Latest news with #WrexhamistheGame
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wrexham's Ryan Reynolds strikes deal with Hugh Jackman as new sporting partner
Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, co-stars of the blockbuster movie Deadpool & Wolverine, have announced they are embarking on a new sporting venture together Deadpool & Wolverine co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have teamed up as part of a new sporting partnership. The Hollywood actors achieved a big hit on the silver screen with last summer's Marvel blockbuster, raking in around £958million at the box office globally. It's now been announced that the pair have embarked on a new venture together as the owners of an Australian sailing team called the BONDS Flying Roos. The contest was launched in 2019 by three-time Olympic gold champion Russell Coutts and American billionaire Larry Ellison, and has quickly achieved a high profile in the world of sailing. Reynolds and Jackman have been friends for a long time after first meeting on the set of the 2009 flick X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Reynolds is already involved with several sports teams, and most notably co-owns Welsh football club Wrexham alongside Rob McElhenney. The duo also have stakes in Mexico's Club Necaxa and Colombia's La Equidad, as well as the Formula 1 team Alpine. However, it represents Jackman's first dabble in the sporting arena, as he and Reynolds joins the likes of German F1 legend Sebastian Vettel and former world boxing champion Deontay Wilder in investing in SailGP teams. In a joint statement, Reynolds and Jackman said: "We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure. Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing. He will also be bringing his overly clingy emotional support human along for the ride. Apologies in advance to Australia." Featuring cutting-edge F50 foiling catamarans, SailGP pits nations against each other with the world's best sailors operating the speedy vessels. A hefty prize pot of £9.6million ($12.8m) is on offer throughout the season. 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. The Australian team have finished as SailGP champions on three occasions and are also headed up by Olympic gold medallist and CEO Tom Slingbsy. Commenting on Reynolds and Jackman's investment, Slingsby said: "This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport, having global icons Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds come on board as co-owners of our team. They bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humour that fits perfectly with our team." The BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team will make their official debut under their new name and ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix this weekend. The Australian crew, which partly draws its name from new title sponsor BONDS underwear, is aiming to defend its pole position on the leader board.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
David Beckham was 'given some s***' by Rob McElhenney after Wrexham U-turn
David Beckham was in attendance as Wrexham took on Birmingham City in September 2024, with Red Dragons co-owner Rob McElhenney making sure to remind him of his loyalties Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has revealed how he took a playful dig at David Beckham for switching his loyalties. Beckham showed his love for Wrexham when he joined McElhenney and fellow owner Ryan Reynolds to watch them play at Wembley in May 2022. But the mood shifted when the Manchester United legend turned up at the Welsh side's away game against Birmingham City in September as a guest of Blues minority owner Tom Brady. Inter Miami co-owner Beckham sat next to the NFL icon in the home end at St. Andrew's stadium during the League One clash. McElhenney, star of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", was also there and didn't miss the chance to rib Beckham about changing sides. Despite Wrexham losing 3-1 on the night, McElhenney insists it was all part of the learning curve after mingling with Birmingham's owners, including American hedge fund chief Tom Wagner, after the match. Speaking on the " Men in Blazers" podcast, McElhenney said: "I gave Beckham some s*** for changing allegiances. He came to our game first, and then I guess he went to go see Tom (Brady), but we actually had a blast. The pre-game was fun and I spent a lot of time with Tom, and also Tom Wagner, who's a fantastic guy. "At half time we were still feeling pretty good. It was 1-1 at that point and then the second half was kind of brutal. I sat right in the stands, and I think I was actually treated really well. There was a chorus of boos and some heckling from here and there, but at the end of the day, I think people respected my safety. "It turned out to be a great night, simply because I got to spend so much time with their team afterwards, talking to Tom Wagner, and just listening to him and what they're building." 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. The 2024/25 season finished on a high for both clubs, with Birmingham securing the League One title after amassing a spectacular 111 points. Wrexham also clinched promotion to the Championship, despite trailing the leaders by 19 points in second place. McElhenney acknowledged the considerable gap between Birmingham and the rest of the pack, which he said was evident as early as September, despite Wrexham's unbeaten streak until then. He said: "I learned that there was a vast divide between us and Birmingham at the time, and we knew that there was a reckoning coming at a certain point, simply because we had been playing so well and had blasted out of the gates. "We knew that we had built a solid squad, but I don't know that we built a squad that was going to come out and be able to dominate. To go to Birmingham with that roster that they had, and to even compete was going to be a challenge."
