The Incredible Rise of Wrexham Association Football Club

So you think you know football? Let me tell you a story that will blow your mind. It’s the tale of Wrexham AFC, a tiny football club from North Wales that has achieved the unthinkable. Just a few years ago, Wrexham was in shambles. They were facing bankruptcy, stuck in the lower leagues, and struggling to attract more than a couple thousand fans to their crumbling stadium. But through a series of events so improbable they seem pulled from a Hollywood script, Wrexham has undergone a meteoric rise to become the biggest phenomenon in sports. Their rags-to-riches story has captivated fans around the world and turned a small town in Wales into the epicentre of the football universe. This is how Wrexham AFC, against all odds, became a global inspiration. Sit back and get ready for the incredible untold story of the club that refused to die.

The Humble Beginnings of Historic Wrexham AFC

If you’re not familiar with Wrexham AFC, you’re not alone. This Welsh football club has spent most of its long history in relative obscurity, despite being one of the oldest professional clubs on the planet.

Founded in 1864, Wrexham AFC is the third-oldest pro football club in the world. They’ve won the Welsh Cup a record 23 times and even defeated the mighty Arsenal in the FA Cup back in the 90s. Yet for decades, they’ve been battling it out in the lower divisions of English football, far from the glamour of the Premier League.

All that started to change in late 2020 when rumours emerged of a takeover bid by none other than Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. At first, it seemed too crazy to be true. What would a couple of Hollywood stars want with a fifth-tier football club? But Reynolds and McElhenney had a vision for restoring Wrexham to its former glory.

Reynolds and McElhenney saw potential in the historic club, believing that with the right investment and vision, Wrexham could once again become a force. After pitching their plan via video, which included promises to immediately invest £2 million, build new training facilities, and always defeat arch-rival Chester, the Wrexham Supporters Trust approved their takeover bid.

Upon takeover completion, Reynolds and McElhenney said: “It is a special day for the two of us to become the latest stewards in the long and storied history of Wrexham AFC. Together with the players, the staff, the fans and the local community, we can now build a plan for the club to move forward and return it to former glories.”

Since the takeover, Wrexham’s popularity and success have skyrocketed. Ticket sales have reached record highs. A sponsorship deal was inked with TikTok, the first global social media platform to sponsor a fifth-tier club. Wrexham even became the first non-league club featured in the FIFA video game series.

Reynolds and McElhenney have tirelessly promoted the club on social media, raising its profile in entertaining and comedic ways. In turn, the Wrexham community has embraced its new Hollywood owners. A giant “WREXHAM” sign now adorns an old coal tip, and the away kits are the same green as the Philadelphia Eagles, honouring McElhenney’s hometown team.

While results on the pitch are still developing, the excitement around the club is palpable. With its Hollywood fairytale and global reach, Wrexham AFC is poised to become a global force. All because two actors dared to dream big for a little club from North Wales.

With investment and ambition, Wrexham’s fortunes began to turn around. In April 2023, they achieved promotion to League Two, the fourth tier of English football, after 15 seasons in the semi-pro National League. It was a nail-biting finale, but Wrexham prevailed 3-1 against Borehamwood in front of 10,000 fans, including Reynolds, McElhenney, and fellow actor Paul Rudd.

The future is looking bright for this historic club. As Reynolds said, “This is the third-oldest club on the planet and we don't see why it can't have a global appeal. We want Wrexham to be a global force.” What an incredible story. From humble beginnings to Hollywood endings, the rise of Wrexham AFC is one for the ages.

Promotion Dreams Become a Reality

The 2020-2021 season was a pivotal one for Wrexham AFC. After years of struggling in the lower leagues of English football, the takeover injected new life into the club. Their passion and promotion helped attract more fans and sponsors, raising the team’s profile.

All the hard work paid off on the pitch. Wrexham AFC finished 2nd in the National League, earning promotion back to the English Football League for the first time in 14 years. The playoff final against Bromley at Wembley Stadium was a nail-biter, going to extra time before Wrexham triumphed 2-1.

Reynolds and McElhenney were there to celebrate, embracing the players and fans. “What a perfect Hollywood ending to a remarkable story,” Reynolds tweeted. The co-chairmen had delivered on their promise to get the club promoted within two years.

The promotion parade through Wrexham city centre attracted over 20,000 fans, a sign of how much the community has embraced its famous new owners. After years in the doldrums, Wrexham AFC and the town itself seem to have rediscovered their mojo.

What's Next for the Red Dragons?

With promotion secured, what’s next for the Red Dragons? After years of languishing in the lower leagues, Wrexham’s fanbase is dreaming big again. But Ryan and Rob know success will take patience and hard work.

Building for the Future

Promotion is just the first step. The co-chairmen have pledged to continue investing in the club’s infrastructure and youth development. Improving training facilities, recruiting top coaches, and nurturing local talent will help Wrexham compete at a higher level.

Strengthening the Squad

The current squad has heart and passion but lacks depth for a 46-game season in League Two. Ryan and Rob will look to add experience and quality, especially in defence and attack. Some new signings are likely, but the co-chairmen value team chemistry and won’t overhaul the roster. They’ll build slowly and smartly.

Community Connection

Wrexham’s Hollywood owners see the club as a community asset. They’ll work with local government and businesses to make the Racecourse Ground a hub for community events, education programs, and economic opportunity. Success on the pitch must translate to benefits from it.

Eyes on the Prize

The co-chairmen have lofty ambitions - seeing Wrexham eventually compete in League One or even the Championship. But they know climbing the ladder will take time. For now, avoiding relegation and establishing Wrexham as a League Two mainstay are the priorities. With passion, investment and Hollywood magic, the sky's the limit for this storied club. The next chapter of their incredible story is just beginning.

Final thoughts

So there you have it, the incredible story of a football club that refused to give up and ultimately rose from the ashes. When Wrexham was at their lowest point, the fans came together to save the club they loved. Through it all, their passion and dedication never wavered. Now they're reaping the rewards and proving that sometimes fairy tales do come true. The next time you think about switching off the TV or leaving a match early, remember the fans who wouldn't give up. Support your club through thick and thin, because you never know when your dedication might just inspire greatness. Wrexham's story is a reminder that in football, as in life, anything is possible if you have the heart and determination to see it through.