Wrexham buy second stadium before season as Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac splash out

Daily Mirror

6 days ago

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds will be celebrating after acquiring a stadium for their women's team (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Wrexham have achieved a major landmark by snapping up a second stadium to complement their iconic Racecourse Ground. The Championship side have sealed a deal to buy The Rock in Rhosymedre, near Wrexham ahead of the new season.
The venue has been the stomping ground for the club's women's team since the summer of 2023 and is also the home turf of local team Cefn Druids. The acquisition of the 3,000-capacity stadium is part of the Hollywood-backed club's strategy to bolster Wrexham Women.
The female squad have featured regularly in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, charting the club's ownership by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, and became semi-professional in 2023. As well as being the official home of Wrexham Women, Cefn Druids will retain the right to play and train at the facility under the arrangement. READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds' £7.5m target's dad drops huge hint on record Wrexham transfer going through READ MORE: Managing Wrexham as Ryan Reynolds smashes club transfer record and lands Ajax star
Boasting a 512-seat stand, The Rock earns its name from its proximity to an old quarry, with one edge of the pitch dramatically facing a towering rock face.
Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham, said (via Wales Online): "The acquisition of The Rock represents a significant milestone for the club, providing Wrexham AFC Women with a permanent home and dedicated training facility. It illustrates our continued commitment to supporting and growing the women's game in North Wales.
"Having a venue in the Wrexham county borough and close to the STōK Cae Ras (Racecourse) gives us flexibility, allowing the women's first team to train and play matches locally, while still having access to a larger venue when needed.
Wrexham have bought The Rock stadium, historically home to Cefn Druids, as a base for their women's team (Image: Colin McPherson/Corbis via Getty Images)
"We'll begin with essential maintenance ahead of the new season, followed by a longer-term vision to enhance the pitch, stadium, and surrounding infrastructure.
"Our goal is not only to establish a top-tier facility for our women's team but also to protect and revitalise a key community asset, one that can inspire the next generation of women's football across the region."
Wrexham Women currently play in the Adran Premier - the top tier of women's football in Wales - and finished last season in fourth place. They also made the final of the Bute Energy Welsh Cup, but lost 3-1 to league champions Cardiff City.
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The women's team parted way with former manager Steve Dale at the end of last term. He stepped down from his position after four seasons in charge to pursue other opportunities and has since been replaced by former West Bromwich Albion boss Jenny Sugarman.
Des Williams, Cefn Druids chairman, said: "I am delighted that The Rock passes into the hands of Wrexham AFC and becomes the official home and training centre of Wrexham AFC Women.
"Cefn Druids will continue to use the facility for training and fixtures, and this was an important part of the deal. Wrexham AFC Women have been using The Rock as their home now for the past two seasons ever since they reached the Adran Premier League."
He added: "I can think of no more fitting venue for them to continue their adventure at the very highest level of Welsh women's football. I wish them all the very best of luck for the new season."
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