In 2008, the third-oldest soccer club was relegated to a non-football league (fifth tier of English soccer) after 87 years of playing in the Football League. Since then, Wrexham AFC has continuously strived for promotion, coming close last season under the new ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. However, Grimsby Town knocked them out of the playoffs, in what was yet another disappointing end to a season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But finally, the club achieved the goal of promotion this year by winning the National League. They did it in style and with one game to go. Earlier, Rob McElhenney had revealed the amount the club will lose if it doesn’t get promoted in 2023, which came as a shocking piece of news for Ryan Reynolds.
Wrexham AFC once feared losses
Since the $2.5 million takeover in February 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney have heavily invested in the club. The A-listers brought the club on the world map with their enormous efforts. One of the massive investments was the documentary Welcome To Wrexham, which focused on how the Hollywood duo took over the club and the first season under them.
The success of docuseries in 2022 resulted in a massive fan following for Wrexham. The club’s co-owner McElhenney feared a loss of $1.2 million if the club fails to get promotion in 2023. McElhenney said, “And then if we don’t get promoted the year after that, we will lose £1 million.” Reynolds replied, “Okay, that’s umm…scary as f**k. Alright.”
Close one, @RMcElhenney and @VancityReynolds. 😮💨 Catch up on all episodes of FX's Welcome to Wrexham, streaming on @hulu. #wrexhamfx pic.twitter.com/sKXGEf2Ouo
— Welcome to Wrexham (@WrexhamFX) April 25, 2023
However, their fear back in 2022 didn’t come true. Wrexham came back in style to wrap up the league title and automatic promotion spot after giving an advantage to their fierce title rival Notts County. It was a Hollywood ending to the season for the Red Dragons. They will get around $1.4 million after their promotion to EFL League Two without playing a game.
Amid their promotion celebrations, the Deadpool star flirted with the Welsh superstar for a move to the Red Dragons next season.
Ryan Reynolds urged Gareth Bale to join his club
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After getting the promotion, the owners are in a celebration mood. They have been receiving messages from around the world. Many former soccer superstars congratulated them for their achievements. One such name is Gareth Bale, who posted a small video on social media to congratulate the club.
Reynolds replied, urging Bale to come out of retirement and join Wrexham for the next season. “I will shave a professional-grade golf course into Rob’s back if you’ll give Wrexham a season,” Reynolds tweeted hilariously. It remains to be seen how Gareth Bale replies to Reynolds’ tweet. But getting Bale will be enormous for the club going into the new season in League Two.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Wrexham Owners Net Worth Comparison
Let us know your thoughts on the 2022-23 season of Wrexham AFC.