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Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's unique Wrexham transfer tactic scaled back
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's unique Wrexham transfer tactic scaled back Wrexham's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have often used a power move to secure top transfer targets, but a senior figure say it's now being mothballed Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have started taking more of back seat in transfer talks (Image: PA ) Wrexham possess a unique ace up their sleeve when it comes to attracting top talent. However, it's been disclosed that the need for its use is now in decline. A high-ranking insider has divulged details about the strategies employed by the Red Dragons to secure signings after Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership of the club in February 2021. At that time, Wrexham were competing in the National League, and many of the players targeted by manager Phil Parkinson came from higher leagues. Despite Wrexham not being strapped for cash, with the celebrity co-owners having an estimated combined wealth of around £300 million, they initially found it challenging to persuade players to join a lower division team. The dynamic shifted following the acquisition of striker Paul Mullin from Cambridge United in July 2021, who has since become a pivotal figure for the team, netting 110 goals. His decision was swayed by a convincing phone call from the Hollywood duo, assuring him of their genuine intentions. But now, after securing three consecutive promotions, club director Shaun Harvey has indicated that this tactic is no longer required. With Wrexham set to compete in the Championship next season, Harvey, the ex-EFL chief executive, noted that it's now the agents who are eager to get in touch. Harvey shared his insights during a recent event hosted by the Fearless in Devotion fan podcast. He said: "Rob and Ryan do speak to all of them, but it's usually afterwards. Famously, they did speak with Paul Mullin to tell him that they were serious. Article continues below Paul Mullin was one player the owners had to convince to sign for Wrexham (Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images ) "When we were in the National League, they did need to become more involved to convince players that this wasn't just a scam. They don't need to get on a telephone call now to tell players that we're serious. They can see that for themselves. "The agents ring us now so we don't need to deploy them as much because of that. But they certainly speak to every single player very quickly after we sign them." Mullin had previously revealed details about his conversation with 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' creator McElhenney during a BBC interview. "When I got onto the phone to him I wasn't too sure about dropping down the levels to play for Wrexham," he said. Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds still calls players after they have signed (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images ) "But when I spoke to him he outlined the ambition for the club and where they want to be in three to four years and how well they want to do to get there and what he's willing to do for success for the club." "You don't often get people from Hollywood giving you a call and you're having a chat on the couch with them. It usually seems world's apart but they're just normal people who want to be successful." Wrexham achieved automatic promotion from League One last month following a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at the Racecourse Ground. Both Reynolds and McElhenney were present for the match, and plans for the summer transfer window are already in motion. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year. Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here Article continues below Fulham captain, Tom Cairney, is the most recent high-profile player rumoured to be in preliminary discussions about a transfer to the club. The 34-year-old has been instrumental in securing Fulham's promotion from the Championship on two occasions. In other news, Wrexham are reportedly showing interest in Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, following his announcement of plans to depart the Foxes upon the expiration of his contract in June. Parkinson's team already boasts several experienced Premier League players, such as James McClean, Jay Rodriguez and Steven Fletcher.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Reynolds steps back from Wrexham transfer role as 'agents ring up club'
Wrexham's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are being required to get involved in transfer talks on fewer occasions due to the club's rapid rise up the divisions Wrexham hold a secret weapon when it comes to securing their top transfer targets. But it's been revealed that the need to deploy it has gradually reduced. A senior figure has lifted the lid on the tactics used by the Red Dragons to sign players when Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney first bought the club in February 2021. The Welsh side were playing in the National League back then, with many stars earmarked by manager Phil Parkinson coming from higher divisions. Whilst Wrexham were not short of money, with the co-owners boasting a combined net worth of around £300million, they initially struggled to convince players to make the drop down. That changed with the arrival of striker Paul Mullin from Cambridge United in July 2021, who has gone on to become a talisman for the club after scoring 110 goals. He joined after a phone call from the actors convinced him their motives were genuine. But after achieving three promotions in a row, club director Shaun Harvey said it's a power move they rarely have to use these days. In fact, with Wrexham preparing to play in the Championship next season, the former EFL chief executive said players' agents are now the ones desperate to call. Speaking at a recent event hosted by the Fearless in Devotion fan podcast, Harvey said: "Rob and Ryan do speak to all of them, but it's usually afterwards. Famously, they did speak with Paul Mullin to tell him that they were serious. "When we were in the National League, they did need to become more involved to convince players that this wasn't just a scam. They don't need to get on a telephone call now to tell players that we're serious. They can see that for themselves. "The agents ring us now so we don't need to deploy them as much because of that. But they certainly speak to every single player very quickly after we sign them." Mullin previously lifted the lid on his chat with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator McElhenney during an interview with the BBC. "When I got onto the phone to him I wasn't too sure about dropping down the levels to play for Wrexham," he said. "But when I spoke to him he outlined the ambition for the club and where they want to be in three to four years and how well they want to do to get there and what he's willing to do for success for the club." Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year. Mullin added: "You don't often get people from Hollywood giving you a call and you're having a chat on the couch with them. It usually seems world's apart but they're just normal people who want to be successful." Wrexham sealed automatic promotion from League One last month after beating Charlton Athletic 3-0 at home. Reynolds and McElhenney were both in attendance and recruitment plans for the summer transfer window are already underway. Fulham captain Tom Cairney is the latest big name to be linked with a move to the club after reports of initial talks over a deal emerged. The 34-year-old has twice helped Fulham secure promotion from the Championship and has been a pivotal player for the club. Meanwhile, Wrexham are also said to be interested in Leicester striker Jamie Vardy after he confirmed his intention to leave the Foxes when his contract expires in June. Parkinson's squad already includes several seasoned Premier League veterans, including the likes of James McClean, Jay Rodriguez and Steven Fletcher.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Premier League captain could make surprise move to Wrexham after 'approach made'
Wrexham are reportedly eyeing up a move for a Premier League star, with the newly-promoted Championship side already making an approach for their number one summer target Wrexham have reportedly set their sights on an ambitious transfer deal for Fulham captain Tom Cairney following their promotion to the Championship. The Welsh team, owned by Hollywood A-list celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, clinched automatic promotion to the second tier last month. Manager Phil Parkinson is anticipated to receive substantial backing during the forthcoming transfer window as he seeks to bolster his squad to compete at a higher level. Wrexham show no signs of slowing down, with the Telegraph reporting that the club has already made an approach for Cairney in a bold move. Negotiations for the midfielder are believed to be in the initial stages, but could potentially break the club's £2million transfer record, previously set when they signed striker Sam Smith from Reading in January. Cairney, who has earned two caps for Scotland, has made 23 Premier League appearances for Fulham this season. The 34-year-old has twice helped Fulham secure promotion from the Championship and has been a pivotal player for the club. Wrexham have already signed several former Premier League veterans during their rise from the National League, following three consecutive promotions. Wrexham's current squad boasts talents like ex-West Brom winger James McClean, former Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez and Steven Fletcher, who made his mark at Wolves and Sunderland. The club has also been linked with a sensational move for Leicester City ace Jamie Vardy this summer, following the announcement of his departure from the Foxes once his contract ends. Negotiations for Cairney might be drawn out, as Wrexham director Shaun Harvey has hinted that the club's initial summer signing is likely to be a free agent. Speaking on the Fearless in Devotion podcast, the ex-EFL chief executive, who is part of Wrexham's transfer committee, shed light on their strategy for the upcoming window. Harvey said: "No doubt there's been lists prepared of players in each position for different divisions who we know are coming out of contract at the end of this season. Do not be surprised if the first signings you see are players who are out of contract, and the reason for that is that they represent the best value. "A player without a transfer fee usually ends up commanding more in wages, because guess what, everybody else is looking to try and do the same thing. Phil picks them, along with his coaching staff and scouting staff, and ultimately, I tell them I'm not interested until they've narrowed it down to two." When discussing the signing of contracted players, he added: "The book says to speak to the club and get permission to speak to the player. In reality, you do as much work as you can to make sure that a player will want to come and join you because, as popular as Wrexham are in this room, it is not the only football club that's employing footballers." Wrexham's official retained list has yet to be made public. However, goalkeeper Mark Howard revealed on Thursday that he'll be moving on after his contract reaches its end next month. The experienced keeper shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to announce his departure, expressing no desire to hang up his gloves just yet. Howard also extended gratitude towards Wrexham's superstar owners for their unwavering backing. He said: "From the moment I pulled on the Wrexham shirt, I have tried to bring professionalism, passion, and personality to the club. As I reflect on what an incredible journey it's been, I consider myself fortunate to have shared a dressing room with the best teammates." Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year. Despite occasional tensions with supporters due to some on-pitch mistakes during their National League campaign in 2022/23, Howard said: "I would like to think you've all grown to love me." Talking about his next plans, he added: "At this stage I still feel like I have more football in me, so it's not retirement yet, I still want to dive around while my body lets me. Finally, a huge thank you to these two amazing people. @robmcelhenney @vancityreynolds".
