We all know Rob McElehenney and Ryan Reynolds are the men funding Wrexham’s rise through the Football League, but just how involved are they when it comes to landing transfer targets?
The Hollywood pair took over Wrexham AFC back in 2020, and the Red Dragons have soared from the National League right up to League One after back-to-back promotions.
Naturally, manager Phil Parkinson deserves a lot of credit for that success, but the financial backing of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds obviously plays a big part, too.
As Parkinson sets his sights on activity in the January transfer window, the Wrexham boss has now revealed just how much input the club’s owners have in that area.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds only get involved when a transfer deal is close
Reynolds was present at the Racecourse Ground over the weekend to see Wrexham drop points in a frustrating 2-2 draw against lowly Cambridge United.
But, while the Wrexham owner was likely disappointed with the match, his trip to Wales was not a wasted one, as he and Parkinson managed to get discussions underway on a plan for the January transfer window.
Parkinson told The Leader about the talk he had with Reynolds, hinting that another similar meeting will take place soon with McElhenney in attendance, and also revealed just how much involvement the pair have when it comes to actual transfer business.
He said: “It’s always a bit special when Ryan is over here because he’s the joint-owner of the football club. I’m in touch with Rob and Ryan through texting etc. as we go along because they like to be updated all the time.
“We’ve had a chat and we’ve got another one about that [transfer window]. Rob and Ryan only get involved when we’re closing in on somebody.”
Clearly, Rob and Ryan leave the specifics to Parkinson and his team, before having more of a hands-on approach when actual money is ready to be spent.
What are Wrexham planning to do in January?
With Wrexham currently fighting for yet another promotion this season, the January transfer window could be key to Parkinson’s chances of success for the second half of the campaign.
Wrexham have been linked with a move for Joe Gardner from Nottingham Forest, with the Red Dragons looking for extra firepower.
A move for Millwall’s Tom Bradshaw has also been mooted, especially given the uncertainty around the Championship side’s managerial situation in the wake of Neil Harris’ untimely departure.
Clearly, it’s all about finding a new striker in January, and it has even been suggested Wrexham will try and sign Jay Rodriguez, who is on the fringes of the Burnley squad but still has plenty to offer at the age of 36.