Latest news with #WrexhamDownUnderTour
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Reynolds overruled on Wrexham plan as it emerges who has the real power
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has shared how manager Phil Parkinson rejected one of his ideas as the Red Dragons prepare for their first season in the Championship Ryan Reynolds has highlighted the significant role of Phil Parkinson at Wrexham after sharing how the manager vetoed one of his proposals. The Welsh team are currently on a high, having secured promotion from League One in April. The club is now gearing up for their first season in the second tier in 43 years. Wrexham recently revealed plans for a pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand in July, with the Red Dragons gaining worldwide recognition under the stewardship of Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney. The "Wrexham Down Under Tour" will pit them against Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix. Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, Reynolds disclosed that he had also hoped to arrange a friendly match against Auckland FC. However, Parkinson dismissed the idea of playing against the newly formed club, opting instead for an early return home. "I really wanted us to play Auckland FC, which is a new team," Reynolds said. "I just like the idea of the third-oldest football club playing one of the newest. But Phil was like, 'Absolutely not, we are getting these players back to Wales ASAP after Wellington'." Parkinson's decision came in the wake of criticism over poor scheduling, which was blamed for Wrexham's sluggish start to life in League Two in 2023. That year, the club embarked on a summer tour of the United States but didn't return until a week before the season kicked off, leaving little time to readjust. Later on in the podcast, Reynolds mentioned he had complete faith in the manager, providing insight into Parkinson's significant influence at Wrexham. The co-owners have consistently said they would not interfere with football-related decisions since buying the club. It's a strategy that seems to have been successful, given Parkinson's three back-to-back promotions. Former Wrexham and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster believes it is to the co-owners' credit that they have given him so much control. When asked about the dynamics in December, Foster said: "Phil Parkinson is the guy that has the say so on everything, with players in, players out, new contracts, and even when it comes to media duties. He wants to know what's going on. "I love the way that they give him all that power. When you've got two massive A-list Hollywood stars running the football club, money could become a massive problem, and you could be haemorrhaging cash all over the place, but he makes sure it doesn't happen." He added: "The manager nowadays is a coach, and they just get the players that the big dogs have brought in, and they have to work with them. But Phil Parkinson still maintains that he is the guy that brings every single player in." Parkinson is evidently thrilled with the support from Wrexham's owners. He praised their impact after promotion to the Championship was sealed. Parkinson said: "The owners have come in and done an amazing job. I'm so pleased for them because they deserve it. There's lots of ways you can be supportive as owners. "It can be making sure we get a key player when it matters the most. But it can also be support when the results don't go quite as well as you want them to, but still allowing us to do our jobs." He added: "That's what they've always done. They're invested in all of the decisions, but they trust us in our decision making and that's why we've had success over the last three years." 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. 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.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Ryan Reynolds has Wrexham pre-season request denied to show where power truly lies
Ryan Reynolds has Wrexham pre-season request denied to show where power truly lies Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds has provided an insight into the level of control Phil Parkinson enjoys at Wrexham after revealing how the manager shut down one of his suggestions Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has revealed how Phil Parkinson shut down one of his ideas for pre-season (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA via Getty ) Ryan Reynolds has underscored Phil Parkinson's influence at Wrexham after revealing how the manager overruled one of his ideas. The North Wales side are riding high after achieving promotion from League One in April. Preparations are underway for the club's first season in the second tier in 43 years. Wrexham recently announced they will be heading on a pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand in July, with the Red Dragons now enjoying global popularity under Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney. The "Wrexham Down Under Tour" will see them take on Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix. Reynolds has now told the Men in Blazers podcast how he also wanted to tag on a friendly against Auckland FC. However, Parkinson rejected the suggestion of taking on the club, which was only formed last year, in favour of returning home. "I really wanted us to play Auckland FC, which is a new team," Reynolds said. "I just like the idea of the third-oldest football club playing one of the newest. But Phil was like, 'Absolutely not, we are getting these players back to Wales ASAP after Wellington'." Parkinson's decision was made after poor scheduling was blamed for Wrexham's slow start to life in League Two in 2023. The club flew off on a summer tour of the United States that year, but didn't return until a week before the start of the season, leaving little time to reacclimatise. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson (centre) and owners Ryan Reynolds (left) and Rob McElhenney (right) have enjoyed huge success together (Image: AMA/Getty Images ) Reynolds said later in the podcast that he trusted the manager "implicitly" and his comments provide an insight into just how much power Parkinson enjoys at Wrexham. The co-owners have made it clear throughout their time at the club that they won't involve themselves in footballing decisions. It's an approach that appears to have worked, with Parkinson achieving three successive promotions at Wrexham. Former Red Dragons and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster believes it's to the actors' credit that they have surrendered so much control to him. Speaking in an interview back in December, Foster said: "Phil Parkinson is the guy that has the say so on everything, with players in, players out, new contracts, and even when it comes to media duties. He wants to know what's going on. "I love the way that they give him all that power. When you've got two massive A-list Hollywood stars running the football club, money could become a massive problem, and you could be haemorrhaging cash all over the place, but he makes sure it doesn't happen. 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. He added: "The manager nowadays is a coach, and they just get the players that the big dogs have brought in, and they have to work with them. But Phil Parkinson still maintains that he is the guy that brings every single player in." Article continues below It's an arrangement which Parkinson himself is also clearly happy with after lauding Reynolds and McElhenney's role in Wrexham's success. Speaking shortly after they sealed promotion to the Championship, he said: "The owners have come in and done an amazing job. I'm so pleased for them because they deserve it. "There's lots of ways you can be supportive as owners. It can be making sure we get a key player when it matters the most. But it can also be support when the results don't go quite as well as you want them to, but still allowing us to do our jobs. "That's what they've always done. They're invested in all of the decisions, but they trust us in our decision making and that's why we've had success over the last three years."