Wales Online
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wrexham director told Ryan Reynolds to stop doing one thing at matches
Wrexham director told Ryan Reynolds to stop doing one thing at matches Hollywood megastar Ryan Reynolds has enjoyed a whirlwind tenure as co-owner of Wrexham but he has admitted that adjusting to life as a football fan in the UK has had its challenges Ryan Reynolds has discussed his love for Wrexham after their third straight promotion (Image: The Daily Star ) Hollywood heavyweight Ryan Reynolds has claimed that a member of Wrexham's hierarchy has instructed him to stop wishing away sides "good luck". Reynolds and his side are currently on a high after Wrexham recently secured another promotion, this time to the Championship. And the Deadpool star has opened up on how he is now adjusting to the tough nature of British football. "At this season's first home match Shaun Harvey (club director) came running over to Rob and I to tell us to stop wishing the away team 'good luck," he said. "I was there, 'oh, just be horrible'. That's football – oh yeah, I get it now." The Marvel megastar, who took over Wrexham alongside actor Rob McElhenney in 2021, has played a key role in achieving their three sensational promotions in a row, taking them all the way from the National League. The 48-year-old has now expressed his delight at the timing of their ownership, saying: "I'm glad it happened when we are at the age I'm at. "Because I don't think this is something I would have been able to handle any younger. I wouldn't change anything about my time here. I don't know how you get bored with something like this. I love this sport so much now that now I hate it too – I really feel that in my cells." Article continues below Ryan Reynolds has opened up on losing himself when it comes to supporting Wrexham (Image: Getty Images ) While recounting the unforgettable experience of Wrexham's 3-0 triumph over Charlton, a win that elevated the team to the Championship, Reynolds touched upon the goal celebration that even led him to lose his composure. In conversation with the Daily Star, for the Fearless in Devotion podcast, Reynolds said: "Well, I have not required an adult diaper yet. I think I've watched Sam Smith's martial arts/judo kick maybe 50, 60, 70 times. "It's my version of a gigantic pile of cocaine. I'm just sitting there, watching that over and over and over again and enjoying every second of it. It is remarkable." Reynolds however has shared his aversion to players who leave the club, adding: "I ghost everyone! No, I'm kidding. I think one of the strong suits of this was that we just wanted to connect with the players. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have steered Wrexham to the Championship (Image: Getty Images ) "But it's a hard sport, man. It's not too dissimilar to show business, there's a lot of rejection. So when every player signs, we FaceTime them. We call them, we give them our info, we say if you need anything, call us. "We're here to help. That is our version of meddling with football as we don't make football decisions. So there's other things that we can do and we're always trying to be proactive." However, Reynolds humorously recounted an unexpected request from a player: "One player did call to ask me to rent him a car once. Article continues below "I told him that when I said call me for anything, anything at all, I meant something like a kidney. I didn't mean like, how do I get you a Hertz rental car? Let's try Google next time."
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Reynolds reveals what Wrexham bosses want him to stop doing before games
Ryan Reynolds has seen Wrexham earn promotion to the Championship but has been warned the the team's bosses about his approach to the sides the Dragons play against before games Hollywood megastar and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has revealed club chiefs have made a big demand of him. The Welsh side have pleaded with the Deadpool star not to be quite so forthcoming with his well-wishes for the opposition. After seeing his side earn their third promotion in as many seasons, this time to the Championship, Reynolds has reflected on his experiences with the Dragons in an exclusive chat with the Daily Star. Wrexham secured their place as League One runners-up with time to spare after victory over Charlton. While hoping to push the Welsh side up the leagues, Reynold's and co-owner Rob McElhenney have attempted to forge bonds and offer opportunities to their squad. It has seen the likes of Ollie Palmer launch a clothing brand. But such relationships can go beyond players' time at the club. And there has been some turnover at the club on its march up the league. That can leave to conflicting feelings on a matchday, with Reynolds warned to keep a competitive edge. "We love our old players and wish them the best for whoever they play for," said Reynolds. "At this season's first home match Shaun Harvey (club director) came running over to Rob and I to tell us to stop wishing the away team 'good luck.' I was there, oh, just be horrible. That's football – oh yeah, I get it now." Reynolds has admitted that saying farewell to players can be one of the more difficult aspects of club ownership. The 48-year-old compared such moments to the brutality of show business. He said: 'I ghost everyone! No, I'm kidding. I think one of the strong suits of this was that we just wanted to connect with the players. "But it's a hard sport, man. It's a it's not too dissimilar to show business, there's a lot of rejection. So when every player signs, we FaceTime them. We call them, we give them our info, we say if you need anything, call us. 'We're here to help. That is our version of meddling with football as we don't make football decisions. So there's other things that we can do and we're always trying to be proactive.' "I love this sport so much now that now I hate it too – I really feel that in my cells." Reynolds added following the club's latest success. Ryan Reynolds' full interview with Andy Gilpin will be released on the Fearless in Devotion podcast on May 7. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. 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.
