Wrexham AFC’s rise is like a Hollywood story. Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the club in 2021, Wrexham has been in the global spotlight. The success of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary also boosted their popularity. But for Michael Ingham, a former goalkeeper, the change goes beyond the glitz and triumphs.

Ingham, who played in Wrexham colors when on loan to them in 2004 and eventually made a permanent transfer from 2005 to 2007, has always thought that the club has the potential to achieve greatness. For so long, he felt the underlying potential crying out to be realized, even during the darker days when the club failed to gain stability. “When I was there, you could feel that it should be a bigger club,” he said. Despite having a loyal fan base, The Red Dragons’ ambitions often felt out of reach, leaving many supporters frustrated. Now, the tides have turned.

The takeover by Reynolds and McElhenney has redefined what Wrexham stands for. A club that once hovered in the lower leagues of English football has become an international sensation. On the pitch, their impact is equally evident. Under the guidance of manager Phil Parkinson, Wrexham achieved back-to-back promotions and now sit comfortably in League One. This shift has reignited pride and excitement among locals and longtime fans.

But this level of success and publicity can also lead to jealousy. “There is a lot of jealousy towards the club from other clubs,” Ingham admitted.

Wrexham‘s fairytale rise has been unmatched, and not all football clubs can boast such a great story fueled by celebrities. Yet, Ingham believes that jealousy is a responsibility for other clubs to take on. 

Michael Ingham wishes he was 15 years younger, seeing Wrexham’s rise

For Ingham, Wrexham‘s progress is a long–awaited payback, for so long demonstrated through loyalty, passion, and perseverance by both the club and its fans. And yes, Wrexham can be a lesson for many other clubs. “It’s up to other clubs to realize,” he said. Watching a lower-division club from Wales come up the way it has over the last year or two has been quite rewarding for him.

Jokingly, he expressed a tinge of envy for current star Paul Mullin, who earned a cameo in one of Reynolds’ films. “I just wish I was 15 years younger and I got signed again,” he quipped. “I wouldn’t mind being an extra as a dog or something!” The blend of humor, hope, and hard work epitomizes what Wrexham has become—a club that inspires dreams and fosters joy.

Ingham played for Sunderland before joining Wrexham. Sunderland is another club that was featured in a popular documentary. Ingham is now waiting for York City, another one of his former clubs, to have a similar fairytale revival.