‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary helped to secure record transfer – but £2m star is yet to meet Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

The 26-year-old forward completed a historic switch to SToK Racecourse during the winter window of 2025. He is the most costly purchase that the Red Dragons have ever made, with Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney pumping more big money into the most ambitious of projects.

Smith is yet to meet famous chairmen who helped to make his move possible, but has heard “good things” about them. Opportunities to rub shoulders with Reynolds, McElhenney and other A-list guests are to be expected in the weeks and months to come.

Smith knew what he was getting himself into when agreeing to join Wrexham, having made a point of catching up on their award-winning documentary series. He has told The Sun: “Everyone knows how much Reading means to me. I progressed from the academy into the first team and went back and had a successful time. I always gave my all for them. But there were off-field issues and they got a bid from Wrexham. I was told they needed to sell me to pay some bills and I was impressed by the project here.

“Me and my dad have watched the Welcome To Wrexham documentaries and I’ve heard good things about the owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. I’ve not met them yet. The manager Phil Parkinson knows this level well and the level above. It’s an exciting place to be and I’m also back near home after 10 years living mostly down in the south. I’m hoping to help push the team on.”

The Manchester native has already opened his goal account for Wrexham, netting in their 2-0 victory at Northampton, and will hope to become a prolific presence in a squad that includes a number of other experienced forwards – including Paul Mullin, Steven Fletcher, Ollie Palmer and Jay Rodriguez.