Latest news with #WelcometoWrexham
Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
US legend makes feelings clear on Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham's spending in blunt verdict
US legend makes feelings clear on Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham's spending in blunt verdict Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have pumped a significant amount of cash into the club since taking over in 2020 Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images ) USA legend Landon Donovan has questioned Wrexham's rise through the English leagues, disputing the "miracle" tag applied to the north Wales club. After three promotions in a row, the story of the Red Dragons has been spread across the footballing world, however criticism has come their way due to the amount of spending that took place while they were in the lower divisions. From non-league to the Championship in three seasons, Wrexham Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been significantly praised for bringing the north Wales side back from the brink of collapse, taking the club to places not seen by fans for years. However, Donovan doesn't seem to agree with Wrexham's story being labelled a Hollywood miracle. The former LA Galaxy man spoke to ex-Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, where he gave his honest opinion on Wrexham's journey. On the 'Unfiltered Soccer' podcast he said: 'If you watch the show [Welcome to Wrexham], you think it's some miracle, but it's not a miracle. Article continues below "It's an amazing story, but they have also spent at the top of every one of the leagues they've been in.' The Hollywood pair bought the club in 2020. The club recorded a record-breaking £10million in revenue when they were in the National League, surpassing all the teams in League Two and most in League One at the time. For the 24/25 season, the club has increased its revenue to a staggering £26.7million, reports the Daily Star. During their time in League Two they spent £200k more than anyone else in the division, according to Transfermarkt. They also spent £2million to bring Sam Smith to the club during their time in League One, surpassing the club's previous transfer record. In total, they spent around £4.2million on transfer fees during the season. The success of Wrexham has also been compared to fellow Championship side Birmingham City and their minority owner Tom Brady, with both clubs having well-known celebrities as part of their ownership set-up. While they were both in League One, they heavily contributed to the highest transfer fees spent in a season in the third tier, especially with the Blues signing Jay Stansfield for a record deal of £15million upfront, which could rise up to £20million. Phil Parkinson's side were only the third highest spenders that season however, with Birmingham and Huddersfield Town both spending more. Donovan believes that the amount of money spent by the Wrexham owners has limited how much of a 'miracle' their rise to the Championship has been. The American, who has 157 caps for his country, has questioned if Wrexham can maintain their success in the second division. 'The question now is whether they can do it in the Championship," he added. "My first thought was no, but I did see a report last week that they were willing to offer a player £50,000 a week. 'They clearly have the money to do it, but are they going to take the risk? It's a big risk now, and you could lose £30million or £40million and not get promoted. It's going to be interesting to watch." Unlike Donavan, who spent two loan spells at Everton during his career, his ex-team-mate Howard has more belief in the Wrexham project but acknowledges the challenges they may face. Article continues below Howard said: 'Hey, say the hardest jump in all of the promotions is from the Championship to the Premier League, because there is just more money in that league. 'Money makes the world go round when it comes to football or sports, and they [Wrexham] are pumping a tonne of money into that team. "They're just better and if they continue to do that, I think they could possibly do it [be promoted].'
Daily Record
12 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Stephen Robinson reflects on 'three seasons in one' after St Mirren drama
The Buddies gaffer didn't have his troubles to seek in the early part of a campaign which had a happy ending. Stephen Robinson insists he has come through the hardest season of his career. The St Mirren manager had multiple problems to deal with during the campaign but still guided the club to a top-six Premiership finish. From training ground issues which forced the squad to prepare for crunch European games at Neilston's Brig O'Lea and the Garscube complex in Glasgow to the sheriff court appearances of three players, there was a lot of adversity. Behind-the-scenes documentaries are all the rage in football just now from Salford City's Class of 92 films to the Netflix hit 'Welcome to Wrexham' and Buddies boss Robbo knows there would have been plenty to keep the cameras rolling after 'three seasons in one'. 'It has been the hardest season I've ever had to deal with,' the Northern Irishman admitted. 'The things that have happened make it feel like it's been three seasons in one! 'To a board and a playing staff, these things don't really happen once in your career. For it to happen three times in such a short space of time, it was a lot to deal with. 'All the issues we've had throughout the season as well with training pitches not being available, losing staff and all the things that go with that, it's been really, really difficult. 'The lesson from that is that people kept believing. The players kept believing, the staff kept believing and the board kept believing. 'My wife was asking me, 'Can you believe you're in the top six again? That you're unbeaten in the top six?' And I have to say, back in September, I couldn't see that happening. 'So, that's testament to the players and the staff that we've not only come through all of that, but come through it flying. We've played brilliant football and been an exciting team to watch.' When times were tough, Robbo knew he had to provide the direction. He added: 'You have to come in on a Monday morning and be the one that puts things into perspective. Sometimes I have to put a brave face on.' Meanwhile, the Buddies' Premier Sports Cup group stage fixtures have been confirmed. Saints will travel to face Arbroath at Gayfield on Saturday, July 12 and then are back up to Angus on Tuesday, July 15 for a date with Forfar Athletic. On Saturday, July 19, Annan Athletic make their first-ever visit to the SMiSA Stadium which also hosts Scott Brown's Ayr United on Sunday, July 27 for a televised clash. ■Saints hero Stephen McGinn has left his academy role to become first-team coach at Premiership new boys Falkirk. The club have announced that Craig McLeish will head a new Under-19s set-up.
