Phil Jones’ presence at Wrexham v QPR explained after being spotted alongside Ryan Reynolds

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Wrexham fans were left a little confused after seeing Phil Jones sitting behind Ryan Reynolds against Queens Park Rangers.

We have become used to seeing some famous faces in the stands at the STōK Cae Ras in recent years.

Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds’ 2021 takeover has resulted in the likes of Blake Lively, Hugh Jackman and Channing Tatum visiting Wrexham.

That would have sounded crazy a decade ago, but Wrexham fans are now difficult to surprise when it comes to famous visitors to the STōK Cae Ras.

• READ MORE: Who is Ryan Reynolds? Profile, Films, TV Shows, Wife and Children

Why Phil Jones watched Wrexham v Queens Park Rangers

That stance was tested on Saturday, though, as a former Manchester United defender sat alongside Reynolds at the STōK Cae Ras.

Phil Jones watched on as Wrexham lost 3-1 to Queens Park Rangers, setting tongues wagging in the process.

Jones retired in 2024, bringing an end to his playing career after struggling with injuries at Manchester United.

The 33-year-old certainly wasn’t visiting Wrexham as a potential signing, and unless he had an unnoticed cameo in ‘Deadpool’, we can’t imagine that he is particularly close to Reynolds either!

It turns out that Michael Williamson was the key here, as The Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt claims Jones attended Wrexham’s game after being invited by Williamson.

The Wrexham CEO has been prominent in the media in recent months and seemingly extended the invitation to Jones.

Just how the pair know each other is unclear, with Williamson’s football history coming at D.C. United, Inter Milan and Miami FC.

Former centre-back Jones won’t have been impressed with Wrexham’s defending at QPR, but may yet be in contention for a job at the STōK Cae Ras.

Phil Jones has coaching ambitions as Wrexham look for academy additions

Jones told BBC Sport in 2024 that he would love to have a career in coaching.

Jones coached at Manchester United in their youth ranks, working with the Under-14 and Under-18 teams at Old Trafford.

The former England international loves to help players develop and believes his own experience in the game can help young prospects.

“I never fell out of love with football even when things were not going well for me, and I love coaching because I miss the buzz of being out on the grass, of being involved in and around the players, and helping them,” said Jones.

“That applies to any level, for any team, but I really love watching young players come through and watching them develop because I have been there, and I know what it takes to make it in the game,” he added.

Those comments, along with his presence at the game against QPR, have left some wondering whether he could coach in the Wrexham youth ranks.

Wrexham recently lost Nick Chadwick to Everton and have yet to confirm a replacement as Professional Development Phase Lead coach.

Perhaps Jones will be in contention for that role, with his desire to coach young players potentially making him ideal for what Wrexham are seeking.