Dean Saunders, manager of Wrexham AFC, appreciated the effect of the Hollywood takeover of the club, crediting Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with injecting new life into the team and the whole community of Wrexham. However, he warned against unrealistic expectations with a steep rise from Wrexham, cautioning them that breaking into the Premier League would be a different kettle of fish altogether.

According to an interview with mybettingsites.co.uk, the former Wales striker managed Wrexham FC from 2008 until 2011 and expressed admiration for what Ryan Reynolds and McElhenney have done since taking over the club in 2021. They clinched back-to-back promotions and moved the club into EFL League One. Their success has even spawned a hit documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham, which has captured worldwide attention for the club.

Saunders noted that the Hollywood takeover had restructured the football team and the town itself. “The two superstars in Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have come in, which I initially thought was a joke,” Saunders admitted. “Everyone thought it was a joke, but I have to say you couldn’t have written a script any better. They’ve made a TV show out of it and it’s now a tourist attraction. People come in from all over the world. Not only has the football club benefited, but the whole town has. They’ve put so much money into it.”

The investment helped the community economically. Saunders thinks the takeover was good for both sides. But he worries about how far the club can rise. There is a big gap in money between the lower leagues and the top divisions in English football.

“I was a manager in the National League for three years, and my playing budget for the season was £750,000, which had to cover all the wages,” Saunders said. “We got 100 points and got into the playoffs. Normally that wins the league. I always thought if I could get Wrexham into League Two, we could get into the Championship because I knew we were better than some of the League Two teams when we played in the Conference. That’s been proven right.”

However, Saunders warned that the financial challenges increase significantly as clubs move up the leagues. He noted that the Championship, which Wrexham may soon aspire to, is a different beast altogether, particularly with clubs recently relegated from the Premier League possessing significantly larger budgets.

“Now they’re riding high and up there with Birmingham City. Next season is a tester because if they go up this year, the Championship has three Premier League clubs that have been relegated. Their playing budget is £50 million. To compete, you’ll have to start handing out £20,000-£40,000 a week,” Saunders explained.

Premier League a “Step too far”?

Saunders was cautious about Wrexham joining the Premier League. He said it may be a “step too far” for them. Clubs like Ipswich Town have moved from League One to the Premier League quickly. But for Wrexham, it may be too much to bear unless they considerably increase their resources.

Wrexham fans hope the club might one day play in the Premier League. But as Saunders said, there are many financial barriers. Despite the efforts of Ryan Reynolds and McElhenney, the Premier League may be too much for Wrexham right now.

For now, Wrexham’s Hollywood owners have accomplished what many said was impossible. They reignite the town’s enthusiasm and elevate a local football team into a global one. It remains to be seen if they can carry Wrexham to the pinnacle of English football.