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☆ Why US sporting stars like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and JJ Watt are piling into English soccer
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( Joseph Wilkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Brady joins the likes of Jordan Spieth, JJ Watt, and LeBron James by buying into English football. Former NFL star Watt bought a minority stake in Burnley FC, in May. Now, legendary quarterback Brady has unveiled a minority stake in Birmingham City. The rise of across-the-pond partnerships raises a question: what is it about British clubs that has suddenly captured celebrities' imagination? The rewards for success in the English Premier League can be astronomical.

Persons: Tom Brady, Brady, Jordan Spieth, JJ Watt, LeBron James, Watt, Spieth, Michael B Jordan, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney's, Simon Chadwick, Reynolds, Ralph Lauren –, Christina Philippou, we've, Philippou, it's, Chadwick, That's, We've, they're, there's Organizations: Service, NFL, Burnley FC, Leeds United, Liverpool FC, Fenway Sports Group, AFC Bournemouth, Disney, Birmingham, Knighthead Capital Management, Wrexham, L'Oreal, English Premier League, Sky, BT, Amazon Prime, Premier League, Manchester City, Portsmouth University, Wrexham AFC, Premier League –, European Locations: Birmingham City, Wall, Silicon, British, Wrexham, Birmingham, United States

☆ Paul Mullin: Wrexham striker suffers punctured lung during pre-season victory over Manchester United
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Wrexham striker Paul Mullin had to leave the pitch while receiving oxygen after suffering a punctured lung in the first half of the team’s 3-1 win over Manchester United in San Diego. It was an ill-tempered affair for a preseason friendly and Mullin was forced off after just 20 minutes following a late challenge by United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop. “It was a clumsy, reckless challenge in a preseason game and I’m not happy with it at all,” Parkinson said. “Wishing you the speediest recovery and hope to see you back scoring goals as soon as possible!”Nathan Bishop apologized after this challenge left Paul Mullin with a punctured lung. Despite only earning promotion from the fifth to the fourth tier of English soccer last season, Wrexham has become a global sensation after being taken over by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Persons: Paul Mullin, Mullin, Nathan Bishop, Phil Parkinson, I’m, ” Parkinson, “, he’s, we’re, Bishop, ”, Sean M, Jonny Evans, Elliot Lee, Aaron Hayden, Marc Jurado, Sam Dalby, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney Organizations: CNN, Wrexham, Manchester United, United, –, Real Madrid, Wednesday, Welsh Locations: San Diego, Wrexham, ’

☆ Rob McElhenney shares he was diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities at 46
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Marianne Garvey | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Rob McElhenney revealed he has been diagnosed with “neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities.”The “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star took to Twitter with the news, saying he will explain more about what he’s learned in an upcoming episode of “The Always Sunny” podcast with costars Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day. “I was recently diagnosed with a host of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities! But it’s not true :).”I was recently diagnosed with a host of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities! McElhenney has been busy prepping for the start of soccer season in the UK as co-owner of Wrexham AFC with Ryan Reynolds. He and Reynolds also joined actor Michael B. Jordan to purchase the Alpine F1 auto racing team.

Persons: Rob McElhenney, “, he’s, Sunny, costars Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, ”, you’re, It’s, McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Reynolds, Michael B, Jordan Organizations: CNN, Twitter, Wrexham AFC, Alpine Locations: Philadelphia

☆ HP joins United Airlines in sponsoring Wrexham, the Welsh soccer club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

WREXHAM, Wales - April 10, 2023: Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds watch their team during the Vanarama National League fixture between Wrexham and Notts County at The Racecourse Ground. Wrexham AFC, the small Welsh soccer club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, on Tuesday announced new sponsorship from U.S. technology giant HP . Wrexham Association Football Club was born in a bar in 1864 and is on its way to great things," said Wrexham AFC Co-Chairmen McElhenney and Reynolds. The formerly struggling club has undergone a remarkable transformation since Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the team for £2 million ($2.6 million) in November 2020. "We're excited to bring the power of our technology to the club and broader community, supporting them to achieve their goals."

