SEEING a recreation of Wrexham’s local pub The Turf built outside California’s Levi Stadium is a sight few ever expected.
But this is the reality for the little Welsh club in their new star-studded era.
The Red Dragons are preparing for their return to League One – a stage they are not familiar with following promotion last season.
But what is becoming normal are Stateside clashes against the game’s greats.
Last year it was Manchester United and Chelsea, while this time around they faced the Blues once more in The Golden State.
While some are adjusting – for most it will never be normal to see them walking out at enormous NFL stadiums, an almost incomprehensible clash of cultures.
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You certainly do not see Stella Artois on sale for an eye-watering $20 dollars in the real Turf boozer.
The players still all stand on the pitch and snap selfies before the games, amazed by their surroundings and opponents.
There was improvement on last year, as Hollywood owner Rob McElhenney watched them grab a deserved 2-2 draw with Enzo Maresca’s men.
McElhenney is happy to stop for pictures and chats with those who come to watch and get a look at the club made famous by his ownership alongside Ryan Reynolds and the Welcome to Wrexham documentary.
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How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in style
Ryan Reynolds often has to watch his beloved Red Dragons from afar as he manages his business and performs in movies.
But while on set earlier this year he came up with a genius method to watch their games.
He hooked up a laptop to a giant green screen and broadcasted a Wrexham game over the projector.
Reynolds shared a photo of his set-up along with the caption: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
Fans are not quite flocking in extraordinary numbers – the 68,000-seater stadium was not even half full – but there is more than enough interest to ensure they will be back.
They also boast an A-list fan in Hugh Jackman, who discussed the prospect of Mo Salah joining Wrexham alongside Reynolds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
