“A Town Emerging From Post-Thatcherism”: Ryan Reynolds Reveals How Wrexham’s ‘Wiped Out’ History Inspired the Captivating Docuseries

At the time Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham, the soccer club was lying in the 5th tier of English football. One of the oldest clubs in the world, they struggled to get back to the top following their relegation to the National League. However, the entire situation changed with the entry of the Hollywood duo. Transforming the club and the town, the Welsh town is the place to be. They are in the EFL League Two, improving every day. Now, the dream lies in getting into the Premier League. But like any other club, they had their fair share of issues. 

The pandemic left a devastating memory for many clubs, with some forced to disband. Yet Ryan and Rob had other issues to deal with. Forget the pandemic, Ryan discussed how the Welsh town rose through the struggles of post-Thatcherism. It inspired the club to produce the sensational Welcome to Wrexham docuseries. 

Wrexham rise from post-Thatcherism and not the pandemic!

In an interview with Variety, Reynolds mentioned, “I think it’s less about a town emerging from the pandemic and more about a town emerging from post-Thatcherism. A town that was pretty much wiped out, many of their core industries gone, people doing the best with what they can. I think that was the theme that was more prevalent in the faces, words and actions of the people in the town.” The term Thatcherism was coined after Margaret Thatcher‘s policies changed the way people approached life. She was the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom.

Ryan continued, “The club is kind of a conduit for the town, and how it’s hard to trust something when things have been so difficult for so long.” When new political leaders step up, there will be radical changes. But Thatcher became very influential, and Thatcherism completely changed the dynamics of Wrexham. 

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In layman’s terms, Thatcherism typifies a belief in free markets and a small state with no proper planning for the people. The government will get out of the way and let people take responsibility for their lives. For Wrexham, that hit hard!

The soccer club rises from the ashes!

Notably, the town boasts coal mines dating back to the fifteenth century. Most of the people worked in coal mines and earned their living. However, Thatcher’s arrival in office resulted in the town losing its identity. Hence, things went south, with many coal workers left unemployed. Enter Wrexham, rising from its ashes. The soccer club is the primary source of optimism for the town now. The documentary echoes the feelings of the fans and helps people to understand the ethos of the club. 

Now, the tourism industry is on a high. The town is bustling with joy as Ryan and Rob ascended the club from the perils of extinction. Gone are those days of despair and mortification as Wrexham is on the rise.

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Although the coal industry put the town on the map, the soccer club paves the way for the new generation. It is now the town’s unique identity. Do you agree?