Wrexham fans had been waiting for a first seven-figure deal of the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era – and it duly arrived last week.
Wrexham have been on a sensational journey under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds so far.
Back-to-back promotions have catapulted Wrexham into League One and a third straight promotion isn’t out of the question.
Wrexham are in a strong position and Phil Parkinson has been backed well throughout his time in charge.
McElhenney and Reynolds have backed the signings of proven, experienced players who have helped Wrexham progress quickly.
A number of cash signings have been made since promotion from League Two with Wrexham bolstering Parkinson’s options handsomely.
Sam Smith on Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
Wrexham spent just short of £2million in the summer transfer window with Lewis Brunt, Sebastian Revan and Dan Scarr all arriving for ‘low-six figures’.
Ollie Ratbone and Modou Faal came for around £1million combined, but Wrexham have really ramped it up in January.
Ryan Longman signed for Wrexham in a £500,000 move from Hull City, initially putting him alongside Rathbone and Faal in terms of Wrexham’s transfer record.
Wrexham’s club record has now been shattered though after the arrival of striker Sam Smith.
Smith left Reading to join Wrexham last week in a multi-million pound move which blew the previously transfer record away.
Smith started at Crawley Town on Saturday afternoon and Wrexham will be looking for him to make a huge impact in Parkinson’s attack.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Smith has now admitted that both McElhenney and Reynolds have been in touch with him since signing on the dotted line.
McElhenney and Reynolds love the personal touch when Wrexham make new signings but Smith admitted that it’s ‘quite surreal’ to be hearing from the Hollywood duo.
Smith added that he is excited to have joined Wrexham having paid full attention to the club’s project in recent years.
“Yeah they [the owners] have [been in touch] which is quite surreal,” said Smith.
“I’m excited to be here with the project and everything that’s going on,” he added.
Sam Smith on Reading exit
The decision to leave Reading was not an easy one for Smith.
The striker hails from Manchester but came through the Royals after leaving Manchester United.
After a spell with Cambridge United, Smith returned to Reading and found the net with regularity, becoming a key man for a troubled club.
Smith sent an emotional goodbye to Reading whilst Royals boss Noel Hunt admitted that Wrexham’s ‘handsome’ offer couldn’t be rejected.
Smith added to BBC Sport that Reading is an ‘amazing’ club but he just couldn’t say no to Wrexham.
Promotion is the target for Smith and he believes that anybody would have been tempted to sign for Wrexham as the club continues to move forward.
“I think everyone is aware of Reading’s situation. It’s an amazing football club and I just feel for everyone involved there,” said Smith.
“But when an opportunity comes up like this and with everything going on there, it was something I couldn’t turn down. The project they’re building here, I think everyone would want to be a part of it.
“We’ve got a big squad and a good squad, we’re going to need everyone if we want to try and get promoted,” he added.
Smith couldn’t find the net on his Wrexham debut but will be keen to get off the mark soon – and an early goal would be no surprise given his brilliant League One record.