Wrexham Association Football Club, a name that now resonates far beyond the passionate heartlands of North Wales, has undergone a meteoric resurgence, capturing the imagination of football fans and casual observers worldwide. This venerable institution, one of the oldest football clubs in existence, has transitioned from a period of relative obscurity and financial struggle to a globally recognized brand, largely propelled by an unexpected Hollywood takeover and a compelling docu-series that peeled back the layers of a working-class town and its beloved team. As of mid-2025, the Red Dragons are not just a symbol of sporting resilience but a beacon of how modern media, astute investment, and unwavering community spirit can intertwine to script an almost unbelievable footballing fairytale, one that now sees them preparing for the highly competitive EFL Championship.
The Deep Roots: A Club Forged in History
The story of Wrexham A.F.C. begins in October 1864, a remarkable genesis that positions it as the third oldest professional football club in the world and the oldest in Wales. Its formation is intrinsically linked to the Wrexham Cricket Club, whose members sought a sporting pursuit to occupy the winter months. The historic Turf Hotel was the venue for this foundational meeting, giving birth to a club that would become deeply embedded in the fabric of the local community. The Racecourse Ground, its home since inception, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest international football stadium, having hosted Wales’ first-ever home international match in 1877.
In its nascent years, Wrexham A.F.C. quickly established itself as a dominant force in Welsh football. The club was a founding member of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) in 1876, an organization also established in Wrexham, underscoring the town’s pivotal role in the early development of Welsh football. A testament to their early prowess was their victory in the inaugural Welsh Cup final in 1878, defeating Druids. This was the first of a record 23 Welsh Cup triumphs, a feat that cemented their legacy in the annals of Welsh football history. For much of its existence, with brief exceptions in the Welsh League during the 1890s (both of which they won), Wrexham has competed within the English football league system. The club joined the Birmingham and District League in 1905 before becoming a founding member of the Third Division North in 1921, marking a significant step in its integration into English league football.
The Hollywood Prescription: A Takeover Unlike Any Other
Then, in a development that few could have predicted, Hollywood came calling. In late 2020, news emerged that Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, globally renowned for his role as Deadpool, and American actor Rob McElhenney, creator and star of the long-running sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” were interested in purchasing Wrexham A.F.C. The initial reactions ranged from disbelief and skepticism to cautious optimism. Why would two Hollywood A-listers, with no apparent prior connection to Welsh football or the town of Wrexham, want to invest in a fifth-tier club?
The actors, however, were earnest in their intentions. They spoke of being captivated by the club’s rich history, the unwavering passion of its supporters, and the potential to build a sustainable, successful, and community-focused football club. Their vision extended beyond mere financial investment; they aimed to tell Wrexham’s story to the world, to uplift the community, and to restore the club to its former glories, and perhaps even surpass them. In February 2021, following an overwhelming vote of approval from the Wrexham Supporters Trust members, the takeover by RR McReynolds Company LLC was completed for approximately £2 million.
The arrival of Reynolds and McElhenney immediately shone an unprecedented global spotlight on Wrexham. Their hands-on approach, genuine enthusiasm, and humorous, engaging social media presence quickly endeared them to the existing fanbase and attracted a new legion of followers from across the globe. They pledged to invest in the club’s infrastructure, the playing squad, and the stadium, with a particular focus on redeveloping the disused Kop end of the Racecourse Ground. Their commitment was not just financial; it was emotional and deeply personal.
“Welcome to Wrexham”: The Documentary That Changed Everything
A cornerstone of the new owners’ strategy was the creation of a documentary series, “Welcome to Wrexham.” Premiering in August 2022 on FX in the United States and Disney+ internationally, the series offered an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the club, the town, and the lives of the players, staff, and supporters. It was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its heartfelt storytelling, its authentic portrayal of a working-class community, and its ability to capture the raw emotion and drama of football.
The impact of “Welcome to Wrexham” has been nothing short of transformative. It provided an unparalleled marketing platform for the club, catapulting the Wrexham brand onto the global stage. While the club itself did not directly receive revenue from the show’s production, the indirect financial benefits have been immense. Merchandise sales soared, with Wrexham shirts becoming a common sight in cities far removed from North Wales. Sponsorship deals with major international companies like TikTok, United Airlines, Betty Buzz (founded by Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively), and HP followed – agreements that would have been unimaginable for a National League club prior to the takeover.
More than the financial uplift, the documentary fostered a deep connection between viewers and the club. It humanized the players, showcased the dedication of the manager, Phil Parkinson, and highlighted the profound importance of the football club to the identity and well-being of Wrexham. Stories of local pub owners, electricians, and die-hard fans resonated with audiences, creating a global community of Wrexham supporters. The series has also been credited with boosting tourism in Wrexham and raising the town’s international profile significantly. The fourth installment of the series has been filmed, promising to continue this captivating narrative as the club navigates new heights.
The Fairytale on the Pitch: Back-to-Back-to-Back Promotions
The Hollywood investment and the global exposure were coupled with a determined effort to achieve success on the pitch. Manager Phil Parkinson, an experienced campaigner with a track record of promotions, was entrusted with leading the team. Significant investment was made in the playing squad, attracting players with Football League experience who were drawn by the ambition of the project.
