Soccer has a way of delivering unforgettable last-minute twists, and for Wrexham AFC, it was no different. After enduring over a decade of struggles in the National League, the club needed a miracle to turn its fate around. The story took an interesting twist recently, as an ex-Wrexham director shared insights into the untold truth behind Ryan Reynolds’ and Rob’s acquisition of the Welsh soccer club. Just like those crucial moments in a match that define the outcome, Wrexham’s turning point came from a decision they didn’t even control.

It all began when Mark Catlin, Portsmouth’s chief executive, reached out to Spencer Harris, ex-Wrexham director, with an intriguing prospect. Catlin’s contacts represented none other than Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who were curious about the club’s story and potential. After months of discussions, NDAs, and introductions, the unimaginable became reality.

Spencer Harris, former Director and now Vice President of Wrexham AFC, recently made an appearance on season 3 of ‘The Welsh Beast Show’. During the episode, he revealed an intriguing truth about the club’s takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, a decision that wasn’t in his or the board’s control- “It was never up to me or any other board member whether we sold Wrexham Soccer Club or not. It wasn’t our decision.”

“I always felt a really strong responsibility that given the scale and the potential of the investment that we had to get that in front of who was the owners which were the general members of the supporters’ trust so that they could make the decision,” Wrexham’s VP added.

Harris highlights his responsibility not as a decision-maker, but as a facilitator. The board’s role was to ensure that the opportunity for a transformative investment, such as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s interest, was brought to the attention of those who held the club’s future in their hands.

He acknowledges that failing to present this opportunity to the trust would have been a dereliction of their duty, “If we’d have not got the deal in front of them we’d have failed. It was never a decision for us to take but it was always really key that we were in a position and we found a way to get that deal in front of the people who had to make the decision which was all of us.”

From languishing at the bottom tiers of English football, they’ve achieved back-to-back promotions. After spending years in the National League, Wrexham has risen like a phoenix under the guidance of their Hollywood owners, and now, sitting in third place in League One, Wrexham isn’t just surviving—they’re thriving. With hopes of a third consecutive promotion, the club has proven that sometimes, all it takes is a bold change to turn dreams into reality.

Why did two Hollywood stars choose to revive a soccer club instead of making blockbusters?

When Ryan and Rob decided to buy Wrexham AFC, they weren’t exactly experts on soccer at first. They probably couldn’t explain a few rules or grasp just how challenging it is to climb out of the National League. But one thing was clear—sports had always held a special place in their hearts. “The main place I got validation from my father was when I was good at sports.” For Reynolds, his love for sports was tied to his relationship with his late father.

As McElhenney dug deeper into the world of soccer, he became fascinated by the unique system of promotion and relegation. “The idea of promotion and demotion—that was incredible to me,” he explained. The more he learned about Wrexham’s history and the emotional connection between the club and its supporters, the more invested he became in the project.

So, sometimes, it takes more than just expertise, it takes heart to turn dreams into reality and so is the journey of Wrexham. With Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the helm, the club aims to reach the English Premier League One day.