'They mean business': Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watch first Wrexham game
Nick Wallis reports on a night Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds' appearance Wrexham's mid week fixture, away to Maidenhead for what wasn't the greatest of results.
Wrexham’s Hollywood-star co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds were in attendance at York Road Tuesday evening to watch their side play Maidenhead in the National League.
McElhenney and Reynolds made headlines after taking 100 per cent ownership of the Red Dragons in February this year.
They took over from the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust and made a £2 million investment under the terms of the deal.
Tuesday’s game was the first Wrexham fixture the duo have attended since taking over as owners of the club.
Andy Gilpin of the Wrexham Supporters Group said that he was “gobsmacked” to see the Hollywood owners at York Road and that their appearance has “given supporters a boost”.
“We had an inkling that they may have shown up today but we didn’t actually think that might happen until we saw them in the stand,” Gilpin said.
“Obviously that gave everyone a big boost- they’re there, you can see them, they were waving to the fans.
“We knew they were in the area and we knew they’d landed about six hours ago but we thought this probably would be a game too far for them, then we saw a lot of stewards rushing around just before the kick-off and then the rumour came round that ‘yeah they’re here’.
“There’s media hype and then there’s showing up at Maidenhead away which isn’t the sort of Hollywood entrance really, it’s a very low-key ground, and to see two Hollywood stars there in the middle of the home stand, we were just gobsmacked you know.
“It’s quite a statement to come here to Maidenhead away and fair play to them for doing that. For them to come here – it shows that they mean business.
“I didn’t expect them to be here, I thought they would keep it for Torquay where they’d have a red carpet entrance and to see them here was just amazing."
The Hollywood stars pull up at the stadium
After taking over in February, a statement from Reynolds and McElhenney read: “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.
“Wrexham AFC is only in a position to thrive because of the incredible efforts of the Wrexham Supporters Trust.
“Their members are a fitting reflection of the integrity and spirit of the town and they will always have an important role at the club.”
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