Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have raised Wrexham’s profile throughout the world, but have they inadvertently created a promotion bid distraction?
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Hollywood co-owners took charge in 2021Overseen promotion into Football LeagueTurned lower-league stars into big namesWHAT HAPPENED?
The Hollywood superstars completed a stunning takeover at SToK Racecourse back in the spring of 2021. They have overseen trips to Wembley and a record-breaking promotion back into the Football League since then. Big names have also been made of lower league stars such as Paul Mullin and Ben Tozer courtesy of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The vast majority of Wrexham players have embraced the added attention that they are receiving, with the club able to enjoy a pre-season tour of the United States as a result of their newfound fame. Any transfer window recruits also appear to be buying in to having their every move caught on camera, with former Red Dragons star Frank Sinclair adamant that an unfamiliar spotlight will not divert collective focus in North Wales.
WHAT SINCLAIR SAID
Sinclair has told when asked if being stars of the small screen will prove to be a distraction for Wrexham: “No, not at all. I mean when I was playing, I think that sort of thing would have been frowned upon by players because you know the privacy of preparation for games and how you go about your work, you'd probably want to keep within your camp. Naturally, you're going to act a little bit different in front of the cameras rather than when you're working on a day-to-day basis. But in this day and age, with how powerful social media is, as well as advertisement and that side of it, you can understand why they're doing it, especially when they can utilise the popularity of their owners. It's put Wrexham on the map when it comes to football just off the back of their owners. Add their recent success and it didn't affect performances last season when they were able to do what they set out to. It's pretty much the same squad, they've added to it and made themselves stronger for League Two, but it's pretty much the same squad, who will be used to having the cameras around.”
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
Reynolds and McElhenney continue to invest considerable amounts of time, energy and funds into Wrexham – on and off the field – and are hoping to see Phil Parkinson mastermind another promotion push in 2023-24 that will carry the club into League One.