The actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have completed their takeover of Wrexham in the National League. The pair have taken 100% control of the club from the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST). Reynolds and Elhenney have made a £2m investment in the club under the terms of the deal.
In a statement issued by the WST, the new owners said funds will be made available immediately and “first-team player identification will be a priority so the club is in the best possible position for the summer transfer window”. The new owners also said £50,000 will be spent “to enhance the women’s football programme and increase participation at all levels”.
A statement from Reynolds, star of Safe House and Deadpool, and McElhenney, of the comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 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, which had been fan-owned since 2011, was approved by 98% of the votes cast by the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust in November. McElhenney and Reynolds have promised to use their own money, marketing and fame to restore Wrexham’s fortunes and a documentary charting the new era is also being planned.
The WST statement said: “We urge all supporters to unite behind our new owners, the club and the team as they look to return Wrexham to the heights we have all dreamed of.”