**Wrexham’s Meteoric Rise: James McClean Reflects on the Influence of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney**
Wrexham AFC’s remarkable journey from the lower tiers of English football to the Championship has become one of the sport’s most compelling stories, thanks in no small part to their dynamic ownership duo, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. As the club prepares for its first Championship campaign in 43 years, team captain James McClean has offered candid insights into the ambitious Welsh side’s inner workings—and the vital, yet carefully balanced, involvement of its famous co-owners.
Since purchasing Wrexham over four years ago, Reynolds and McElhenney have played a pivotal role in transforming the club’s fortunes. The club, which seemed destined for obscurity in the National League, now finds itself competing among English football’s elite, having achieved three consecutive promotions under manager Phil Parkinson. Central to this dramatic ascent has been the stewardship of the high-profile owners, whose impact reaches far beyond the novelty of celebrity.
James McClean, who has made a significant impact in his role as club captain and wing-back, credits the duo for their hands-off approach with team matters. “It’s brilliant here and I’ve found somewhere I genuinely feel valued,” McClean told the Irish News recently. “The respect I’ve received has made me want to give everything back.” Now 36, the former Republic of Ireland international claims that his time at Wrexham has reignited his enthusiasm for the game.
The leadership of Reynolds and McElhenney has been widely praised—not for interfering in tactics or player selections, but for empowering those they trust. McClean was quick to stress that the owners leave football decisions to the professionals. Instead, their focus stays on broader club development: boosting commercial success, supporting the squad emotionally, and raising Wrexham’s global profile through the successful Disney+ documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham.’
This remarkably effective partnership between owner and manager has drawn admiration from within the club. “Rob and Ryan are 100 per cent involved, but they’re clever; they know when to let the football people run things,” McClean added. “To have owners that supportive and engaged—but in the right way—it’s hard to describe the positive effect it’s had.” Many fans and observers share the sense that Wrexham’s rebirth could be a model for small clubs caught between tradition and modern commercial realities.
As preparations intensify for the Championship season, Parkinson has moved to bolster his squad with important new signings, including Plymouth’s Ryan Hardie and Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward. Further additions are widely expected, as the club seeks to defy critics who suggest a fourth straight promotion—to the Premier League—would be an impossible dream.
Despite widespread scepticism, McClean remains bullish about Wrexham’s chances. “Some people say three in a row is impossible, and four is just out of the question,” he observed. “But nobody expected us to do what we’ve already done, so I wouldn’t write us off.” The mood around the club, described as “like a steam train”, is buoyant as players and supporters dare to believe in further miracles.
The club’s growing fandom is not confined to North Wales; thanks to the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series, interest has surged globally. The team’s unlikely fairytale and unique blend of grassroots authenticity and Hollywood glamour have attracted attention from football purists and new audiences alike. With Wrexham now the subject of dedicated newsletters and enhanced media coverage, the community’s connection to the club is only deepening.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Wrexham as they enter an unfamiliar, more daunting stage. For McClean, however, the philosophy remains unchanged—embrace the challenge, defy expectations, and prove that the extraordinary is possible. “Every year we’re told what we can’t do,” he reflected. “We’ll just keep showing what Wrexham can achieve.”
As the new season gets underway, both sceptics and optimists are united in watching one of football’s most captivating experiments unfold—with Reynolds, McElhenney, McClean and Parkinson all central characters in an ongoing script nobody dares to predict.