By Adesoba Toluwalope
Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have invested an immediate £2M into the National League Club, Wrexham AFC, a Welsh football club.
The Deadpool actor Reynolds and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ actor Rob McElhenney have just completed their takeover.
The stars in a joint statement said, “It is a special day for the two of us to become the latest stewards in the long and storied history of Wrexham AFC.
“Together with the players, the staff, the fans, and the local community, we can now pursue our goal to grow the team and return it to the EFL in front of increased attendances, and in an improved stadium, while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham.”
The club says the initial funds will be spent on the “priority” of identifying players for the first-team squad, with £50,000 ($69,200) allocated to improve the women’s football program.
The Wrexham supporter Trust (WST) had voted 98% in support of the deal in November and has since gained approval from football authorities and Financial Conduct Authority.
The duo had made the announcement in advance by adding letter W to the start of their names on twitter. Ryan changed his to Wryan Reynolds while Rob changed his to Wrob McElhenney.
The pair has also pledged their guiding principles to reinforce community values, promote the club at home and abroad, protect the club’s heritage and create a winning culture.
“The work has already begun with Gemma Owen and Steve Dale in the community team on a new women’s football initiative.
“We are also committed to investing in current and identifying future members of the first-team squad as we build towards a promotion challenge.
“In addition, we are in the process of developing an outstanding team off the field by combining the know-how of the committed club staff and volunteers with new hires and experienced advisors. Our CEO search is progressing and we expect to have someone in place before the end of the season.
“All of these people will help us create the kind of commercial opportunities that the third oldest club in the world deserves, and we will reinvest that revenue back into Wrexham AFC and the community.
“2020 was a difficult year and there are likely to be further public health challenges in the months ahead, but we hope to be cheering the team on from the stands as soon as it’s safe to do so in 2021,” they added.
The transfer was completed around the same time the club won Altrincham 2-1 on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.
The Contracts were exchanged in January but Reynolds and McElhenney had donated money to the club to strengthen the team before the transfer deadline.
Former Liverpool Chief Executive, Peter Moore while advising the actors has said he has seen “authentic and genuine” intentions and that the duo are “in it for the long term”.
