‘Wrexham are global!’ - Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney generate Celtic-esque levels of support as Eoghan O’Connell says club can ‘become as big as it wants’

The arrival of Hollywood co-owners at SToK Racecourse back in 2021 generated plenty of fanfare, but few knew what to expect. Reynolds and McElhenney have bought into sporting and community projects in North Wales, allowing Wrexham’s stock to soar on and off the pitch.

They are stars of their own award-winning documentary series, have claimed back-to-back promotions en route to League One and are pulling in fans from all over the world. Irish defender O’Connell has formed part of that remarkable journey and sees no ceiling for the Red Dragons and their loyal legion of followers.

Ex-Celtic star O’Connell, who joined Wrexham in January 2023, has said to The Athletic: “This club can become as big as it wants. Wrexham are global. That hit us all in the summer, when we were in North Carolina playing Chelsea (in a pre-season friendly). I remember being in the tunnel before the warm-up. They went out and there was a little roar. We then went out and the place really lifted. That’s why I say it is a global club. I also think back to Halifax away last year and the numbers we took (4,500 fans made the trip). We got beat but I remember thinking in the warm-up it was similar to a Celtic away day when I was there as a younger player. I do think with the fanbase, the people involved running the club and the owners, the world is your oyster, really.”

Wrexham still have two games left to take in this season, but planning for life in League One has already begun. The Red Dragons are aware that forward momentum will be difficult to maintain in the third tier, with more clever recruitment and tactical tinkering required in order to remain competitive.