Persons: Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, HP, McElhenney, Reynolds, Vikrant Batra Organizations: WREXHAM, Wrexham AFC, National League, Wrexham, Notts County, Welsh, Hollywood, Tuesday, HP, United Airlines, Wrexham Association Football Club, Wrexham AFC Co, Vanarama National League, League, Disney, HBO, HP Global, English Premier League titans Chelsea, Manchester United, Major League, LA Galaxy Locations: Wales, U.S, Palo Alto , California, Wrexham

☆ Rossi sees Reynolds' winning touch boosting Alpine
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

ENSTONE, England, June 27 (Reuters) - Renault-owned Alpine believe Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds has the Midas Touch to help get the team back to the top in Formula One. "Most of you were probably expecting Ryan Reynolds," Otro Capital founder and partner Alec Scheiner jokingly told analysts at Alpine's Enstone factory for a strategy presentation. Alpine chief executive Laurent Rossi pointed to Reynolds' track record in business. Rossi said the investors, who have paid 200 million euros ($218.88 million), would develop revenues through merchandising, licensing and hospitality. The deal values Alpine Racing at around $900 million and Rossi said the numbers were only going up.

Persons: Ryan Reynolds, Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Alec Scheiner, Laurent Rossi, Rossi, Otro, Goldman Sachs, Gerry Cardinale, RedBird, Scheiner, Luca de Meo, Alan Baldwin, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Renault, Formula, Wrexham soccer, Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, Aviation, Mobile US, Ka'ena Corp, Mint Mobile, Diageo, Gin, Wrexham, English Football League, RedBird, Fenway Sports Group, Premier League, Liverpool, Boston Red Sox baseball, Toulouse, Milan, Liberty Media, Thomson Locations: ENSTONE, England, Wrexham, RedBird, Americas, Las Vegas, U.S

☆ Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney: Wrexham’s Hollywood owners are part of group taking 24% stake in Alpine F1 team
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are part of a new investment group that is taking a 24% equity stake in Formula One outfit Alpine, the team’s parent company, Renault, announced on Monday. The investment group also includes Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners. Reynolds and McElhenney are the co-owners of Welsh soccer side, Wrexham. McElhenney and Reynolds celebrate with players of Wrexham's women's team during a bus parade celebration following its title-winning season. Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesThe statement says Reynolds and McElhenney’s Maximum Effort Investments will provide “successful sports and media experience and operational expertise in building high-growth companies.”

Persons: CNN —, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Reynolds, McElhenney, Michael B, Jordan, Laurent Rossi, ”, Rossi, “, Alpine’s, RedBird, Wrexham's, Jan Kruger Organizations: CNN, Formula, Renault, Otro, RedBird Capital Partners, Fenway Sports, Premier League team Liverpool, Major League Baseball, Boston Red Sox, Dallas Cowboys, NFL, Toulouse, AC Milan, Welsh soccer, Football League Locations: British, French, Italian, Welsh, Wrexham

☆ Wrexham's Hollywood owners join group buying into Alpine F1
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, June 26 (Reuters) - Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are joining Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners in an investor group taking a 24% equity stake in Alpine Racing, the Formula One team's parent company Renault announced on Monday. The 200 million euro ($218.10 million) deal values British-based Alpine Racing at around $900 million following the investment. Alec Scheiner, the co-founder and partner of Otro Capital, will join Alpine Racing's board of directors. Renault said Alpine Racing SAS, the French entity that makes the team's power units in Viry-Châtillon, will remain entirely owned by the carmaker. "Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners and Maximum Effort Investments, as international players with strong track record in the sports industry, will bring their recognised expertise to boost our media and marketing strategy, essential to support our sporting performance over the long term.

Persons: Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Alec Scheiner, Reynolds, Michael B, Jordan, McElhenney, Renault, Huntsman, Goldman Sachs, Gerry Cardinale, RedBird, Laurent Rossi, Alan Baldwin, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, Alpine Racing, Renault, Otro, Alpine, McElhenney, Wrexham, Welsh soccer, English Football League, Main Street Advisors, Fenway Sports Group, Premier League, Liverpool, Boston Red Sox baseball, Toulouse, AC Milan, New York Yankees, Formula, Benetton, Alpine Racing SAS, Thomson Locations: Alpine, Philadelphia, Wrexham, North America, Enstone, England, Viry

☆ Wrexham's Tozer slams EFL towel ban for throw-ins
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 24 (Reuters) - Wrexham defender Ben Tozer has criticised the English Football League (EFL) ban on towels to dry the ball before long throw-ins, claiming the tactics are not "anti-football". The new rule on the towel ban approved earlier this month will also prevent players from using items of clothing offered up by fans to dry the ball for better grip. Instead, the EFL will follow the Premier League's example of a multi-ball system to speed up play in its competitions from the 2023-24 season. "I might have upset someone in the EFL because they're trying to ruin my career. But they will first entertain their new-found fans in the United States when they face Chelsea and Manchester United in next month's pre-season tour.

