Despite Hollywood Owners’ Praise, Wrexham’s ‘Underdog’ Promotion Story Dismissed by MLS Announcer- “Can’t Compete With Their…”

Wrexham AFC’s rollercoaster is heading northwards. The previously ailing Welsh club is now back in English soccer’s third tier for the first time since the 2004-05 season. Thanks to a stunning 6-0 win against Forest Green, the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned side progressed to the EFL League Two, marking their second consecutive promotion. This feat is historic as the club is doing so for the first time in its 159-year history. However, not everyone in the soccer world views Wrexham’s promotion as a milestone. Renowned MLS announcer and analyst Maximiliano Bretos said Wrexham’s huge Hollywood financial backing has actually helped them bag the promotion.

Maximiliano Bretos took to X to give his two cents on Wrexham’s promotion. “Wrexham made a long-struggling community whole, and it’s a genius project by Ryan & Rob,” said Bretos, starting with a sweet response. But then came the bitter one. “To label this the magic of pro/rel is disingenuous. They were favorites to come up.. L2 clubs can’t compete with their( Bretos added a sack emoji with a ‘$’ symbol) sponsors & resources. Not plucky underdogs, but a juggernaut,” the MLS announcer added.

Notably, sources close to Wrexham reportedly said its wage bill for the 2023-24 season will be double that of other League Two rivals. Besides the Hollywood duo-backed club also struck partnerships with notable sponsors such as HP and Ally Financial, among others in the 2023-2024 season. Meanwhile, the MLS insider has also notably thrown jibes at England’s promotion/relegation soccer system. It is still not adopted in the US. In another comment to his tweet, Bretos added that Wrexham has blown away other League Two clubs due to their financial power. Anyhow, the club’s owners- Rob and Ryan do not seem to have any time for criticism as they are savoring the milestone.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on Wrexham’s promotion

Ryan Reynolds took to his socials and said he’d be crying out of joy a few years back if he heard of a soccer match in North Wales. “Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives,” Reynolds added referring to Rob McElhenney. Meanwhile, the latter was speechless after watching the 6-0 promotion-gaining win from LA. “No words,” McElhenney wrote on X, commenting on the Red Dragons feat.

The top three clubs in the EFL League Two are eligible for automatic promotion. Wrexham cemented their position as the league’s second seed with the win against Forest Green. The Welsh side scaled this peak with two games remaining in their schedule. En route on this upward journey, the Red Dragons stars and staff will now be awaiting a grand success party like last year’s from their American owners.