Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the renowned proprietors of the Welsh football club Wrexham, have emphatically reiterated their aspiration for the team to secure the Championship title. This victory would culminate an extraordinary journey, propelling the club from the National League directly into the prestigious Premier League.
The Unyielding Pursuit of Premier League Glory
Wrexham is poised to kick off their 2026/27 Championship campaign with an eagerly anticipated Welsh derby against Cardiff on Monday. This comes after a commendable performance last season where they narrowly missed a play-off position, finishing seventh in the regular season. The team found themselves in sixth place heading into the final match day, but a 2-2 draw at home against Middlesbrough allowed Hull to overtake them, subsequently securing Hull's promotion to the Premier League.
Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds conveyed an immense sense of pride regarding Wrexham's league performance. Co-owner Rob McElhenney, the creative mind behind "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," underscored their firm resolve to ascend to the top flight, especially given that the club was competing in the fifth tier of English football as recently as 2023. McElhenney articulated their philosophy on the Men in Blazers video podcast, stating, "What we communicate to our players is a desire to win – and to win immediately. Our aim isn't merely to win; it's to win the Championship, advance to the Premier League, and establish ourselves as the best, embodying the very essence of football." He further added, "It's not solely about triumph; it's about continuously striving to become the best version of oneself every single day."
Global Impact and Transformative Ownership
The actors commemorated their fifth anniversary as Wrexham owners in February. Their profound involvement in football has captivated a global audience, largely attributed to the "Welcome to Wrexham" documentary series. This acclaimed series has not only showcased the club's resurgence but also cast a spotlight on the vibrant local community, fostering a deep connection with fans worldwide. A remarkable testament to this global appeal emerged last week with reports of Texan couple Jeff and Janice Ivey relocating to Wrexham. Their decision was inspired by their admiration for the city, ignited after watching the Disney show and making several visits over the past two and a half years.
Reynolds humorously remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that he was fortunate the Iveys "didn't watch 'Chernobyl'." He was also reminded during the podcast of his initial appearance at the Racecourse Ground in 2021, where he boldly declared Wrexham's ambition to play top-flight football. Reynolds reflected on the initial skepticism, stating, "The expectation was so vividly established in that first press conference when merely uttering 'Premier League' evoked a ripple of laughter that spread through the stands, out the Racecourse Ground's front door, across Wales, and eventually throughout the entire UK." He concluded, "In some respects, that skepticism worked to our advantage. It has paved the way for Wrexham's current prominence, where a couple from Texas decides to move to Wales – something I would have dismissed as preposterous five years ago."
