“More Eyes and More Spotlight”- Following Wrexham’s Season Opener Loss, Paul Mullin Cites Pressure To Perform Created by Hollywood Ownership

Wrexham AFC has experienced a tremendous transformation since its acquisition by Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The duo’s takeover has resulted in a surge in popularity and also broke a 15-year stagnation in the fifth division. While there have been numerous benefits associated with this change, there is an undeniable downside that players like Paul Mullin have had to grapple with.

Paul Mullin, the leading goal scorer for Wrexham in the previous season, is currently sidelined due to a debilitating ruptured lung injury. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in Wrexham’s EFL League Two opener against MK Dons, which ended in a disappointing 3-5 defeat. In the wake of this loss, Mullin voiced his candid thoughts on the pressure that players face as a result of the ownership situation.

The Hollywood ownership is bringing on huge pressure on Wrexham players

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s involvement with Wrexham has undeniably attracted a broad and diverse fanbase to support the club. The fan following has reached unprecedented levels, thereby exerting additional pressure on the players. Mullin recently appeared on a podcast where he delved into this topic, offering insights into the challenges that the team faces.

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The forward acknowledged the high expectations placed on the team, given the caliber of players that have been recruited from higher divisions. This influx of talent, coupled with the public’s perception, has increased the burden on the players’ shoulders. Mullin remarked, “From the public’s point of view, the team is expected to excel, which creates additional pressure for us”.

Mullin further highlighted, “Obviously the documentary and the owners being who they are, creates more eyes and more spotlight and it was up to us to deliver”. It is also important to note that Mullin did not view this pressure as an insurmountable obstacle. He acknowledged it as a challenge that the team must rise above.

Wrexham’s community is the driving force for Paul Mullin to face the pressure

The ownership’s Hollywood credentials and the resulting media attention have magnified expectations and increased the scrutiny on every performance. However, Paul Mullin and his teammates are not allowing the weight of expectations to hinder their performance. They understand the significance of representing both the community and the town itself.

Discussing Wrexham, Mullin emphasized, “It’s a town that has never been given the support it needs to progress”. He further added, “I think as footballers and a group of players we have to rally around ourselves and forget about all attention we’re getting and all applauds”. Their focus lies on performing well and embodying the spirit of the people they represent, giving their all in every single game.

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