Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have come in for high praise after making history with Wrexham.
Wrexham won promotion to the Championship for the first time since it was rebranded on Saturday.
The Red Dragons dominated Charlton Athletic to become the first side to achieve three promotions in a row when starting in the National League or above.
This incredible journey began back in February 2021 when Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club from the Supporters’ Trust.
There was some skepticism at the time of purchase, but it’s become clear that the North American pair are nothing short of sensational owners.
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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s impact with Wrexham praised
Wrexham record record profits in 2023/24 – setting what is believed to be a League Two record.
They have achieved their highest league finish in 42 years as well and, of course, are back in the second tier for the first time since the 80s.
While it’s certainly a fairytale story for Wrexham, rival fans criticise Reynolds and McElhenney at every opportunity they can.
However, speaking on the BBC’s 72+ EFL podcast this week, Jobi McAnuff has been quick to shower the Wrexham owners in praise, highlighting their impact on the EFL.
He said: “I went to Wrexham when I was in the non-leagues, and again, a football club that was almost forgotten about. I think they were down for 11-12 years in the National League. They’re going to be in the Championship next year. The job that everyone at that club has done is absolutely incredible.
“And yes, money, money, money, but they’ve been smart with it and found new ways to get finances into the football club, they’ve been innovative with ideas they want to take the club forward, we should be celebrating it.
“They’re good owners lads, we talk so much about bad owners on this podcast, and in the EFL, they have been absolutely brilliant, love them or hate them from their personality and some of the stuff they do around it, they have transformed that football club and the EFL is reaping the benefits, and [in] a better place for it.”
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Phil Parkinson needs more credit for Wrexham success
While Rob and Ryan have obviously helped the club massively, the work of Phil Parkinson is not appreciated enough, McAnuff believes.
He said: “I’ve got to be honest, I think the job he has done from a personal perspective has gone under the radar because everything around the football club.
“Three promotions on the bounce, the fact that know one’s ever done it before shows you how hard it is.
“With all the money, all the resources, it isn’t as simple as that. Again, this is an example of a club with a plan, a strategy.”
Parkinson has become the first manager in history to win three promotions in a row in the EFL.
He was nominated for a League One award last month as well, though Parky lost out to Birmingham City’s Chris Davies.