Persons: Ben Tozer, Tozer, I've, Tony Pulis's, Rory Delap, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Rohith Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Wrexham, English Football League, BBC, Premier League, Tony Pulis's Stoke City, Hollywood, MK Dons, Chelsea, Manchester United, Thomson Locations: Wrexham, United States, Bengaluru

☆ Wrexham host MK Dons in fourth-tier opener, Saints at Wednesday in Championship
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - National League - Wrexham v Boreham Wood - Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Britain - April 22, 2023 Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate with the trophy on the pitch after Wrexham win the National League and promotion to League Two Action Images via... Read moreJune 22 (Reuters) - National League champions Wrexham will begin their League Two campaign at home to MK Dons when the new season starts on Aug. 5 after the English Football League (EFL) released its fixtures for the 2023-24 season. Wrexham, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, scripted a fairytale return to the EFL when they won the National League with a record 111 points last season. Southampton, relegated from the Premier League, begin their Championship campaign under new manager Russell Martin against promoted Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Wednesday, who overturned a 4-0 deficit against Peterborough in the League One playoff semi-finals, won promotion when Josh Windass got the winner against 10-man Barnsley in stoppage time of extra time to snatch a 1-0 victory in the Wembley final. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Boreham, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Read, Paul Mullin, Russell Martin, Josh Windass, Barnsley, Rohith Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, National League, Wrexham, League, MK Dons, English Football League, Hollywood, Cambridge United, Welsh, Southampton, Premier League, Sheffield Wednesday, Hillsborough, Peterborough, Wembley, Thomson Locations: Wrexham, Britain, Bengaluru

☆ Fowler, Spieth and Thomas looking to invest in Leeds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 15 (Reuters) - Rickie Fowler said he and fellow American golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are looking to invest in Leeds United after 49ers Enterprises agreed on a takeover of the English soccer club. Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani agreed to sell his stake to the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise after they were relegated from the Premier League. "There is the group that's moving forward with being involved with Leeds. Myself, JT and Jordan potentially will be a part of it," Fowler told Sky Sports. The trio are looking to follow former NFL player J.J. Watt and his wife, former U.S. soccer international Kealia Watt, who have invested in Burnley.

Persons: Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Andrea Radrizzani, JT, Jordan, Fowler, I've, J.J, Watt, Kealia Watt, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Leeds United, 49ers Enterprises, Leeds, San Francisco 49ers NFL, Premier League, Sky Sports, Burnley, Wrexham, English Football League, Thomson Locations: States, U.S, Bengaluru

☆ Wrexham plan match in co-owner McElhenney's Philadelphia hometown
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - National League - Wrexham v Boreham Wood - Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Britain - April 22, 2023 Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate with the trophy on the pitch after Wrexham win the National League and promotion to League Two Action Images via... Read moreNEW YORK, June 12 (Reuters) - Wrexham will conclude their United States tour in co-owner Rob McElhenney's hometown of Philadelphia, with a match against Major League Soccer (MLS) affiliate team Philadelphia Union II on July 28. The star of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," along with his Marvel super-hero co-owner Ryan Reynolds, helped to raise the profile of the Welsh club through their docu-series "Welcome to Wrexham," earning the team legions of U.S. fans. "We're looking forward to our tour to America in the summer," Manager Phil Parkinson said in a statement. The lovable underdogs secured a fairytale return to the English Football League in April after a 15-year absence and the Philadelphia match is part of a victory lap planned across the pond. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New YorkOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Boreham, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney's, Phil Parkinson, Amy Tennery Organizations: Soccer Football, National League, Wrexham, League, Major League Soccer, Philadelphia Union II, Marvel, Welsh, English Football League, Chelsea, LA, Manchester United, Thomson Locations: Wrexham, Britain, States, Philadelphia, America, Chapel Hill , North Carolina, Los Angeles, New York

☆ Wrexham embrace surprise American fan base on the road
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Instead, the club has become a source of intense fascination for an American fanbase often blithely ignorant of the English Football drama that unfolds each year across the Atlantic. "People are looking for reasons to be excited and feel good. And Wrexham is certainly a feel good story," said Brian Berklich, chief marketing officer at Sports Endeavors, whose Soccer.com is the retail and content partner for the tournament. "There's been a lot of heartbreak and mystery around the club for a good long time now. And what the owners have done is they galvanized the whole town and they've really brought more of a community feel," said Howard.

