full season at the Racecourse Ground, with Wrexham falling short in the play-offs, the club has enjoyed significant success under their American ownership. Phil Parkinson was appointed as manager ahead of the 2021/22 season, leading the team to the play-off semi-finals. The following season, Parkinson guided Wrexham to promotion, ending a 15-year stint in the National League, and the club’s success continues to grow under their leadership.
How Sunderland helped Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds buy Wrexham
Wrexham spent the 2023/24 season in League Two, securing promotion after just one year in the fourth tier. Their 2024/25 campaign has started remarkably well, with the club sitting joint-top of League One after just four games.
A new book, *Tinseltown: Hollywood and the Beautiful Game – a Match Made in Wrexham* by Ian Herbert, offers insight into how Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds came to purchase the Welsh club. On page 17, the book reveals that Humphrey Ker, now a Wrexham executive, played a key role in the decision by suggesting McElhenney watch the documentary *Sunderland ‘Til I Die*, sparking the duo’s interest in football ownership.
The first episode of the documentary reportedly made a strong impact on Rob McElhenney. After watching it, McElhenney reached out to Humphrey Ker with an enthusiastic message, suggesting they should pursue a similar project: “We should buy a football club and make a documentary. Can we buy a football club? Which one could we buy?”
A few days later, Ker responded to McElhenney, inquiring if he had heard of a town called Wrexham.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds nearly bought another club before Wrexham
Without Sunderland’s documentary, Wrexham might not be the club we recognize today. The book reveals that before settling on Wrexham, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds considered several other clubs, including Aldershot Town, Bolton Wanderers, Hartlepool United, Notts County, and Macclesfield Town.
If McElhenney and Reynolds hadn’t chosen to invest in Wrexham, it’s difficult to envision the club’s current situation. At the time, Wrexham was struggling in the National League, with little prospect of returning to the English Football League in the near future. The club faced financial difficulties, with limited funds and problems paying player wages on time due to fan ownership.
While American investors in English football can sometimes be hit-or-miss, McElhenney and Reynolds have proven to be exceptional owners for Wrexham, and they owe their opportunity largely to the Sunderland documentary.
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