Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney mania! Diehard Wrexham fan gives newborn child ‘Rob-Ryan’ middle name in honour of club’s Hollywood owners

The dynamic duo assumed the role of co-chairmen for the Reds in February 2021, and since then, their impact has been nothing short of remarkable in the Wrexham community. One fan, Ben Hartley from Holywell, took his admiration for the Hollywood duo to a whole new level. Ben, a lifelong supporter, managed to convince his partner, Ianthe Todd, to name their newborn son Xander Rob-Ryan in homage to Reynolds and McElhenney.

In Ben's own words, "Mum and baby are fine. Yes, I did name my son's middle names after Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds because why the hell not?"

In a conversation with The Leader, he further added: "I have two other sons and they're both named after my Taid, as he was a major figure in my life. My family has been watching Wrexham for decades. I went to my first match when I was five. I’ve watched them be relegated from League One to League Two and finally to the National League. Rob and Ryan brought hope when there was none. They are genuinely lovely people and have brought so much happiness to everyone’s lives including mine."

Xander's entry into the world was met with challenges as he was admitted to the Special Care Baby Unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital for having just 3000 platelets instead of the expected 150,000.

"Xander was born with 3,000 platelets when he should have had 150,000, so he has had blood transfusions and immunoglobulin," Ben revealed.

"After 16 days, he came home on oxygen but might still have to go to Alder Hey. But, he is absolutely fine. He is loving life and loved his attention from all the Wrexham fans in the hospital."

Reynolds and McElhenney's stewardship has propelled Wrexham to unprecedented levels of popularity. Notably, the duo orchestrated the club's triumphant return to the English Football League after a 15-year hiatus. Their visionary approach extended beyond the pitch, capturing the hearts of the local community with the 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary, which showcased the club's journey and the positive effects on the town.

The transformative impact of Reynolds and McElhenney on Wrexham is not just measured in league triumphs but in the deeply personal connections forged with fans like Ben Hartley. The co-chairmen's vision and dedication have not only revived the club but have become a source of inspiration for individuals facing challenges, symbolised by the resilience of young Xander Rob-Ryan. They are gunning for successive promotions and will look to get the three points when they lock horns with Salford City in a League Two encounter on Saturday.