**Wrexham Co-Owner Ryan Reynolds Told to Stop Dishing Out ‘Good Luck’ to Rivals at Matches**
Wrexham AFC’s meteoric rise through English football’s lower leagues has captivated fans around the globe, and at the heart of this journey sit Hollywood icons Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Yet, despite the glamour surrounding the club’s ownership, Reynolds has revealed that immersing himself in the world of British football has been far from straightforward.
In a candid reflection on his role at Wrexham, Reynolds admitted that even as a celebrated film star, there are still lessons to be learnt—perhaps none more surprising than the etiquette of match day wishes. Reynolds disclosed that Shaun Harvey, a senior figure in the club’s hierarchy, felt compelled to intervene after catching him wishing the opposing side ‘good luck’ before a home fixture. “Shaun ran over and told Rob and me to stop it,” Reynolds recalled with a chuckle. “It became clear this wasn’t the done thing. That’s just football – I finally get it now.”
Such revelations underscore the unique culture that surrounds British football, where the lines between sportsmanship and rivalry can be tightly drawn. For Reynolds, whose previous sporting experience is rooted in North American traditions, the adjustment has clearly been eye-opening and, at times, humorous.
Since Reynolds and McElhenney’s takeover in 2021, Wrexham have achieved a fairytale run of promotions, culminating this spring with their ascent to the Championship. Reflecting on the timing of the pair’s stewardship, the 48-year-old explained, “I’m grateful we came to own this club at this stage in life. I’m not sure I would have coped with the emotional rollercoaster any earlier.”
Reynolds’ commentary goes beyond simple celebration. He described an intense, almost paradoxical relationship with football as a fan-owner. “I love it so much I hate it,” he admitted, describing the visceral highs and lows now ingrained within him. It seems this emotional intensity reached new heights during Wrexham’s pivotal 3-0 victory over Charlton, a result that confirmed their charge into the Championship.
Reliving the jubilant scenes from that win, Reynolds joked about his extreme excitement. In a conversation with the *Daily Star*’s Fearless in Devotion podcast, he confessed to repeatedly rewatching Sam Smith’s dramatic goal celebration, likening his obsession with the footage to a euphoric rush. “I’ve watched it maybe 50, 60, 70 times. It’s just addictively good,” he said.
While deeply invested in Wrexham’s fortunes, Reynolds insists there’s a clear boundary between his involvement as a passionate owner and the team’s footballing affairs. “We don’t make football decisions,” he clarified. “But we always strive to nurture genuine connections with the players.” He described a personal policy in which he and McElhenney reach out to every new signing, offering their support from day one and making themselves available for guidance.
That openness, however, has produced its share of quirky moments, including when a player once rang Reynolds asking for help with a car rental. “When I said you could call me for anything, I meant something important—like an emergency, not booking a Hertz!” Reynolds recounted with a smile, highlighting the approachable but sometimes misunderstood nature of his involvement.
Despite the learning curve and occasional misunderstandings—be it with rival teams or rental car companies—Reynolds remains steadfast in his devotion to the club and the sport. For Wrexham, whose fortunes have been transformed by this unlikely Hollywood partnership, it seems the club’s story is only becoming more compelling.
The blend of humour, humility, and heartfelt investment that Reynolds brings continues to endear him to supporters as Wrexham march forward. It’s a testament to how the world of football—and its myriad traditions—can win over even the brightest stars, provided they’re willing to adapt, learn, and sometimes, keep their well-wishes to themselves.