'We're finally catching up' - Will Ferrell explains the rise of American investment in English football as Leeds investor tries to emulate Wrexham's Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney

By investing in the Championship side, Ferrell has joined the likes of fellow actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who are co-owners of League One team Wrexham, and compatriot Tom Brady, who followed his NFL success by taking part-ownership of Birmingham. The Anchorman star was at Elland Road for the first time since getting involved with the club and was asked what's behind the sudden investment in English football by American celebrities.

Ferrell said: "Because we’re dastardly! No, I think we’re finally catching up to what a wonderful game this is. Obviously Americans are very heavy into their sports and their fanaticism but there’s still a level of devotion to English football that is unlike anywhere in the world. I think we find that exciting and admire it."

This isn’t Ferrell's first venture into football with the American also investing in MLS side LAFC. He will hope to bring success to Yorkshire, too, but they have taken just eight points from their first five games, having lost 1-0 to Burnley in front of the actor on Saturday.

Ferrell will hope his team can improve after a bumpy start as Leeds will expect to get back to the Premier League after missing out last year. Leeds are in action again next week when they meet Cardiff in the league.