The Impact of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, Speaking to the Leader, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson highlighted the significant impact Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have had since purchasing the club. Parkinson emphasized the genuine commitment of the new owners, dispelling any skepticism about their intentions.
“Honestly, you’ve got to come over and get a feel for the place, because, you know, Rob and Ryan bought Wrexham and I think many people from the outside, sort of ‘wow, Hollywood actors buying a football club, is that for real?’ But they are for real. They’re serious guys and they wanted to build a football club and bring success to the town and see how it uplifts an area and, honestly, the uplift in Wrexham has been incredible,” Parkinson said.
The Community’s Resilience
Parkinson also spoke about the resilience and dedication of the Wrexham community. He acknowledged the tough times the club and its supporters have faced, including near financial ruin.
“The people of Wrexham are fantastic people and they’ve had some tough times with the football club over many years. Nearly going out of business, really down on their luck… and to see this uplift in the team has just transformed the area and it’s almost like you have to pinch yourselves sometimes to see if it is happening to Wrexham. The most important part of any football club is the supporters and they are going to enjoy trips to some great venues this season,” he noted.
Growing Support and International Interest
The manager highlighted the growing support for Wrexham, both locally and internationally. He remarked on the large number of fans who joined the team’s tour in America and the influx of tourists visiting the club’s home ground, The Racecourse.
“There were a lot of them on the tour in America and the support we get over there is incredible. We get tourists coming all the time to The Racecourse, having a look around. We get a lot from many, many different countries paying us visits and it’s a really exciting area to be in and my job is to keep the team progressing and there’s nothing better in Wrexham if the team’s won and the town is full, all the bars are full and everybody’s celebrating the wins together,” Parkinson added.
Looking Ahead
Parkinson expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, emphasizing his commitment to continuing the club’s success.
“My job is to try and keep that success going and we’re all very excited to start the season. We can’t wait to begin and begin to write another chapter in this amazing journey,” he concluded.
Phil Parkinson’s remarks underscore the positive transformation Wrexham has undergone since the takeover by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. Their genuine dedication, combined with the community’s resilience and growing international support, has revitalized the club and the town. As the new season approaches, there is a palpable sense of excitement and optimism in Wrexham, promising another thrilling chapter in the club’s storied history.