Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has now revealed the ‘increasingly important’ thing he does to persuade players to join the club.
George Dobson was the latest signing to be pushed out of the now-famous HP printer after Wrexham confirmed the arrivals of Arthur Okonkwo and Lewis Brunt.
Phil Parkinson is building a fiercely competitive squad and the additions they’ve made so far have been impressive, with Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough claiming they ‘can’t compete’ against Wrexham in the market.
That is largely down to the wages they’re able to offer in comparison to their League One rivals but also because Ryan Reynolds has a trick up his sleeve when persuading players to join.
Ryan Reynolds shares how he convinces players to join Wrexham
Wrexham are one of the most attractive clubs in the EFL to join at the moment.
Following back-to-back promotions and the incredible project Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have built in Wales, the Reds have an edge in the window when attempting to land their targets.
The Hollywood owners can sell potential signings that dream of reaching the peak of their powers under Parkinson, whilst Reynolds also carries out a different strategy.
The Deadpool star has revealed how he talks to every potential signing as he wants to make them feel like he has their back and is going to set them up to win.
He also wants his players to look at building their brand outside of football, claiming that is just as “important” as the qualities they bring to the dressing room.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand on the FIVE podcast, Reynolds said: “I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s always leading with honesty.
“I talk to every single potential signing that we have. In fact, just today I talked to a new guy we had, George Dobson, who just signed.
“You just want them to feel like you have their back and that you were setting them up to win. You want to make sure that they also understand like I am not going to make football decisions, I am going to make storytelling decisions about this club and its history and its future.
“But really instilling in them a belief in their ability and backing them in terms of whatever it is that they want to do outside of football because that is just as important.
“Like, what is your plan for your family? Do you have a brand? Do you have something? These are things that are increasingly important in 2024.”
Ryan Reynolds setting the standard at Wrexham off the pitch
Ferdinand was shocked when Reynolds said this is how he operates when negotiating with players.
But, he instantly wants incoming signings to be made to feel welcome and that is a strategy that has seen Wrexham harbour such positive energy in the dressing room.
Many players – including Luke Young and Elliot Lee – have described the dressing room as the best they’ve been a part of, and that is down to the Hollywood superstars recruiting the correct personnel.
It isn’t that common for football club owners to have long and deep discussions with incoming players about their private lives but Reynolds wants to instantly know the sort of person he’s recruiting, as well as the qualities they bring on the pitch.
It’s a dynamic that works perfectly as Parkinson and his scouting team can analyse the attributes they’ll bring onto the pitch, while Reynolds and McElhenney can get to know the individual on a deeper level and sell them the dream of playing for Wrexham.