Wrexham AFC has done it again—securing promotion for the third consecutive season. The North Wales club, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has climbed from the National League to the Championship in just three remarkable years.
Wrexham was in the second position on the table before Saturday's clash with Charlton Athletic, having an unbeaten run in the last eight matches. They settled scores by dunking Charlton into the back of the net with a 3-0 win at the SToK Racecourse and sending the fans into elation.
Veteran James McClean raised the League One trophy in pride before thousands of ecstatic supporters. And Dan Scarr was out there celebrating with fans on the pitch, relishing the club's history-making.
Making English Football History
With this latest promotion securing Wrexham's place in the record books, they become the first club to achieve three consecutive promotions in the top five divisions of English Football.
The third major association football club in the world oldest, Wrexham has had quite the story by the time Reynolds and McElhenney came to own the club in 2020. Their story has snagged audiences around the globe, particularly through the famous Disney+ series Welcome To Wrexham.
Hollywood Cheers on the Pitch
Reynolds sported Wrexham merchandise and celebrated every goal with McElhenney on camera. At the final whistle, both owners strode onto the SToK Cae Ras (Racecourse Ground) pitch to celebrate the occasion together with fans and players. Reynolds' wife, Blake Lively, also supported them from the sidelines prior to the match.
Reflections From the Owners
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Rob McElhenney emphasized the importance of the people behind the scenes, saying there were "so many that don't get the credit they deserve, people who aren't talked about."
Ryan Reynolds echoed the sentiment, admitting that bringing success to the club "seemed like an impossible dream" when they first arrived in North Wales.
Crediting the club’s spirit, Reynolds added, "the coaching staff, the greatest dressing room" and an "all for one, one for all" mentality were key to the team's achievements. "I'm speechless with their commitment and their emotion," he said.
As for the tantalizing prospect of promotion to the Premier League, both Reynolds and McElhenney smiled and said that's a dream "for tomorrow," ending their interview with a light-hearted mic drop.
The Players Share Their Excitement
Veteran striker Steven Fletcher also shared his feelings after the promotion, saying, "As soon as I came to this club, I knew it was something special. We want to go again. We'll reset in the summer, take a break and go again."
Meanwhile, Wrexham striker Sam Smith celebrated joyously in front of the home crowd, reflecting the unbreakable bond between the team and its loyal fans.