Persons: Boreham, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Jon Mugar, Mugar, Brian Berklich, Steve Nash, Cesc Fabregas, Mark Howard, Andy Morrell, Lee Trundle, We've, Howard, There's, they've, They've, Amy Tennery, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, National League, Wrexham, League, English Football League, English Football, Dallas Cowboys, Sports, Spain, Reuters, Chelsea, LA, Manchester United, Thomson Locations: Wrexham, Britain, U.S, American, Cary , North Carolina, TST, Como, Chapel Hill , North Carolina, Los Angeles, New York

CNN —At first glance, the idea of a former NFL legend and a former US Women’s National Team star wanting to bring “global eyeballs” to an English soccer club might seem an unusual ambition. Its inhabitants have also been hit particularly hard by the UK’s cost of living crisis, which hasn’t been lost on JJ Watt and his wife, Kealia. “Burnley is a special club. “All I want to do is help tell their story. “The success of the football club this year has given such a boost to Burnley and the surrounding area.

☆ Hollywood's Reynolds and McElhenney found success at Welsh soccer club Wrexham. But there's a warning for would-be copycats
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"There's a big amount of pressure and attention from the press, not to mention scepticism from diehard football fans. WREXHAM, Wales - May 2, 2023: Wrexham AFC fans celebrate during a bus parade following their league title win. One fan has donned the costume of Deadpool, the comic book character played by co-owner Ryan Reynolds. Hollis said they understood that "it would take more than funny Twitter posts and a documentary" to turn around a struggling club like Wrexham. This sort of dedication plays a crucial role in attracting more support from fans," Hollis said.

☆ Wrexham to play in seven-on-seven tournament in North Carolina
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 5 (Reuters) - Wrexham, the newly-promoted Welsh club owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, will compete in a seven-on-seven tournament in early June in Cary, North Carolina. The 32-team event from June 1-4 called The Soccer Tournament will consist of a group stage and knockout rounds capped by a winner-takes-all $1 million championship game. They will begin the group stage of The Soccer Tournament on June 1 against Italian Serie B club Como 1907, whose ownership group includes soccer greats Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas. Earlier this week, it was announced that Wrexham will play a July 22 friendly in California against Major League Soccer reserve team LA Galaxy II. Two other U.S. fixtures had already been set, with Wrexham facing Chelsea in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Manchester United in San Diego, California, on July 19 and 25 respectively.

☆ Wrexham paint town red with open-top bus parade after promotion to EFL
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/4] Soccer Football - National League - Wrexham Victory Parade - Wrexham, Wales, Britain - May 2, 2023 Fans light flares as Wrexham players celebrate with the trophy on the bus during the victory parade REUTERS/Carl RecineMay 2 (Reuters) - Wrexham's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney ditched the star-studded Met Gala to join the Welsh soccer club's open-top bus victory parade on Tuesday as they celebrated their promotion to the English Football League. Wrexham secured a fairytale return to the EFL following a 15-year absence last month after beating Boreham Wood 3-1 to win the National League with a game to spare. The dollop of Hollywood glitz has made Wrexham's promotion one of the most unlikely and heart-warming stories for many a season. Wrexham said the parade was also to celebrate the achievements of their women's team, who achieved promotion to Adran Premier, the highest level of league competition for the women's game in Wales. Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Wrexham: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney enjoy club's open-top bus parade
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are celebrating in style after both Wrexham’s men’s and women’s teams secured promotion in their respective leagues this season. The Hollywood co-owners joined the teams for their open-top bus parade through the streets of the city Tuesday. The parade is also celebrating the women’s team which won promotion to the Adran Premier division this season. Carl Recine/ReutersThree buses carrying staff and players from the men's and women's teams drove slowly through the town. When Reynolds and McElhenney took ownership of the club in February 2021, few could have imagined the impact the pair would make.

☆ Wrexham: An intoxicating tale of Hollywood glamour and sporting romance
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +22 min

In an often brutal and bleak world, the recent resurgence of Wrexham, the city as well as the soccer club, lifts the soul. The Turf pub is a must-see for Wrexham fans. But now, there’s Wrexham with a story that, in hindsight, feels as if it was just waiting for Hollywood. One of Wrexham city center's shopping areas, pictured on April 22. Wrexham fans celebrate on the pitch after their team beat Boreham Wood at the Racecourse Ground.

