Hollywood's Impact on Wrexham FC: A Journey from Non-League to Championship

Five years ago, Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney embarked on a remarkable journey by taking over Wrexham FC, transforming the club from non-league obscurity to the Championship through an extraordinary sequence of three consecutive promotions.

On November 16, 2020, members of the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST) voted overwhelmingly in favor of the takeover, with an impressive 98.6% of respondents supporting the bid.

Reynolds, known for his role in Deadpool, and McElhenney, the creator of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, officially completed the acquisition of the historic Welsh club just three months later.

Wrexham had been struggling in the fifth tier of English football since its relegation from the Football League in 2008 and was on the brink of bankruptcy before experiencing an unprecedented resurgence under the ownership of the Hollywood stars.

Their involvement has not only revitalized the club's performance on the field but has also elevated its global profile, thanks in part to a fly-on-the-wall documentary series and the attendance of A-list celebrities at matches.

BBC Sport Wales reflects on how Hollywood's allure has transformed the fortunes of Wrexham FC.

Hollywood Takeover and the Pursuit of Promotion

Early 2020: Wrexham director Spencer Harris is approached by an intermediary regarding a potential ownership change.

Summer 2020: Harris and fellow directors agree to a non-disclosure agreement with the interested parties, unaware that the need for secrecy stemmed from the high profile of the prospective investors.

September 23, 2020: Members of the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST) overwhelmingly vote to allow discussions that could lead to a full takeover of the club at a special general meeting.

September 24, 2020: Reynolds and McElhenney are publicly announced as the potential investors by Wrexham.

November 8, 2020: The actors present their vision for the club to the Wrexham Supporters Trust via Zoom, expressing their ambition to transform Wrexham into "a global force".

November 16, 2020: More than 98% of supporters vote in favor of the takeover.

November 18, 2020: Reynolds and McElhenney donate £6,000 to adapt the home of Wrexham fan Aiden Stott.

November 22, 2020: Wrexham manager Dean Keates reveals he has spoken with Reynolds and McElhenney and predicts they will elevate the club to the next level.

November 30, 2020: Former Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore announces he will serve as an advisor at Wrexham.

December 15, 2020: Moore tells BBC Sport Wales that Reynolds and McElhenney are committed to the club for the long term.

January 19, 2021: Wrexham announces that the board has finalized negotiations on the Share Purchase Agreement and exchanged contracts.

January 27, 2021: Reynolds and McElhenney donate funds to strengthen the Wrexham squad, even before the takeover is finalized.

February 5, 2021: The Financial Conduct Authority approves the proposed takeover.

February 9, 2021: The Hollywood takeover of Wrexham is officially completed.

May 29, 2021: Wrexham narrowly misses out on a National League play-off position after a final-day draw against Dagenham & Redbridge, leading to the departure of manager Dean Keates the following day.

The Parkinson Era Begins

July 1, 2021: Phil Parkinson is appointed as the club's new manager.

July 23, 2021: Striker Paul Mullin, the previous season's League Two Player of the Year, joins from Cambridge United, marking the first of many high-profile signings.

January 24, 2022: Striker Ollie Palmer is acquired from AFC Wimbledon for a club record fee of £300,000.

May 15, 2022: Wrexham finishes just short of the title, losing out to Stockport County on the last day of the season.

May 22, 2022: Wrexham is defeated 1-0 by Bromley in the FA Trophy final at Wembley, attended by celebrities including Will Ferrell and David Beckham.

May 28, 2022: Wrexham's promotion hopes are dashed as they lose 5-4 to Grimsby Town in a thrilling play-off semi-final, yet the club decides to retain Parkinson as manager.

June 29, 2022: Wrexham completes the purchase of their Racecourse Ground home from Wrexham Glyndwr University.

August 24, 2022: The Disney+ documentary series Welcome to Wrexham premieres.

November 8, 2022: A new Kop stand at the Racecourse Stadium receives planning approval from the council.

December 9, 2022: King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, visit and meet the club's players, staff, and owners.

January 7, 2023: Wrexham achieves a stunning upset by knocking Championship side Coventry City out of the FA Cup third round in a thrilling seven-goal match.

January 29, 2023: Wrexham is denied a famous FA Cup fourth-round victory as Sheffield United equalizes late, leading to a 3-1 loss in the replay at Bramall Lane.

February 3, 2023: The club announces it will compete in the United States for the first time in a 32-team, seven-a-side tournament with a $1 million prize.

Hollywood's Impact on Wrexham FC: A Journey from Non-League to Championship

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