Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds keep Wrexham AFC dream alive
It's never too soon to start greedily dreaming of the future but for those Wrexham fans who remember trips to Braintree, Lewes, Histon and Grays during the Reds' non-league nightmare, feast upon those big grounds you're going to be heading to next season.
It's never been in doubt that Wrexham Football Club can boast about its proud history but what Phil Parkinson and the players have achieved over the last three seasons has been extraordinary, out of this world.
Amazing was the first word Parkinson said as he entered the press room at about 8.35 on Saturday evening after he became embroiled in the on-the-pitch celebrations with his back-room staff, players, family and fans.
Parkinson went on to use the word 'amazing' six times during his press conference and it is the best way possible to describe what has happened at Wrexham Football Club.
They've jumped from the National League to the Championship in just two years.
And how fitting was it that the two men, who have also played more than an amazing role in this Racecourse rags to riches story, were there to witness another great day for the club.
Ryan Reynolds was wiping away the tears and Rob McElhenney was just taking it all in thinking to himself: "Did I really expect this to happen so quickly?"
Well it did and although everyone associated with the club and especially their fan-tastic supporters will want to savour this historic back-to-back-to-back promotion, you can't help thinking about next season.
Names like Jamie Vardy and Kevin De Bruyne were thrown up for Parkinson to answer questions about who he'd be looking to bring in to continue Wrexham's upward trajectory next season.
Saudi Arabia may be a more lucrative choice for ex-Premier League stars but dropping down a few divisions didn't do James McClean, Steven Fletcher and Matty James any harm.
And who wouldn't want to add their names to a story that everyone is talking about worldwide.
Saturday's scenes will whet the appetite for what promises to be another can't-leave-your-seat Welcome To Wrexham documentary series.
That airs next month and it will be yet another crowd-puller.
The Racecourse now houses fans from Brymbo to Chicago and the demand for tickets is going to be even higher next season.
Wrexham on matchdays is a joy to behold.
Fans queueing outside The Turf 10 hours before kick-off, The Maesgwyn has been packing them inside and out.
And I have to mention two American visitors, Jill and Brad from North Carolina, who were taking in their first Wrexham game on Saturday.
They'd been exploring some of North Wales' finest castles, like Harlech and Conwy and on Saturday the fortress that is Wrexham's Racecourse Ground was on their list.
They were thrilled at the prospect of taking it all in and they generously bought me and The Leader's Wrexham FC reporter, Richard Williams, a beer before the game.
Chatting over a pre-match pint of Cruzcampo with an American couple... who'd have thought that would ever happen?
But that's the Pandora's Box of dreams Messrs McElhenney and Reynolds have opened up in Wrexham and long may it continue.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd receive Lisandro Martinez injury update as timeline for return emerges
Lisandro Martinez rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in February and is now on the road to a comeback for Manchester United ahead of the start of pre-season under Ruben Amorim Lisandro Martinez is making good progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury and Manchester United are hopeful he could be available early next season. Martinez needed surgery in February after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a match against Crystal Palace, but he's now on the road to recovery. The United defender was carried from the pitch in tears after sustaining the serious injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season. Martinez was a big miss for Ruben Amorim in the final three months of the campaign, as United limped to 15th place in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham. He was one of many injuries in defence for United and won't be able to take a full part in pre-season when that comes around. However, the club have been encouraged by the progress the Argentina international has made, with tests confirming last week that he hasn't got a tear in his meniscus. United are weary of rushing him back and will take a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. But it is hoped he will be able to start an individual rehabilitation programme in the coming months, working individually on the grass during pre-season. The aim will be for Martinez to make his return as soon as possible in the 2025/26 season, when United's team will look very different. Amorim is keen to overhaul his squad – and the club will listen to offers for any of their players – but the United boss is a fan of Martinez. "If you let him, he can go play today without problem," Amorim said in March after Martinez was spotted cheering his team-mates on from the sidelines against Arsenal. "Because he loves the club, he wants to help the team, he understands the context. Like I said, he's a great character, he's really important in the dressing room." The 27-year-old has also been praised for his leadership and encouragement by young midfielder Toby Collyer, who told the club website: 'Licha is another name that's massively helped me, in training every day, around the building, to express myself, giving me little tips on the pitch and helping me through games. He's another one that's really helped me.' Collyer also struggled with injuries, so spent lots of time with Martinez. 