☆ Gareth Bale: Wrexham owners make audacious attempt to coax Welsh football legend out of retirement
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Oh, just arguably the greatest Welsh footballer of all time, Gareth Bale. In a video posted on the Twitter account of Rob McElhenney – one of Wrexham’s owners alongside movie star Ryan Reynolds – Bale is seen offering his well wishes to the club after its promotion. “Hi Rob, just wanted to congratulate you on your promotion and everything you’re doing at Wrexham,” the recently-retired Bale says. “Hey @GarethBale11, let’s play golf, where I totally won’t spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season,” McElhenney wrote. Gareth Bale is a Welsh football legend.

☆ Wrexham: Paul Rudd films emotional moment between Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after promotion
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

It was an emotional moment captured by fellow Hollywood stalwart Paul Rudd, who filmed the pair in the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Boreham Wood. After a moment to themselves, Reynolds and McElhenney then shared a long hug before the latter appeared to wipe away tears from his eyes. Footage and photographs on social media showed Rudd drinking in the local pub and meeting excited Wrexham fans ahead of Saturday’s match. Martin Rickett/PA Images/Getty ImagesMany other celebrities took to social media to congratulate Wrexham after its promotion into the Football League. Rudd appears in photographs alongside Wrexham fans in The Turf Pub ahead of Saturday's match.

☆ Hollywood backers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney help springboard a Welsh soccer club back into the big leagues
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

WREXHAM, Wales - APRIL 22, 2023: Jordan Davies of Wrexham celebrates with fans as Wrexham win the Vanarama National League and are promoted to the English Football League after victory against Boreham Wood. Wrexham, the Welsh soccer club owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, secured promotion back to the English Football League (EFL) system for the first time in 15 years. A 3-1 victory on Saturday over London-based Boreham Wood saw the club win the Vanarama National League title, powered by two second-half goals from talismanic striker Paul Mullin. The win meant Wrexham wrapped up the league title with one game to spare after a fierce challenge from Notts County. It will see the club ascend next season from the National League, the fifth tier of the English football pyramid, into the EFL League Two for the first time since its relegation in 2007/8.

☆ The TV Show Climbing Back Up the English Soccer Ladder
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Wrexham sealed a promotion to the English Football League after a victory over Boreham Wood on Saturday. Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesThe vast majority of Wrexham AFC’s century and a half as a soccer team in North Wales has been easily forgettable. The club has never played in the top tier of English soccer, nor has it ever won a major trophy. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney hoped that they could turn it into a winner. But they were certain they could turn Wrexham into a TV star.

☆ Wrexham secures promotion in front of jubilant owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Racecourse Ground, Wrexham CNN —Wrexham fans are still singing, they will likely be singing into the night, serenading their famous owners in the process, because the wait for promotion is finally over. On a raucous evening at the Racecourse, and with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – the actors who have transformed the club since their 2021 takeover – in the stadium, Wrexham secured promotion to the Football League after a 15-year absence. Wrexham will next season compete in League Two, the fourth tier of the English football league. New Wrexham fans, from Ohio, Los Angeles, Washington and Arizona, had come to Wales this week; some had tickets, some just wanted to be in the city to see for themselves what they had watched on TV. When Reynolds and McElhenney took ownership of the club in February 2021 few could have imagined the impact the pair would make.

☆ 'Why Wrexham?' Promotion provides an answer for Hollywood owners
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

On a night of drama, with Boreham Wood scoring in the opening minute, Wrexham won 3-1 and the A-list owners were in the thick of the celebrations -- hugging players and wiping away tears of joy. "The one thing running through my head over and over again is people said at the beginning 'Why Wrexham? "For us to be welcomed into their community, and to be welcomed into this experience, has been the honour of my life." Wrexham, relegated from League Two in 2008, are going back up with a record haul of points and as champions with a game to spare. Notts County pushed them hard and will be favourites to follow Wrexham into the fourth tier after the playoffs.

☆ Wrexham seal promotion to English Football League with blockbuster win
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - National League - Wrexham v Boreham Wood - Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Britain - April 22, 2023 Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate their third goal Action Images via Reuters/Ed SykesWREXHAM, Wales, April 22 (Reuters) - Wrexham secured a fairytale return to the English Football League after a 15-year absence with their Hollywood owners watching on as they beat Boreham Wood 3-1 to win the National League with a game to spare on Saturday. All eyes were on the Welsh club owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they sought the victory that would secure their emotional return to League Two. Wrexham then turned on the style after the break with striker Paul Mullin scoring twice, his second goal in the 71st minute kick-starting the promotion party. Promotion rivals Notts County had earlier beaten Maidstone 5-2 to raise the stakes but Wrexham responded in blockbuster fashion to seal the title. Reporting by Martyn Herman in London Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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