Wrexham AFC’s meteoric rise under the ownership of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds has been nothing short of remarkable, with the club securing impressive promotions and becoming a beloved subject of international attention. Now, the club is entering yet another exciting chapter, as they announce a significant new investment partnership with the Allyn family, former owners of the New York-based medical device company Welch Allyn. The new investors bring not only financial resources but also a passion for the club’s mission, a quality that manager Phil Parkinson sees as mirroring McElhenney and Reynolds’ own dedication to both Wrexham and its community.
This week, McElhenney and Reynolds made two big announcements. First, they revealed the Allyn family’s investment. Then they announced their own investment in Wrexham Lager, strengthening community ties. However, the Allyn family’s involvement is expected to boost the club’s growth the most.
The Allyns bring valuable experience to Wrexham. They ran Welch Allyn for over 100 years before selling it a decade ago. This shows they know how to build a lasting legacy. Their business skills and focus on sustainable growth make them key to Wrexham’s success. Adam Williams, TBR’s Head of Football Finance, noted that the Allyn family likely took a “significant minority stake” in the club. This suggests they will play a major role in Wrexham’s future.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Parkinson’s excitement was palpable when he spoke to BBC Sport about meeting members of the Allyn family. “I’ve met Eric and his daughter Kaleen, and they’re just great people,” he shared, calling them a “fantastic fit” for the club. Like McElhenney and Reynolds, Eric and Kaleen Allyn embrace Wrexham‘s vision of success on and off the pitch. But their investment is far more than just financial support for the venture because they have invested themselves in the mission of the club to make really meaningful contributions to the team and the surrounding community.
“They came down to the training ground last week, and we had a great chat with them. They’re so enthusiastic about coming on this journey with the club and the impact they can hopefully make.” That sense of enthusiasm for the wider ambitions of the club, as Parkinson noted, perfectly harmonizes with what McElhenney and Reynolds have been saying since taking the club over in 2021.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Wrexham’s new investors: A strategic move for future success
Under McElhenney and Reynolds, Wrexham has evolved from a lower-tier side to a club with high ambitions. By buying the club for just £2 million in 2021, the Hollywood duo clarified that they were here for a long time. They have attempted to build infrastructure, organize fans, and stimulate economic and cultural development in Wrexham, catapulting the club from the non-league level to the forefront.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With Wrexham working towards its third successive promotion under Parkinson, this new investment comes at the best time. The support that the Allyn family has for Wrexham should thus help it build further infrastructure and operations to help Parkinson and his team has a better resource base in the competition. More than the capital injected, it‘s about giving Wrexham a solid grounding toward realizing Premier League dreams. To McElhenney and Reynolds, however, this is also an investment toward building something that may last; Allyns seemed like an excellent fit for such a journey.
While fans may look at the on-pitch outcomes of the new investment, the real impact will likely be felt in the years to come. This partnership sees two families and two visions become united in their determination.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Can Hollywood stars and seasoned business moguls truly transform Wrexham into a football powerhouse?
What’s your perspective on:
Can Hollywood stars and seasoned business moguls truly transform Wrexham into a football powerhouse?
Have an interesting take?