**Wrexham Co-owner Rob McElhenney Reveals Heartbreak Over Player Exit News**
Wrexham AFC’s journey through English football has been nothing short of remarkable under the stewardship of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. Yet, beneath the glitz and headline-making successes, there are personal challenges too—none more so than the emotional toll of player departures. McElhenney recently revealed his distress at learning one of his favourite players was leaving the club not from staff, but via social media.
The club, located in north Wales, has seen numerous changes since its high-profile takeover in February 2021. Celebrated for their involvement in the club’s unprecedented rise—with back-to-back promotions culminating in a Championship spot—the pair have brought big ambitions and global attention. However, the realities of football management mean tough decisions and difficult goodbyes are part and parcel of the process.
Discussing the emotional side of management during a recent appearance on the podcast ‘Pardon My Take’, McElhenney recounted how he was blindsided by the news of a key player’s departure. According to the actor and producer, he discovered the exit—later confirmed to be one of his personal favourites—on X (formerly Twitter) through the player’s own statement, rather than through internal channels.
In a candid interview, McElhenney explained, “I was completely taken aback. I found out one of my favourite players was leaving the team by reading his statement on Twitter. The manager had spoken to him, which is the right thing to do, and then the player broke the news to his teammates before making it public. It was quite a shock, and it hit me hard. I didn’t see it coming.”
The departure forms part of wider changes as the Red Dragons adapt to life in a higher division. Well-known names, including long-serving goalkeeper Mark Howard and experienced striker Steven Fletcher, have now left the club. Meanwhile, leading scorer Paul Mullin was loaned out to Wigan Athletic for a season, marking a shift in team dynamics under Phil Parkinson’s leadership.
McElhenney, who is in the midst of legally changing his surname to ‘Mac’, has maintained an empathetic perspective despite the shock. He reflected on the changing composition of squads in football as teams aim to stay competitive. “When you get promoted, naturally you have to strengthen the squad. Some fantastic players give everything to get you there, but they may just find themselves edged out by younger talent due to the demands of the new league. It’s tough on everyone—no matter how much gratitude the club or supporters feel, parting ways never gets easier.”
The process has profound effects not only on squads but also on those at the helm, underscoring the deeply human aspect of running a football club. McElhenney admitted the necessity of such transitions but didn’t shy away from the emotional hardship it brings, acknowledging the immense gratitude owed to departing players and the challenges in moving forward.
Since acquiring the club alongside Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds, McElhenney’s personal investment in Wrexham has surprised even himself. During the same podcast, he reminisced about the origins of his partnership with Reynolds. What began as an idea for Reynolds’ gin brand to sponsor the club evolved into a co-ownership proposal, thanks partly to his wife’s advice about handling shared limelight with a global superstar.
“We went into this venture with complete honesty, admitting from the outset that we knew little about football. Now, I’ve fallen completely in love with the game—more addicted than I ever imagined,” McElhenney added, highlighting both the learning curve and the passion that has fuelled the club’s progress.
Wrexham’s rapid promotions and their fairytale rise have brought change, hope, and a touch of Hollywood magic to the Racecourse Ground. But as McElhenney’s story reveals, the emotional demands behind the scenes are just as real and complex as the triumphs on the pitch. As the new season beckons, both the club’s future and its ownership appear set for a blend of ambition and heart.