Why have Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds decided to buy Wrexham?

News emerged on Monday that the duo had been successful in their attempt to buy the Welsh club, who are currently in the fifth-tier of English football and narrowly avoided relegation last season with the campaign brought to an early end and decided on a points-per-game basis.

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.

The news of a takeover bid first arose in late September, with Wrexham revealing that the duo had submitted their plans to purchase the club.

While they didn't make a comment at first, Wrexham director Spencer Harris, who is also a director of the Supporters Trust, told the PA news agency: "It’s still at the stage where we have to finalise the deal and bring it back to the members at a second AGM.

"But I would like to think that Rob and Ryan think Wrexham is an attractive prospect with fantastic potential.

"People with the professionalism of Rob and Ryan do not come around very often and news of their interest is quite exciting for the supporters I’m sure.

"They are very driven individuals and very successful people in their industry.

"But from our discussions I can say they are both down to earth and want what is best for the club."

At its first stage, through a Special General Meeting called by the Wrexham Supporters Trust Board, 1,223 members voted in favour of the resolution, which made up 97.5% of the total vote.

In early November, both Reynolds and McElhenney gave their presentation over a video call where they outlined their aims and hopes for the club.

Reynolds told the WST meeting: "We want to be at the Racecourse Ground as much as possible – as many games as I can make.

"We want to have a pint with the fans. You’ll be fed up of us! We want to be great ambassadors for the club, to introduce the club to the world and be a global force."

McElhenney added: "The Racecourse hasn’t been full for a while. I have a vision of the Racecourse being full again.

"I’ve seen how packed it used to be in '77 – I’ve been watching a lot of films about that and I want it to feel like that again.

"We want to pack that stadium again. Ryan is much more responsible in his business life, but I get so excited by possibilities and what it could be. I want people to be so excited to watch the rise of the club and the Racecourse."

Wrexham, who have been fan-owned since 2011, asked members to then vote on the proposals, which needed to hit 75% approval to be passed. In the end, the duo achieved over 98% in favour for all three resolutions on the table.

In that November meeting, they revealed that the non-league club will star in a documentary to chart their rise under the actors if the takeover was approved.

McElhenney said: "That’s happened. We’re documenting it. We should be thinking about Wrexham the way Manchester United thinks about Manchester United. Engage in the club and community."

Reynolds added: "We’re excited to have some documentation, but no one has to speak if they don’t want to."

And this is where money can be made for both club and owners. A deal with one of the many streaming giants will attract a huge influx of cash, alongside the various merchandise sales and sponsorship opportunities that will no doubt increase given the worldwide fame of both owners.

Following the news on Monday that they have been successful in their attempt, the duo featured in a video on the club's Twitter account and started 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."

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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