Revealed: How Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney talk new signings into Wrexham transfers – with Hollywood superstars breaking the mould by looking well beyond football

Since arriving in North Wales as part of a stunning takeover deal in 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney have made it their business to be across every part of life at SToK Racecourse. They have provided the funds from which marquee deals can be delivered – leading to back-to-back promotions being enjoyed.

As stars of the screen, rather than the pitch, they are also able to help build Wrexham and their playing staff as brands. An award-winning documentary series has made stars of EFL performers around the world, while the likes of Ollie Palmer have branched out in industries – such as fashion – which may previously have been out of reach.

Having famous faces on board is of obvious appeal to any player considering a switch to Wrexham, with Reynolds telling Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE YouTube channel of the part that he plays in getting transfer deals over the line: “It’s always leading with honesty. I talk to every single potential signing that we have. I talked to George Dobson, who just signed. You just want them to feel like you have their back and that you are setting them up to win. You want to make sure that they understand that I am not going to make football decisions. I am going to make storytelling decisions about this club, its history and its future. It’s really instilling in them a belief in their ability and backing them in terms of whatever they want to do outside of football – because that is just as important. What is your plan for your family? Do you have a brand? These are things that are increasingly important in 2024.”

Reynolds added when Ferdinand pointed out that said approach allows Wrexham to bring in players that others would consider out of reach, with the established norm of life as a professional footballer in the lower leagues being tinkered with: “I think it’s important. This could be my last job. You always think it could be your last job. I’m sure footballers, where your bread and butter is based on a very specific and highly-applied skill set, you have to also think ‘what else can I do?’”

That approach has been serving Wrexham well, with the likes of Paul Mullin, Elliot Lee, Steven Fletcher and James McClean brought onto their books. A permanent deal has been done with ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo this summer, with the promise of more business to come ahead of a return to League One action for the first time in 20 years.