**Wrexham’s Rob McElhenney Earns Praise after Congratulating Oldham Owner Who Once Mocked Hollywood Takeover**
In a display of sportsmanship that has caught the eye of football supporters across the UK, Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has publicly congratulated Oldham Athletic’s Frank Rothwell on his club’s promotion to the English Football League (EFL), despite having been on the receiving end of Rothwell’s scepticism just a few years earlier.
The exchanges between the two men trace back to 2022, when Oldham’s Rothwell made headlines before an FA Cup fixture by openly questioning the credentials of Wrexham’s well-publicised Hollywood owners. In comments broadcast ahead of the match, Rothwell admitted to ITV he had “no idea” who McElhenney or fellow co-owner, actor Ryan Reynolds, were, and went as far as to challenge the long-term intentions of their headline-grabbing ownership. In what was interpreted by some as a dismissive dig, he shrugged off their presence in UK football, suggesting their motives were more about storytelling for friends in Hollywood than a genuine commitment to the Red Dragons.
These remarks came before Wrexham delivered a confident 3-0 victory over Oldham, commencing a memorable run that saw the Welsh club eventually promoted from the National League. Despite the stinging comments, McElhenney and Reynolds responded with warmth and humour, releasing a tongue-in-cheek video that gently poked fun at Rothwell’s life achievements and distinctive personal style. Far from holding a grudge, the Wrexham owners even supported Rothwell’s 2024 solo Atlantic row for Alzheimer’s Research UK with a generous £1,600 donation.
The cordiality was again on display this weekend, when Oldham Athletic sealed their return to the EFL after a gripping 3-2 win over Southend United in the National League play-off final. McElhenney, swiftly harnessing the good-natured banter that has defined his relationship with Rothwell, took to social media with a congratulatory post for Oldham and its chairman. “Congrats @OfficialOAFC and especially to you Frank. So well deserved!!!!! Love, some guy you’ve never heard of ;)” he wrote, making a light-hearted reference to Rothwell’s original comments.
Fans on both sides embraced the gesture, lauding McElhenney for his class and good humour. Responses on X (formerly Twitter) included warm acknowledgements of the relationship between the rival sides and their leadership. One supporter commented, “Amazing. Love how from that first interaction it was all in jest, no arrogance and from then was nothing but love and comedy and that @VancityReynolds and yourself clearly ‘get’ what supporting/following football is about.” Similar sentiments were echoed by others, with words like, “Class act Rob,” and “Absolute class and bants in equal measures,” highlighting the positive impression left on the wider footballing community.
The rise of Wrexham under their celebrity owners has become an international talking point since the 2020 takeover. Chronicled in the Disney+ documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”, the club’s back-to-back promotions have created an unprecedented global following and revitalised North Wales football. Meanwhile, Oldham’s own revival story has echoed some of this spirit, particularly under the energetic stewardship of Rothwell, who not only led on the field but inspired off it as the oldest man to row solo across the Atlantic.
Looking ahead, both clubs face new challenges in higher divisions, with Oldham preparing for League Two and Wrexham marking their return to the Championship for the first time in over four decades. The journeys of both teams—one re-energised by Hollywood’s glamour, the other by enduring local commitment—demonstrate the unique narratives woven into English football’s lower leagues.
The friendly banter and exchanges between Rothwell and the Wrexham owners stand as a reminder of the relationships and respect that can flourish amid fierce competition. As Wrexham continues its meteoric climb and Oldham cherishes a hard-earned return to the Football League, many observers hope that this spirit of camaraderie will remain a defining feature of the beautiful game.
While rivalries may persist on the pitch, the mutual respect shown off it by figures like McElhenney and Rothwell offers a positive example for fans and football clubs alike, reinforcing the notion that passion for football can unite rather than divide.