Wrexham FC, a football club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is facing calls to invest in a new training ground after nearly nine years without a permanent facility. The team, which has recently achieved consecutive promotions, currently has to make do with alternate temporary locations for match preparations. Despite significant on-pitch investments including £2 million on two new strikers in the January transfer window, concerns have been raised about the lack of a dedicated training base.
Former Wrexham manager, Brian Flynn, highlighted the importance of a proper training ground for player development, stating that not having a permanent facility hinders the team’s progress. This sentiment was echoed by ex-Wrexham defender Mark Creighton, who emphasised that top-notch facilities play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talented players. These sentiments were further supported by former club captain Ben Tozer, who stressed the need for substantial investment in infrastructure for long-term benefits.
Ryan Reynolds has acknowledged the necessity of a new training base but cited challenges with planning regulations. The club’s CEO, Michael Williamson, has been instrumental in pushing for the development of a new training ground, urging for significant financial investment from the owners to drive such initiatives forward. While acknowledging the recruitment challenges posed by the absence of a proper facility, Williamson has asked fans to be patient while focusing on other priority projects, such as a new stand at the Racecourse Ground.
The Wrexham community has been eagerly anticipating the implementation of a new training ground, as it is seen as a crucial step towards continued growth and success for the club. Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership has brought significant off-field developments, but the lack of a permanent training base remains a pressing issue. As the team aims to compete at higher levels, the need for modern facilities becomes increasingly vital, not just for the players but for the broader community as well.
The Red Dragons’ journey under the ownership of Reynolds and McElhenney has captured the attention and support of fans worldwide, thanks in part to the success of the Disney+ documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’. While the club’s achievements on the pitch have been commendable, the spotlight is now on addressing the infrastructure challenges to ensure sustained success in the future. With key stakeholders emphasising the importance of investing in a new training base, the pressure is on the owners to fulfil this crucial aspect of the club’s development.