An official club statement has confirmed when Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s promise to Wrexham will be completed.
Wrexham were bought by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in February 2021 for a fee of £2m.
The Red Dragons Supporters Trust spoke to the North American duo pre-takeover to see if they were suitable owners.
At the time, Rob and Ryan made several promises to the fans, which have been outlined previously by SportBible.
- 1: A pledge to win
- 2: Team values
- 3: Turning the team into a globally renowned force
- 4: Renovate the Racecourse Ground
- 5: Training facilities
Now, one of those promises has been given a deadline for completion this week.
- READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s European Wrexham dream now more alive than ever after FA rejection
Wrexham confirm Kop redevelopment deadline
Wrexham’s plans to redevelop the Kop were made public earlier this year.
This week, meanwhile, £25m funding from the local council was secured, as our finance expert Adam Williams told us.
He said: “This filing is almost certainly connected to the stadium redevelopment, focusing on the Kop Stand.
“They got planning permission from the council back in March, but they have amended the plans slightly so have reapplied. There won’t be any issues there, I don’t think. The council is keen to back the football club given the benefits it is providing for the local economy.
“Specifically, as Liam Randall details, this new document is effectively confirming that Wrexham have got access to £25m in public funding to help redevelop the stadium. More accurately, it’s probably ringfenced to help redevelop the infrastructure around the stadium. That tends to be how public money is allocated.
“The charge itself is sort of like a mortgage, with the stadium itself being used as security. Basically, it is taking the Racecourse Ground as collateral to ensure that conditions of the grant are met.”
Now, Wrexham have confirmed in an official statement that they have appointed McLaren Construction under PCSA for the new Kop Stand redevelopment, with work ‘scheduled for completion during the 2026/27 season’.
The full statement reads: “Wrexham AFC have appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North under a PCSA (Pre-Construction Services Agreement) for the redevelopment of the iconic Kop Stand at the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use – the STōK Cae Ras.
“The appointment marks the start of Wrexham AFC’s long-term vision for the stadium, while the redevelopment of the Kop Stand will not only be a physical transformation of the renowned Racecourse Ground, but a cultural and symbolic landmark in the Club’s historic journey.
“The return of the Kop Stand will restore the ground to its full four-sided structure, reinforcing Wrexham AFC’s ambitions on and off the pitch. Under the PCSA, McLaren Construction will lead on developing final designs, tendering subcontractor packages and refining construction timelines and delivery strategies for the works.
“Early works will begin later this month. The full build programme is scheduled for completion during the 2026/27 season.”
- READ MORE: How Paul Mullin fared for Wigan Athletic against an old Wrexham promotion rival this week
Michael Williamson comments on Wrexham stadium plans
CEO Michael Williamson was also quoted in the official announcement.
He said: “The appointment of McLaren under PCSA is a pivotal moment for the Club, not only in delivering on a long-standing promise to our supporters but in unlocking the potential of the Racecourse Ground as a top-tier venue for domestic and international football.
“The new Kop Stand will be the heart of the reimagined stadium – increasing capacity, enhancing the experience for fans, and anchoring our place in our home city and as part of the wider Gateway Partnership regeneration plans.”
Once the Kop is complete, Wrexham’s stadium capacity will increase to around 18,000.