Wrexham fans vote in favour of takeover by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
Hollywood duo Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have seen their plans to buy Wrexham overwhelmingly approved at a vote held by the Wrexham Supporters Trust Board.
The pair were first reported to be in talks with the National League club in late September and have since laid out their plans for the future.
Deadpool’s Reynolds and McElhenney, known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, set out principles for their takeover centred around protecting the heritage of the club, reinforcing the values woven in the town itself and making Wrexham champions again.
Both are understood to be prepared to use their own money, marketing and fame to help the Welsh side return to their past glory days of the 1977-78 campaign where they made it to the FA Cup quarter-finals and clinched the Third Division title.
Reynolds and McElhenney required 75% of the vote but saw all three resolutions approved by over 98% in each case. Wrexham have been fan-owned since 2011.
A very good announcement video from Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds after buying Wrexham.pic.twitter.com/JDXuvyhNM4
— Tom Carnduff (@TomC_22) November 16, 2020
In a video posted on the club's Twitter account, the duo begin by advertising a local trailer manufacturer before explaining: "Why are Rob and I (Ryan) pitching a North Walian trailer manufacturer?
"Well we just became owners of Wrexham Association Football Club and they are our team sponsor. You may have never heard of Wrexham, the Racecourse Ground or Ifor Williams, but you will.
"To the Wrexham Supporters Trust, thank you for your faith and trust in us. We are humbled and we are already getting to work. Holy sh*t, this is really happening."
In a statement, the club said: "The Wrexham Supporters Trust Board would like to thank Mr Rob McElhenney and Mr Ryan Reynolds, and their advisors Inner Circle Sports and Walker Morris, for their professional and considered approach and for the time they have already put into the process.
"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.
"We would also like to thank our advisors, Sheridans, Mackenzie Jones, BDO and Rob Parry, for their assistance throughout the process.
"Finally, to WST members, we would like to thank you for all your support since we took control of the Football Club in 2011."
Being a global force is the aim, but the club have to first find a way to reach the Football League. EFL title sponsors Sky Bet currently have Wrexham at 11/2 to secure promotion this season. They are currently 14th but have 38 games of the campaign remaining.
To go one better, it's 25/1 that Wrexham are promoted from National League in 2020/21 and then win promotion from League Two in 2021/22. It is 100/1 that they win both divisions in consecutive seasons.
Odds correct at 1600 GMT (16/11/20)
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