Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney form Hollywood takeover of lowly football club

Ryan Reynolds and a fellow Hollywood star have taken an unusual career turn, swapping red carpets for something less glamorous.

Ryan Reynolds is tackling something new.

Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds’ proposed takeover of lowly Welsh football team Wrexham has been approved by the club’s supporters trust.

Wrexham play in the fifth-tier of English football — far removed from the glamour and worldwide reach of the elite Premier League.

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But that did not stop Deadpool star Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney, from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, saying they wanted to turn the team into a “global force”.

Now, after a week-long vote, Wrexham Supporters Trust members have given the Hollywood duo their overwhelming backing, with 1809 out of more than 2000 eligible voters lining up behind them at a special general meeting.

“Subject to final agreement, league and FA (Football Association) confirmation — the RR McReynolds Company, LLC will take 100 per cent control of Wrexham Football Club Limited from the WST,” said a Supporters Trust statement.

“Both parties will now proceed with finalising the details of the takeover, and we will update Wrexham supporters as soon as we can.”

Wrexham have been in fan ownership since 2011 and the planned takeover could see an investment of up to $AUD3.6 million in the north Wales club, with the possibility of a documentary film on life at the Racecourse Ground as well.

Reynolds and McElhenney presented their vision to trust members during a virtual meeting on November 8 where they said they wanted to attend as many games as possible and “have a pint with the fans”.

Ryan Reynolds has gone from Hollywood to fifth-tier league football.

Wrexham will be hoping McElhenney and Reynolds are the dream team.

Monday’s WST statement added: “As Wrexham supporters, we would like to wish them the very best of luck in charge of our football club and look forward to what the future brings.”

Wrexham director Spencer Harris told the BBC: “This deal, we had to get it and land it to put it in front of supporters once it was in the offing.

“I was delighted we were able to do that and now I’m really delighted for supporters who voted overwhelmingly to take the club forward in this direction.”

Reynolds and McElhenney appeared in a comical video released on Wrexham’s social media accounts on Tuesday (AEDT) where they spruiked team sponsor Ifor Williams Trailers.

Reynolds: Why are Rob and I pitching a north Walian trailer manufacturer?

McElhenney: Well, because we just became owners of Wrexham Association Football Club, and they’re our team sponsor. You may have never heard of Wrexham, the Racecourse Ground or Ifor Williams but you will. So to the Wrexham Supporters Trust, thankyou for your faith and trust in us.

Reynolds: We’re humbled, and we’re already getting to work. This is really happening.

A message from our owners-elect...

Welcome to Wrexham AFC, @RMcElhenney and @VancityReynolds 🥳

🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/ho1vV8cvry

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) November 16, 2020

AFP