November 17 – One of the most unusual takeovers in club football is to go ahead after Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds (pictured left) and Rob McElhenney (pictured right) won approval from supporters to buy Wrexham AFC, the oldest professional club in Wales and the third oldest in the world.
Wrexham play in English football’s National League, the fifth tier of the English pyramid just below League Two. Its Supporters Trust, which owns the club, have given overwhelming support to the Hollywood duo, with more than 98% of votes going in favour of the three resolutions required to pass the deal that was first unveiled in September.
The takeover could lead to £2 million being invested in the club, which has been in fan ownership since 2011 and has been out of the English Football League since 2008.
Reynolds and McElhenney are reported to have presented their vision to Trust members on November 8 at a virtual meeting, along with a mission statement in which the high-profile duo outlined their vision to make Wrexham “a global force”.
“We are humbled and we are already getting to work,” said Reynolds with both actors pledging to use their own money and fame to restore Wrexham’s fortunes. A Netflix-style documentary charting the new era is also being planned.
“We want to have a pint with the fans. You’ll be fed up of us! We want to be great ambassadors for the club, to introduce the club to the world and be a global force.”
McElhenney added: “We’re documenting it. We should be thinking about Wrexham the way Manchester United thinks about Manchester United. Engage in the club and community.”
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