‘Hollywood clowns!’ - Why Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney made rivals ‘jealous’ of Wrexham as more fans ‘have a go’ at Dragons

The Deadpool and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia stars completed a stunning takeover of the Dragons in 2021. They have invested considerable faith and funds in the Welsh outfit, with their grand plans allowing a record-breaking promotion push to be taken in last season.

While Wrexham supporters are loving having Reynolds and McElhenney on board – with the club’s profile being enhanced around the world – not everybody has welcomed their presence, with followers of other clubs frustrated at seeing so much focus placed on one side.

Wrexham’s executive director Ker has told The Athletic of attracting unwelcome attention: “No question there are more people having a go at us now. There are two factors in that. One: jealousy. I read comments from a lot of people who seem desperate to push the narrative that these two ‘Hollywood clowns’ see the club as their plaything and don’t care a thing about it and how they will destroy it. I do find that funny considering the proliferation of terrible owners in English football, who are openly fleecing their clubs or driving them into administration. Or are owned by some terrifying military junta from somewhere that specialises in throwing people down wells or whatever. It is amazing how many people burn energy in telling our fans, ‘I am going to laugh so much when you go out of business because of those two Hollywood idiots’.

“The other factor is we are slowly becoming a threat. When season one of the documentary came out, there were lots of fans (at clubs further up the divisions) saying, ‘Oh, good on them’, while patting Wrexham on the head. But then we win the National League and it changes to, ‘Oh, we might have to play them in a couple of seasons, so I’ll have to be really annoyed they have more money than we do’.”

Wrexham have not had things all their own way in League Two this season, with some alarming leaks springing up in their defensive unit, but talismanic striker Paul Mullin is back to full fitness and the Dragons believe that consistency will come once they are fully adjusted to the demands of life in the Football League.