Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds constantly receive praise, with Elliot Lee the latest to share his adulation for the duo.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for Wrexham, who are just two days away from beginning their League One campaign at home to Wycombe Wanderers.
The Welsh outfit have been propelled towards success by the riches and ambition of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Currently one of the most fascinating teams to follow in the country, many are excited to see how Wrexham fare in the third tier, with this undoubtedly the biggest challenge of their ownership.
Wrexham have become used to bathing in success under their American owners however, it’s their actions outside of football that explain why they’re so highly regarded.
Elliot Lee waxes lyrical about Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
Wrexham signed attacking midfielder Elliot Lee on a free transfer following his release from Luton Town in July 2022.
Dropping down the National League would have shocked many, but Lee wanted to go somewhere that excited him.
Speaking at the time, he told BBC Sport: “I wanted to join somewhere that excited me. I had a few EFL offers but after hearing about the ambition of this club, it was Wrexham for me.”
Lee has since repaid the faith Phil Parkinson showed in him by helping the Reds achieve successive promotions with 30 goals in two campaigns.
However, it’s just not on the pitch where the 29-year-old has developed a positive relationship, creating a bond with McElhenney and Reynolds.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the new League One campaign, Lee explained how they constantly check in on the players and see how they are, describing the behaviour as ‘unique’.
“They’re always in touch with a few of the lads,” Lee said. “They like to check in with everyone to be fair, see how you’re getting on. We saw them both out in the States in LA and Vancouver, so it was nice to see them face to face and I’m sure they’ll be over for a lot of games.
“But like I said, they always check in to see how everyone is, which is quite unique for owners and why all the boys have so much respect and so much appreciation for them and everyone around the place. They are genuine people like that and they actually take an interest in who you are as a person.”
Lee isn’t the only person to speak highly of McElhenney and Reynolds
Lee rightfully praised how quick the Hollywood duo are to get in touch with the players and it appears this is a common occurrence among his Wrexham teammates.
Paul Mullin previously said that Reynolds, in particular, is the first to text him after each game.
“I think Rob’s intending to be there,” Mullin said. “But they’re always there in spirit, and online, at every game. As soon as we leave the pitch, Ryan’s the first to text me, even before my missus.”
Veteran defender Ben Tozer – who was released by Wrexham this summer – also spoke highly of the American owners and didn’t rule out returning to the Racecourse Ground in the future, perhaps in a coaching capacity.
“I have had a couple of really good chats with both of them,” said Tozer. “They have both took the time out to make the effort to speak to me which was nice.”
“You never know what could happen in the future with the relationship we have and stuff but it is great the way they have dealt with it and dealt with me, and dealt with everyone really,” he added.
It’s refreshing to see owners continuously communicating with the players, as it shows they care about them as people, which was exactly what Lee alluded to.