Just like Ryan Reynolds! Phil Parkinson reacts to being asked for selfies in Hollywood as Wrexham enjoy ‘bizarre’ surge in popularity across America

The 56-year-old coach is a recognisable figure in his native England, having enjoyed considerable success across a productive managerial career that includes four promotions. One of those came with Wrexham last season, as they secured the National League title in record-breaking style, and the Red Dragons are seeing their stock soar around the world.

The ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary put in place by co-owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has helped to make that possible – with the Welsh outfit enjoying a pre-season tour of the United States in 2023. Star turns such as Paul Mullin were “papped” during that trip, while Parkinson was stunned to discover just how popular side his have become on the other side of the Atlantic.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Parkinson has said of Wrexham’s ever-growing fanbase: “I went on holiday with my wife to Greece, and there were a bunch of Americans in the couple of places we stayed. I was shocked at how many of them had been watching the documentary and were coming to speak to me. Then we went to America for our pre-season tour this summer, and that really did blow us away. It was beyond belief, almost like you had to be there to believe it, just how people had bought into our story. Everywhere we went, the players were getting stopped in the street: walking through Hollywood, people were asking for pictures. It was bizarre!”

Wrexham are growing accustomed to their new-found celebrity status, with their exploits on the field helping to keep a global audience interested. The Red Dragons are flying high in League Two this season, with the intention being to wrap up back-to-back promotions.