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Tom Brady gives fiery response to Wrexham namedrop next to David Beckham and Thierry Henry
Tom Brady gives fiery response to Wrexham namedrop next to David Beckham and Thierry Henry NFL legend Tom Brady gave a snappy reaction when he was wrongly described as an investor in Wrexham, rather than his beloved Birmingham City, during a TV appearance Kate Scott was left red faced after wrongly describing Tom Brady as owner of Wrexham (Image: CBS Sport ) NFL legend Tom Brady seemed visibly irritated after being referred to as an investor in the wrong football team. Brady was a guest on CBS Sports on Saturday as part of the American network's Champions League final coverage, appearing alongside David Beckham, Tom Cruise, and Thierry Henry. During the conversation, they dissected the crunch match between PSG and Inter Milan, which ended with an impressive 5-0 victory for the French side. The topic then shifted to football club ownership, with Brady holding a minority stake in Birmingham City. However, there was an awkward moment when presenter Kate Scott made an error, referring to the 47-year-old Brady as part-owner of Birmingham's rivals, Wrexham. In a clip shared on social media, she said: "Can we talk about football ownership for a second? We've got Thierry, who's in Serie A with Como. David, obviously Inter Miami, but you've also got Salford as well." Scott subsequently turned her attention to Brady, saying: "And you're obviously with Wrexham. We should say congratulations by the way." Realising the mistake, Brady intervened, pointing out the mistake, before adding: "We kicked Wrexham's a** this year, multiple times." In response, Scott appeared embarrassed, before grabbing his arm. Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, found themselves embroiled in a rivalry with Birmingham this season as both sides vied for League One promotion. Article continues below Rob McElhenney (L) spoke to Tom Brady (R) at St Andrew's (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images ) The Blues triumphed by securing the title, but the Red Dragons will accompany them to the Championship next term after finishing as runners up. The owners from both camps have added fuel to what's been playfully billed as the "Hollywood derby". Beckham watched on as Birmingham claimed a 3-1 victory over Wrexham in the first meeting at St. Andrews in September. The Welsh side managed to secure a bit of redemption with a 1-1 draw during the return fixture at the Racecourse Ground in January. The burgeoning contest features in the latest series of the 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary, capturing Reynolds and McElhenney's experiences as owner of the club. One episode shows Brady alongside McElhenney on the pitch before the early-season encounter at St. Andrews. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. Brady is shown a snippet from 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'—where McElhenney's character Mac vows to harm the legendary quarterback. He reacts humorously, saying: "What's wrong with you? Why would you write that? Get him out, I want him out of here," prompting a flustered explanation from McElhenney. The renewed rivalry will continue in the Championship when the teams face off again next season. Some football analysts have already tipped Birmingham as the more probable contender of the two for promotion next season. Tim Sherwood, the ex-Aston Villa and Tottenham boss, recently said: "It'll be harder for Wrexham to go back-to-back than Birmingham. Obviously, the fanbase is a little bit bigger there, so they can spend more money. 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 "There is a lot of surgery they [Wrexham] would need to be able to do to survive in the Championship, to their players and the playing squad." However, Wrexham assistant manager Steve Parkin has confidently addressed their prospects of competing. Speaking to The Leader, he said: "I heard some rubbish a couple of weeks ago that if Wrexham got in the Championship, we'd struggle. "[I thought] hang on a minute, can we just enjoy this - a remarkable achievement - and see what happens. Plenty of people would have accepted mid-table mediocrity in League One, so to finish in second spot behind a remarkable Birmingham team is absolutely phenomenal."