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Wrexham AFC Announce ‘Wrexham Down Under' Pre-season Tour Of Australia And New Zealand In July
Wrexham AFC have announced this year's pre-season tour will take the men's first team to Australia and New Zealand in July, with matches confirmed in Australia versus Melbourne Victory on 11 July (Marvel Stadium), Sydney FC on 15 July (Allianz Stadium), and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on 19 July (Sky Stadium). The Wrexham Down Under Tour this summer follows the Club's promotion to the Championship in the English Football League marking a record-breaking three promotions in a row for manager Phil Parkinson's side. Wrexham have shot to prominence globally since Hollywood stars and entrepreneurs Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds purchased the club in 2021. The club has been featured in the immensely popular Emmy ® award-winning FX's Welcome to Wrexham docuseries, with Australia ranking as the third-largest audience in the world for the series. Founded in 1864, Wrexham are the oldest professional football club in Wales, and the third oldest in the world. Promoted by TEG Sport, the Wrexham Down Under Tour follows on from two highly successful pre-season tours to the USA, the first in 2023 which included a clash against Manchester United followed by the Wrex Coast Tour in 2024 with the headline fixture against another Premier League side in Chelsea. Wrexham AFC's tour of Australia and New Zealand will see the club take on a high calibre of competition from the A-League, offering a true test against some of the region's most accomplished sides. With the A-League continuing to grow in stature and talent, these matches promise to deliver a compelling showcase of football, blending Wrexham's global story with the skill and intensity of the elite clubs. Fans can expect fast-paced, competitive fixtures that highlight the quality and passion of both leagues Several of Wrexham AFC's key partners - including Aviation American Gin, Gatorade, Meta Quest, United, Visit Wales and Wrexham Lager - will join the club on tour, helping bring the unmistakable spirit of Wrexham to fans across Australia and New Zealand. Wrexham AFC Co-Chairmen, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, commented: 'From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand. We could not be more excited to bring the Red Dragons to Australia and New Zealand, and we are particularly proud that this announcement features neither a Men at Work or Hugh Jackman joke. The latter of which took maturity and tremendous restraint. We're proud of Ryan. Of course, we make no promises going forward.' Rachael Carroll, Managing Director of TEG Sport, said: "Bringing Wrexham AFC to Australia and New Zealand for three exciting matches against top A-League sides is truly a one-of-a-kind event. This tour is more than just football — it's a celebration of global sporting culture, entertainment, and fan connection. Whether you're a die-hard football supporter or just love a great story, these matches promise unforgettable moments and fun for everyone." Caroline Carnegie Managing Director Melbourne Victory, said: 'We're excited to test our squad against Wrexham, a club that has risen to global prominence in recent years. To play a team with such a rich history, in front of our passionate and loyal fans at Marvel Stadium, will be a fantastic experience for all football supporters. 'What makes this even more special is the alignment between our two clubs, which both Wrexham and Melbourne Victory both deeply connected to their communities and committed to growing the game.' Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Wrexham AFC to Sydney. Their incredible story and continued rise has captured the imagination of fans in Australia and around the world, and we are proud to be hosting this global sensation. 'Facing a team with such momentum, driven by the passion of Rob and Ryan, is a fantastic opportunity for our club and an amazing chance for our Members, and the wider football community, to witness Wrexham and their award-winning docu series first-hand. 'I'm looking forward to seeing Sydney FC and Hollywood glamour mixing in our iconic city at the magnificent Allianz Stadium.' Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said: 'We're delighted to be welcoming Wrexham to Wellington. The capital has a proud history of hosting New Zealand's biggest football events, and this promises to be another unmissable match at Sky Stadium. "Wrexham have had an incredible rise to the Championship and I know our players can't wait to test themselves against the Red Dragons. 'I also look forward to catching up with Rob and Ryan over a pint of Wrexham lager at The Welsh Dragon, the only Welsh bar in the southern hemisphere!' NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: 'Wrexham AFC's decision to bring their pre-season tour to Sydney is a massive win for NSW. The global phenomenon that is Wrexham, driven by the passion of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, will draw huge crowds to Allianz Stadium. This tour showcases Sydney as a world-class sporting destination and will deliver a significant boost to our visitor economy. We're ready to welcome the Red Dragons and their fans with open arms.' Heidi Morton, General Manager Events & Experiences at WellingtonNZ, said: 'Wellington is proud to be the exclusive New Zealand host city for what is sure to be a true highlight on this year's national sports calendar. We're excited for Wellington and our very own Wellington Phoenix FC to be part of the Wrexham AFC story – and we encourage football fans from across the country to the capital to be part of it too.' Scott Fitzgerald, General Manager Marvel Stadium said: 'Marvel Stadium is thrilled to welcome Wrexham AFC to Melbourne to kick off the pre-season tour in July. Wrexham AFC are a global phenomenon, and we can't wait to host the team and their global partners and put on a show at the stadium for all the local and visiting fans of the club. 'Marvel Stadium is the busiest multi-purpose stadium in the world and events like this really allow us to showcase the epic entertainment that is the English Football League.'