'We saw each other every day in the physio room,' he added. 'And even when we're working in the gym, you have little moments where you can chat for a bit. It's nice to have someone like him to get through it with.' Martinez is keen to return as soon as possible. After undergoing surgery he wrote on Instagram: "Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective. "I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited, @afaseleccion, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement. The surgery went perfectly!! Now it's time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Powys County Times
40 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Bruce Springsteen joined by Paul McCartney at Liverpool concert
Singer Bruce Springsteen brought out a special guest at his show in Liverpool as he performed with local star Sir Paul McCartney. The American musician was joined on stage by the 82-year-old Beatles star during the second of two shows at Anfield stadium on Saturday, with Sir Paul then providing vocals as the pair played the band's Can't Buy Me Love. Springsteen, 75, and his E Street Band are in the UK as part of his Land of Hope and Dreams Tour, which kicked off with three shows in Manchester last month. Footage shared on social media showed the surprised crowd cheering loudly as Sir Paul was introduced, before he then playfully pointed at Springsteen and the pair shared an embrace. Before he left the stage after their performance, Sir Paul addressed the crowd and reportedly said: 'Thank you, Scousers.' The two men have previously performed together on several occasions, most notably when Sir Paul delivered a headline set at Glastonbury in 2022. Announced as a surprise all the way from the east coast of America, Springsteen joined Sir Paul, who became the festival's oldest solo headliner, as they played hits Glory Days and I Wanna Be Your Man on the Pyramid Stage. In 2012, Sir Paul had joined Springsteen on stage at the end of the singer's headline slot at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park, London, but both stars found their microphones cut off before they could address the crowds after exceeding the curfew. Beginning his career in the 1960s, Springsteen has gone on to have 12 UK top 10 albums and four UK top 10 singles and is best known for songs such as Born In The USA, Dancing In The Dark and Born To Run.
Glasgow Times
40 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Bruce Springsteen joined by Paul McCartney at Liverpool concert
The American musician was joined on stage by the 82-year-old Beatles star during the second of two shows at Anfield stadium on Saturday, with Sir Paul then providing vocals as the pair played the band's Can't Buy Me Love. Springsteen, 75, and his E Street Band are in the UK as part of his Land of Hope and Dreams Tour, which kicked off with three shows in Manchester last month. Sir Paul McCartney previously performed with Bruce Springsteen at Glastonbury in 2022 (Danny Lawson/PA) Footage shared on social media showed the surprised crowd cheering loudly as Sir Paul was introduced, before he then playfully pointed at Springsteen and the pair shared an embrace. Before he left the stage after their performance, Sir Paul addressed the crowd and reportedly said: 'Thank you, Scousers.' The two men have previously performed together on several occasions, most notably when Sir Paul delivered a headline set at Glastonbury in 2022. Announced as a surprise all the way from the east coast of America, Springsteen joined Sir Paul, who became the festival's oldest solo headliner, as they played hits Glory Days and I Wanna Be Your Man on the Pyramid Stage. In 2012, Sir Paul had joined Springsteen on stage at the end of the singer's headline slot at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park, London, but both stars found their microphones cut off before they could address the crowds after exceeding the curfew. Beginning his career in the 1960s, Springsteen has gone on to have 12 UK top 10 albums and four UK top 10 singles and is best known for songs such as Born In The USA, Dancing In The Dark and Born To Run. His Land of Hope and Dreams Tour, which includes 16 dates across six European countries, will conclude in Milan, Italy, on July 3.