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Wrexham owner shows his class after rival's 'never heard of them' jibe to Ryan Reynolds and co
Wrexham owner shows his class after rival's 'never heard of them' jibe to Ryan Reynolds and co Oldham owner Frank Rothwell has taken a few digs at Wrexham's co-owners, but Rob McElhenney showed his true colours by congratulating him on his team's promotion to the EFL Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney (left) has congratulated Oldham on their promotion (Image: PA Wire/PA Images ) Rob McElhenney has shown his class by congratulating a football club chairman who once claimed he'd never heard of Wrexham's co-owners. Oldham Athletic owner Frank Rothwell aimed a dig at It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator McElhenney and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds ahead of an FA Cup game between the Latics and Wrexham in 2022. Rothwell spoke dismissively of the two actors during an interview with ITV, saying he was unaware of them and hadn't seen their films or TV shows. He also cast doubt over how long they would stay interested in running the Red Dragons. "I don't know who the hell they are," said Rothwell. "I know they're film stars and all the girls go 'woo' but I've never seen anything they've been in. "These lads have bought a football club for as cheap as they possibly could do so they could tell their friends in Hollywood that they own a club. When they decide they've had enough of this and sell to another investor, it (Wrexham AFC) will disappear. That won't happen to Oldham." Wrexham had the last laugh after beating Oldham 3-0 in the cup clash and securing promotion from the National League later that season. However, McElhenney and Reynolds appeared to take Rothwell's insults in good humour, later responding with a video charting his life. They said: "Born in England in 1950, he grew up to be a 72-year man with a hat and glasses. He founded Manchester Cabins in 1979, he's also the oldest man to row across the Atlantic Ocean. He's got a nice smile. Very nice. Gentle. And he likes to shake hands, looks firm." Oldham Athletic owner Frank Rothwell, pictured celebrating promotion to the EFL, previously took a dig at Wrexham's co-chairmen (Image: PA ) Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. They later donated £1,600 as Rothwell raised funds for Alzheimer's Research UK by rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 2024. Speaking shortly after completing the challenge, the Oldham owner said: "This is what I'd like to say to Ryan and Rob. Thank you so much for donating. You have given what I've done credibility." McElhenney jokingly referenced the original exchange again on Sunday after Oldham sealed promotion from non-league's top tier. The Latics beat Southend 3-2 in the National League play-off final after coming back from 2-1 down to win in extra time. Sending his well wishes to Rothwell and Oldham on social media after the final whistle, McElhenney said: "Congrats @OfficialOAFC and especially to you Frank. So well deserved!!!!! Love, some guy you've never heard of ;)" 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 The tongue in cheek nod to Rothwell's comments was well received by Latics fans on X. John Benson said: "Amazing. Love how from that first interaction it was all in jest, no arrogance and from then was nothing but love and comedy and that @VancityReynolds and yourself clearly 'get' what supporting/following football is about." Article continues below Chris Wall posted: "Class act Rob, great that everyone sees Frank's part in all this." Another said: "Thanks Rob, that's a nice touch, we are over the moon." Someone else added: "Absolute class and bants in equal measures." Oldham will now play in League Two next season, while Wrexham are preparing for life in the Championship after finish second in League One this term. It will be the first time the Red Dragons have featured in the second tier since 1982.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham chase Premier League talent David Moyes didn't want to let go
Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham chase Premier League talent David Moyes didn't want to let go Wrexham are reportedly interested in signing a player who David Moyes was very fond of during their time together at West Ham as they look to strengthen their squad Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham have been linked with another Premier League star (Image: Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images ) Wrexham have been linked with a move for Premier League star Craig Dawson, who David Moyes was disappointed to lose during his tenure at West Ham. The Red Dragons are reportedly keen on signing the Wolves centre-back, whose contract is set to expire at the end of June. Dawson had previously engaged in talks with Wolves to terminate his contract back in February. It followed manager Vitor Pereira's decision to exclude him from his 25-man Premier League squad. Preliminary discussions were also held with Leicester regarding a potential swap deal involving Conor Coady. No agreement was reached at that time, and now Wrexham are rumoured to be considering bringing Dawson to the Racecourse Ground after their recent promotion to the Championship. However, the North Wales club, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, face competition from Championship rivals Derby, as reported by The Sun. The 35-year-old defender moved to Wolves from West Ham for £3.3million in January 2023. His then-manager Moyes was hesitant to let him leave, given his crucial role in the Hammers' revival under the Scotsman. However, an agreement was reached allowing him to be closer to his family in the North-West of England. Moyes later demonstrated there were no hard feelings by sending a heartfelt message to Dawson ahead of a match between Wolves and West Ham in December 2023. Article continues below Craig Dawson was popular with David Moyes at West Ham and could join Wrexham (Image:) He said: "We're looking forward to seeing Craig Dawson again. He played a huge part getting us from where we started to where we are now. He was a big part of it." "We were disappointed when he left but we knew there were other reasons behind it. He's a good lad and I'm sure he's being a big help for Wolves at the moment." Dawson's journey from a glass collector in Rochdale to Premier League footballer is nothing short of remarkable. Starting at Radcliffe Borough in 2007, he moved to Rochdale two years later, catching the attention of West Brom and joining them in 2010. Wolves defender Craig Dawson celebrates scoring against Liverpool (Image: Jack Thomas/WWFC via Getty ) Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. His Premier League debut came in 2011, and after over 200 appearances for the Baggies, he transferred to Watford in 2019, eventually landing at West Ham on loan in 2020. His former West Brom colleague Liam Ridgewell has lauded Dawson's work ethic after comparing him to James Milner in an interview with The Athletic in February 2021. He said: "If I had to compare him to any other player in how he conducts himself, it would be James Milner. Just quiet, dedicated and focused on the end goal. I played with Milner at Aston Villa. 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 "Players like that got on with it, they didn't care about the attention or the limelight, and that was Dawson. You need players like him in the dressing room and I see a real togetherness in that West Ham team." Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson values strong character in his players and may be eyeing up Dawson as part of his squad building strategy after securing their third consecutive promotion. Article continues below Speaking in April, he said: "I think that a lot of tough decisions will be made this summer, in terms of who we bring in and how we add to this fantastic squad of lads we've got, but let's see if we can build a squad to compete at that level. "What we've always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right and I think that's key - no superstars, no egos in the dressing room and we've got to try and get that balance right again. You always need extra quality when you go up a level to make sure the right people come into the building."