Leader Live
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham AFC tour Australia and New Zealand for pre-season
Phil Parkinson's men finished runners-up in League One to secure an historic third successive promotion and place in the second tier next term. The club has announced that this year's pre-season tour will take the Reds to Australia and New Zealand in July, with matches confirmed in Australia versus Melbourne Victory on July 11 (Marvel Stadium), Sydney FC on July 15 (Allianz Stadium), and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on July 19 (Sky Stadium). Promoted by TEG Sport, the Wrexham Down Under Tour follows on from two highly successful pre-season tours to the USA, the first in 2023 which included a clash against Manchester United followed by the Wrex Coast Tour in 2024 with the headline fixture against another Premier League side in Chelsea. Wrexham's tour of Australia and New Zealand will see the club take on a high calibre of competition from the A-League, offering a true test against some of the region's most accomplished sides. With the A-League continuing to grow in stature and talent, these matches promise to deliver a compelling showcase of football, blending Wrexham's global story with the skill and intensity of the elite clubs. Wrexham AFC co-chairmen, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, commented: 'From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand. "We could not be more excited to bring the Red Dragons to Australia and New Zealand, and we are particularly proud that this announcement features neither a Men at Work or Hugh Jackman joke. The latter of which took maturity and tremendous restraint. We're proud of Ryan. Of course, we make no promises going forward.' Rachael Carroll, Managing Director of TEG Sport, said: "Bringing Wrexham AFC to Australia and New Zealand for three exciting matches against top A-League sides is truly a one-of-a-kind event. "This tour is more than just football — it's a celebration of global sporting culture, entertainment, and fan connection. Whether you're a die-hard football supporter or just love a great story, these matches promise unforgettable moments and fun for everyone." Caroline Carnegie, Managing Director of Melbourne Victory, said: 'We're excited to test our squad against Wrexham, a club that has risen to global prominence in recent years. To play a team with such a rich history, in front of our passionate and loyal fans at Marvel Stadium, will be a fantastic experience for all football supporters. 'What makes this even more special is the alignment between our two clubs, which both Wrexham and Melbourne Victory both deeply connected to their communities and committed to growing the game.' Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey said: 'We're thrilled to welcome Wrexham AFC to Sydney. Their incredible story and continued rise has captured the imagination of fans in Australia and around the world, and we are proud to be hosting this global sensation. 'Facing a team with such momentum, driven by the passion of Rob and Ryan, is a fantastic opportunity for our club and an amazing chance for our Members, and the wider football community, to witness Wrexham and their award-winning docu series first-hand. "I'm looking forward to seeing Sydney FC and Hollywood glamour mixing in our iconic city at the magnificent Allianz Stadium.' Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said: 'We're delighted to be welcoming Wrexham to Wellington. The capital has a proud history of hosting New Zealand's biggest football events, and this promises to be another unmissable match at Sky Stadium. "Wrexham have had an incredible rise to the Championship and I know our players can't wait to test themselves against the Red Dragons. 'I also look forward to catching up with Rob and Ryan over a pint of Wrexham lager at The Welsh Dragon, the only Welsh bar in the southern hemisphere!' SW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: 'Wrexham AFC's decision to bring their pre-season tour to Sydney is a massive win for NSW. The global phenomenon that is Wrexham, driven by the passion of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, will draw huge crowds to Allianz Stadium. "This tour showcases Sydney as a worldclass sporting destination and will deliver a significant boost to our visitor economy. We're ready to welcome the Red Dragons and their fans with open arms.' Heidi Morton, General Manager Events & Experiences at WellingtonNZ, said: 'Wellington is proud to be the exclusive New Zealand host city for what is sure to be a true highlight on this year's national sports calendar. "We're excited for Wellington and our very own Wellington Phoenix FC to be part of the Wrexham AFC story – and we encourage football fans from across the country to the capital to be part of it too.' Scott Fitzgerald, General Manager at Marvel Stadium said: 'Marvel Stadium is thrilled to welcome Wrexham AFC to Melbourne to kick off the pre-season tour in July. Wrexham AFC are a global phenomenon, and we can't wait to host the team and their global partners and put on a show at the stadium for all the local and visiting fans of the club. 'Marvel Stadium is the busiest multi-purpose stadium in the world and events like this really allow us to showcase the epic entertainment that is the English Football League.' Tickets go on general sale via Ticketek in Australia and New Zealand on Friday May 16 at 9:00AM AEST and 11AM NZST. Tickets start at $39 for children and $59 for adults.
