Phil Parkinson has now dropped one reason why he was surprised with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney when they tookover the club.
The two Hollywood superstars shocked the footballing world when they bought Wrexham in February 2021.
Many expected the duo to use the club as a way of heightening their acting profiles in the UK, however, those fears were soon diminished when they outlined their love for the club and city.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have taken to Wrexham like a duck to water and have engaged with supporters, given thousands to charity and demonstrated their understanding of supporters’ needs.
Not many owners, particularly in the EFL, make decisions with the fans in mind, but Wrexham’s leaders certainly do and that’s what makes them so special.
They have taken the club on some journey in three years, improved them in every department and celebrated their success together, although manager Phil Parkinson has now revealed what surprised him about McElhenney and Reynolds when he arrived.
What surprised Phil Parkinson about Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
Given their status as global superstars, it would be easy for them to oversee the club operations from the United States and rarely get involved in person.
What is amazing about Reynolds and McElhenney, though, is how involved they are with the local community and their close bond with the playing staff.
Some Hollywood superstars live in their little bubble, but Wrexham’s owners certainly don’t as they constantly engage with the players and enjoy the club like they are supporters rather than owners.
Speaking on the Fearless In Devotion podcast, Parkinson claimed he was shocked at how involved they were with the club after taking the job in July 2021.
He said: “The first time I met them (Reynolds and McElhenney) properly, when they came over, we had a meeting and I was surprised by how engaged they were about every single player, how much they’d been watching every match.”
McElhenney and Reynolds have set the standard
Many will have questioned their knowledge of owning a football club when they arrived, but they have certainly blown expectations out of the water by setting the standard in a pyramid ravaged by poor ownership.
Of course, they boast the financial muscle that is much greater than any side in the division, though Reynolds and McElhenney have proven it’s more than just about having deep pockets.
The love and devotion they’ve shown towards the Reds is contagious as it’s inspired other celebrities to follow in their footsteps and purchase a non-league club.
Wrexham supporters will feel incredibly lucky to have such incredible ownership to lead them into a brighter future as Parkinson’s side aim to continue their rise up the pyramid.