Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been making waves in Wrexham since their takeover of the football club in 2021. However, recent reports suggest that the club’s wages may need to quadruple to remain competitive if they achieve promotion to the Championship. The current second-place position in League One puts Wrexham on the brink of a potential third consecutive promotion under Phil Parkinson’s leadership.
Since the duo’s acquisition, they have injected millions into the club, with the wage bill for players and staff reaching an astounding £11 million during their time in League Two. The signing of high-earning players like Jay Rodriguez, who is believed to be making £15,000 a week, has contributed to the club’s increased expenditure. Wrexham director Humphrey Ker revealed that in order to compete in the Championship, the wage expenditure would need to quadruple, a fact that was well received by Reynolds and McElhenney during a recent Zoom call.
Despite facing financial challenges, Wrexham’s annual turnover has soared to an impressive £26.7 million, largely due to the international attention brought to the club by the celebrity owners and the success of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary. The club’s commercial partnerships with major brands like United Airlines and HP have also played a significant role in supporting their ambitions.
Ker emphasised that Wrexham’s growth is not solely reliant on cash injections from Reynolds and McElhenney. The club has strategically invested sponsorship money into various aspects, setting a solid foundation for future financial stability. As the club continues its journey towards potential promotion, Ker expressed confidence in securing even larger sponsorship deals and TV revenues in the Championship.
In their most recent game against Exeter City, Wrexham secured a 2-0 victory, further solidifying their position in the automatic promotion spots with seven games remaining in the season. The team’s performance under Parkinson’s guidance has garnered support from fans worldwide, with the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary shining a light on the club’s remarkable journey.
Looking ahead, Wrexham’s focus remains on sustainable growth and success on the pitch, with plans to elevate the club’s standing in the football league ladder. As they navigate the financial implications of potential promotion, the club is optimistic about their ability to manage costs responsibly and continue their upward trajectory. Fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for their beloved team, as they cheer on Wrexham’s pursuit of further success under the ownership of Reynolds and McElhenney.