The 2021-22 season, the first full season under the new ownership, ended in playoff heartbreak, but the foundations were laid. The following season, 2022-23, was a story of relentless determination and record-breaking achievements. Wrexham engaged in a titanic battle with Notts County for the National League title, with both teams accumulating an extraordinary number of points. Ultimately, Wrexham clinched the championship and the solitary automatic promotion spot, amassing a staggering 111 points – the highest ever tally in the top five tiers of English football. This historic promotion ended their 15-year exile from the Football League and sparked scenes of wild celebration in Wrexham.
The momentum did not stop there. In their first season back in EFL League Two (2023-24), Wrexham once again defied expectations. Displaying a potent attacking style and remarkable resilience, they secured a second successive promotion, finishing as runners-up. This incredible feat meant they would compete in EFL League One for the 2024-25 season.
The fairytale continued its astonishing trajectory. During the 2024-25 League One campaign, Wrexham once again proved their mettle. Under Parkinson’s astute guidance and fueled by the goals of talismanic striker Paul Mullin and a squad brimming with talent and determination, they achieved an unprecedented third consecutive promotion. In April 2025, their place in the EFL Championship for the 2025-26 season was confirmed, marking a historic first in English football history – three successive promotions from the fifth tier to the second tier. This meteoric rise through the divisions is a testament to the strategic planning, financial backing, and the sheer willpower embedded within the club.
The Racecourse Ground: Rebuilding a Fortress
Central to the owners’ vision is the redevelopment of the historic Racecourse Ground. The stadium, while rich in heritage, was in need of significant modernization to match the club’s burgeoning ambitions and growing fanbase. The most symbolic and substantial part of this redevelopment is the construction of a new Kop stand. The original Kop, a traditional terraced stand, had been out of use for years due to safety concerns.
The plan is to build a new 5,500-capacity stand that will not only increase the stadium’s overall capacity (currently around 13,341 with a temporary stand in place of the old Kop) but also provide modern facilities for supporters, including hospitality areas and potentially office space. The design of the new Kop is intended to be a landmark, a “unique piece of stadium architecture” that pays homage to Wrexham’s industrial heritage, particularly its roots in mining and brickmaking. Player uniforms have even featured a “1934” patch, honoring the victims of the Gresford colliery disaster, many of whom were due to attend a Wrexham match.
The Kop redevelopment is more than just a construction project; it’s viewed as a key element in the club’s continued expansion and a catalyst for wider regeneration in Wrexham, particularly the “Wrexham Gateway” project aimed at revitalizing the area around the main railway station. The project has navigated complex funding, planning, and legal landscapes, a saga in itself that has been chronicled in “Welcome to Wrexham.” By June 2026, the new stand is expected to be a prominent feature of the Wrexham skyline. The integration of modern Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies in the stadium’s revitalization highlights a commitment to innovative and sustainable development, incorporating features like solar panels and biodiversity enhancements.
FAQs
What league are Wrexham A.F.C. currently in?
As of the upcoming 2025-2026 football season, Wrexham A.F.C. will compete in the EFL Championship, which is the second tier of the English football league system. This follows an extraordinary period of success for the club, achieving three successive promotions: from the National League to EFL League Two in 2023, then to EFL League One in 2024, and most recently securing promotion to the EFL Championship in April 2025 after a successful 2024-2025 League One campaign.
What is the significance of the Racecourse Ground?
The Racecourse Ground is the home stadium of Wrexham A.F.C. and has been since the club’s formation in 1864. It holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s oldest international football stadium that still hosts international matches, having staged Wales’ first-ever home international fixture in 1877. The stadium is currently undergoing significant redevelopment, most notably the construction of a new 5,500-capacity Kop stand, to increase capacity and modernize facilities.
Who are some of Wrexham A.F.C.’s key players?
While the squad evolves with each promotion, striker Paul Mullin has been a talismanic figure for Wrexham since joining in 2021. His prolific goal-scoring record has been crucial to their recent promotions, and he has become a fan favorite. Other players have also played significant roles during this period of success, and the club is continually looking to strengthen its squad to compete at higher levels, especially as they prepare for the challenges of the EFL Championship.
How much did Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney pay for Wrexham A.F.C.?
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham A.F.C. for approximately £2 million in February 2021. Since the takeover, they have invested significantly more into the club, covering operational costs, player acquisitions, and infrastructure improvements, with reports suggesting their total financial commitment has exceeded £20 million.
Wrexham AFC Women: A Rising Force
The wave of investment and ambition at Wrexham A.F.C. has also extended to the women’s team. Wrexham A.F.C. Women (formerly NEWI Wrexham Ladies and Wrexham Ladies F.C.) compete in the Adran Premier, the top tier of women’s football in Wales. The club has a history of contributing to the development of women’s football in the region, having helped found the North Wales Women’s Football League in 2003 and the Welsh Premier Women’s League (now Adran Premier) in 2009.
Since the Hollywood takeover of the men’s team, the women’s side has also benefited from increased support and visibility. A landmark moment arrived in June 2023 when the club announced that ten players had signed semi-professional contracts, a first in the club’s history and making Wrexham the first Adran Premier team to feature semi-professional players. This move signaled a significant step towards professionalizing the women’s game in Wales.
On the pitch, Wrexham A.F.C. Women have shown considerable progress. They won the Genero Adran North title in 2022-23 to gain promotion to the Adran Premier. In their subsequent seasons in the top flight, they have been competitive, finishing 3rd in one campaign and narrowly missing out on a higher position in the 2024-25 season, finishing 4th. They have also reached the FAW Women’s Cup final on multiple occasions, including in 2024 and 2025. The team was granted its first UEFA license in March 2024, a significant milestone.
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