Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have backed Wrexham heavily throughout the years but one player could save them millions down the line.
Since Rob McElhenney brought Ryan Reynolds on board to purchase Wrexham, the Americans have not been shy about splashing the cash.
The American duo, as covered in the ‘Welcome to Wrexham‘ documentary, were losing £1m a year for every season the Red Dragons remained in the National League.
Even after escaping footballing purgatory and returning to the EFL though, the Hollywood pair have continued to dig into their pockets and hand the club whatever they need.
In August 2024, Wrexham broke their transfer record twice – first signing Ollie Rathbone and then Modou Faal in a £590,000 deal.
With centre-forward still a problem position for Phil Parkinson heading into January, however, Rob and Ryan once again coughed up the funds to allow Wrexham to sign Sam Smith from Reading in another record deal.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds can save millions thanks to Wrexham gem
As Wrexham continue their rise up the football pyramid, the money required to compete is obviously going to increase.
Even in League One, the club are already lagging behind some of their competitors, with Birmingham City paying £15m for Jay Stansfield in the summer and Huddersfield Town also spending big in the last two windows.
However, the recent rise of one youngster should ensure Rob and Ryan don’t have to worry about spending millions on one position going forward.
Harry Ashfield excelled for Wrexham against Port Vale on Tuesday evening and big things are now expected of the 18-year-old.
Ashfield is a local lad and after coming up through their academy, obviously did not cost Wrexham a penalty.
Parkinson heaped praise on the Wrexham youngster post-match and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him given more of a first-team role going forward.
- READ MORE: Wrexham fans in complete agreement about Modou Faal after Port Vale – something’s changed
What position will Harry Ashfield play for Wrexham
Ashfield is an obvious talent with major potential but his long-term role at the Racecourse is still somewhat unclear.
He made his first start against Wolverhampton Wanderers’ U21s in October as a defensive midfielder.
For the academy, he generally operates as a right-sided midfielder but against Port Vale, he started up top.
Ashfield shone playing just off the striker, and that may be the role Parkinson opts to hand him going forward, especially as competition on Wrexham’s right is so fierce following the arrival of Ryan Longman.