Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney complete takeover of non-league Wrexham | Ents & Arts News
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Two Hollywood stars have completed their takeover of non-league football club Wrexham.
Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenney have taken 100% control of the Welsh club from the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST), months after the bid was approved by fans.
The pair have also invested £2 million into the club as part of the takeover deal.
The WST said that the new owners have made the funds available to the club immediately and add that “first-team player identification will be a priority”.
Money will also go towards enhancing the women’s programme, community projects and improvements at the club’s Racehorse Ground.
A statement from Reynolds and McElhenney said: “It is a special day for the two of us to become the latest stewards in the long and storied history of Wrexham AFC.
“Together with the players, the staff, the fans and the local community, we can now pursue our goal to grow the team and return it to the EFL in front of increased attendances, and in an improved stadium, while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham.
“Wrexham AFC is only in a position to thrive because of the incredible efforts of the Wrexham Supporters Trust. Their members are a fitting reflection of the integrity and spirit of the town and they will always have an important role at the club.”
The club has been fan-owned for almost 10 years, and had not been looking to sell up when it was approached by an intermediary about a deal.
However, members soon changed their minds when they learnt it was Reynolds and McElhenney that were interested.
A statement read: “The Wrexham Supporters Trust Board is pleased to announce the completion of the sale of Wrexham AFC to RR McReynolds LLC.
“Wrexham Supporters Trust now enters a new chapter, with thought required on the direction we take.
“We urge all supporters to unite behind our new owners, the club and the team as they look to return Wrexham to the heights we have all dreamed of.”
Reacting to their new purchase, Reynolds changed his Twitter name to Wryan, while McElhenney changed his to Wrob.
Wrexham tweeted its new owners’ “mission statement”, which read: “Invest in a permanent training facility.
“Explore the renovation of the Racecourse Ground.
“Always beat Chester.”
Moments before the announcement was made, Wrexham beat Altrincham 2-1 in the National League.
The club sits in 7th place in England’s fifth tier of football, behind Altrincham, Notts County and Stockport County.
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