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Nathan Jones explains exactly what he meant after labelling Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham a ‘circus'
Nathan Jones explains exactly what he meant after labelling Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham a 'circus' Jones' Charlton side stand in the way of the Red Dragons this weekend as both sides chase automatic promotion to the Championship Nathan Jones has clarified his recent comments about Wrexham ahead of their crunch League One meeting this weekend (Image: X ) Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones insists he meant no disrespect League One promotion rivals Wrexham, after he appeared to brand the north Wales club a 'circus'. Jones came under fire for comments made in the wake of his side's impressive 4-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers earlier this week, a win that leaves them four points behind the Dragons, who currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot ahead of a crunch meeting between the two sides this weekend. However, the 51-year-old claims he had been 'misquoted', adding he was merely referencing the attention Wrexham receives. Article continues below 'What I meant was, what follows Wrexham around is a lot of pomp, a lot of ceremony, a lot of cameras, a lot of coverage, a lot of scrutiny,' Jones said. 'At times, that can be a distraction, and I don't want it to be for our team, so that's what I meant with that." Since a high-profile takeover from Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and of course the release of hit documentary series Welcome To Wrexham, the Welsh side's rise through the EFL has received international attention well beyond many of their rivals. Nevertheless, many Wrexham fans took offence when Jones said, 'It's a bumper game, we have to go to the circus and see what we can get,' about the upcoming fixture between the two sides. Both Reynolds and McElhenney are expected to be in attendance at the Racecourse for Saturday's game. Jones has said the pair have done a 'magnificent job,' since taking over ownership. 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 'I didn't mean the club or the players or anything, because they're a very well run, excellent club. The owners have done a fantastic job not only galvanising the club and taking the club forward but actually taking the community, which needed it as well,' he said. The original comments added fire to a fixture which already has plenty riding on it. With two matches to play The Red Dragons find themselves in second place, two points ahead of Wycombe Wanderers. Should the Chairboys drop points at Leyton Orient in Saturday's early kick-off, Wrexham could seal a third consecutive promotion with a win over the Addicks. Article continues below Kick-off at the Racecourse is at 5.30pm.
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
James McClean doesn't hide Wrexham dressing room's feelings on Rob McElhenney speech
Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney gave his star players a pep talk before their win against Blackpool, and captain James McClean has lifted the lid on how it went down Wrexham captain James McClean has explained how a pre-match speech from Rob McElhenney helped inspire the team to victory over Blackpool. Phil Parkinson 's side beat the Tangerines 2-1 away on Easter Monday to put them back ahead in the race for League One 's second automatic promotion spot. Former Republic of Ireland international McClean opened the scoring for the visitors just after the hour mark. Ollie Rathbone doubled their lead just minutes later, before Rob Apter scored a late consolation for Blackpool deep into injury time. The result saw Wrexham rise back into second, two points ahead of Wycombe following their rivals' 4-0 defeat to Charlton. Watching on from the away end with the 2,000 travelling supporters was delighted club co-owner McElhenney. Wrexham bounced back after a disappointing 1-1 draw with lowly Bristol Rovers on Good Friday saw them drop into third. And McClean revealed how a talk from the Hollywood star the day before the crucial clash with Blackpool helped spur the players on. "Yesterday we had Rob in and he had a good chat with us," he said. " [He was] just saying that all the outside noise is both good and bad and you've got to drown it out and relax. "Hearing that from the owners, I think it took a bit of pressure off the lads today and I think you could see that in our play." Fellow Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds gave a similar speech ahead of the club's 3-0 win over Burton Albion earlier this month. Speaking after the Blackpool game, Red Dragons boss Parkinson praised the sense of unity created by the two actors. "The togetherness of this club is second to none and that starts from the owners," said Parkinson. "Rob was in yesterday having a chat with the lads, just explaining how well they've done and what his perception of the situation is. "The lads listened and enjoyed speaking to our owner, as they did when Ryan came over a couple of weeks ago. 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. "I think what was really important for us is that when we drew last week, there was some inevitable negativity, because we hadn't beaten a team down in the bottom four, but we didn't let that affect us going into this game. "Today we've won, and obviously Wycombe have lost, but we're not going to get too carried away the other way either. Everybody's in training tomorrow and the lads will have a recovery session. "The other players are going to train, and we're going to be ready for next Saturday. Honestly, I can't wait for the game." Wrexham could potentially be promoted at home on Saturday if they win against Charlton, who are currently just four points behind them, and Wycombe fail to beat Leyton Orient. The Welsh side have just two games remaining this season as they aim to secure a historic third successive promotion.
