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      Never-before-seen FA Cup rule change proposed as footie bosses battle huge backlash to controversial replay decision

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      EFL chiefs will demand a change in the FA Cup prize fund after being left out of the decision to scrap replays.And a significant number of club bosses want EFL and non-league teams to have the right to decide whether to switch venues if they are drawn at home to Prem sides.EFL clubs are hoping to take action following the scrapping of FA Cup replaysCredit: RexClub chiefs in the lower three divisions are furious at claims they were part of the process that led to Thursday’s announcement, which came during an EFL board meeting.The EFL does have three representatives on the Professional Game Board, which agreed the proposed FA Cup changes and other parts of a revised fixtures calendar.But senior EFL representatives insist the ending of replays was effectively sprung on them at the end of a virtual meeting of the PGB two weeks ago.It is understood that EFL chief Rick Parry made the point that he had not been consulted – although it is recognised the prospect of replays being scrapped has been a discussion point for two or more seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL bosses are adamant there was not a formal vote at either the PGB meeting or the subsequent FA Council gathering where the decision was effectively ratified.And while there is a reluctant acceptance that the announcement effectively means the EFL clubs have been left with no option, that does not mean they will roll over.That, though, is extremely unlikely to see the “aggrieved” EFL clubs refuse to take part in the FA Cup in protest.Doing so would be a breach of the current tri-partite agreement between the FA, Prem and EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      It includes an undertaking by the Premier League sides that they will take part in the Carabao Cup which is a huge money earner for the 72 clubs.Senior EFL figures recognise that breaking the agreement would give the Premier League sides the opportunity to pull out of the competition and therefore wreck a major financial stream.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotBut EFL clubs are likely to demand a change on the prize money structure so that it is weighted more towards the earlier rounds of the competition.One well-placed source said: “It’s the lack of proper consultation on this that has caused the most anger.“The reality is that the EFL is outnumbered on these committees and sometimes we think our voice simply doesn’t count.“Realistically we have to fight a battle we can win and one of those is about prize money and how it is distributed because if we do not have replays and that income, it has to be made up in another way.“The other thing that has to be discussed now is whether clubs should have the right to change the venue if they are drawn at home to a Premier League club.“That was allowed a few years ago before it was stopped but many people think it has to be back on the agenda now.”The latest development came as football lobbying group The People’s FA slammed the decision to scrap replays as a further erosion of the game.Co-chair and former Charlton player Mickey Ambrose said: “Once again, our weak governing body is pandering to the needs of the Premier League.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmbrose has now organised a petition he hopes will be signed by all 92 clubs across the top four divisions to then be sent to FA chairman Prince William.He added: “Once again this proves the FA is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”The FA have received huge backlash on their decisionCredit: PA More

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      Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision

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      CHRIS WILDER led a furious backlash after FA Cup replays were scrapped.Yesterday’s deal between the FA and Premier League will end 151 YEARS  of tradition in the world’s oldest cup  competition, starting next season.Already troubled by Prem relegation fears, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is now also upset by FA Cup replays being ditchedCredit: GettyThe FA Cup will see replays disappear from the first-round stageCredit: ReutersMillwall chief Neil Harris slammed the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ decisionCredit: RexBut  it sparked an EFL demand for  compensation, while League Two Tranmere branded it a “disgrace” — and called for fans’ protests and the introduction of an independent football regulator.Sheffield United boss Wilder claimed it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.Wilder, who has also bossed Halifax, Oxford and Northampton, said: “The game is dominated and dictated by the big boys — and they don’t want FA Cup replays.“What does that do to non-league clubs who get into the fairytale rounds and the financial implications?READ MORE TOP STORIES“I’ve been at both ends of the scale. The replay is a great reward. I’d have liked them kept.”Wilder’s criticism was echoed by EFL bigwigs and club chiefs.Tranmere’s vice-chair Nicola Palios — the  wife of club chairman and former FA chief executive Mark — claimed the Prem and their boss Richard Masters wanted to ­“strangle” football’s pyramid.That came despite top-flight chiefs agreeing to pay a total of £133m per season to the lower tiers.Most read in FA CupBut angry Palios wrote on X: “The FA and the Premier League have reached an agreement to suit themselves at the expense of the rest of the football pyramid.“Why were EFL clubs not given a say? Why is the Premier League even dictating whether replays are allowed in rounds they don’t participate in? Protest is needed!Huge changes being made to English football schedule next season“Bring on the regulator and make sure it has some teeth before the Premier League strangle the pyramid.”Fuming Accrington chairman Andy Holt also posted his views on social media.He said: “Why would the hapless FA scrap early round replays that can be lucrative  to minnows? Against EFL clubs? I expect nothing less of Richard Masters and Co.”The changes to the FA Cup come in the wake of an expanded Uefa Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup — which both kick in from next season — plus the axing of the Prem’s mid-winter break.The EFL were involved in discussions over the domestic calendar, including the potential end of two-legged Carabao Cup semis.But they pulled out of the talks over the failure of the Prem to agree a new funding deal for the lower divisions.EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the decision was “frustrating and disappointing” and added: “Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of Uefa competitions.“This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever.“We will now be and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”Tranmere vice-chair Nicola Palios claims the FA and Prem have ditched replays to ‘suit themselves’ rather than the wider football pyramidCredit: PAAnd Millwall boss Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”Under the new agreement, all Cup rounds will return to weekend dates with the final played on the penultimate Saturday of the campaign and not as the season finale.Changes to prize money — which could involve compensation to lower-league clubs for the loss of replay income — have yet to be agreed.The 2024-25 Prem season kicks off a week after the Community Shield, which takes place at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.Niall Couper, chief of the Fair Game football reform group, described the changes as “another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid”.But FA chief Mark Bullingham insisted: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This agreement ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, whilst working for the whole of the English game.”And his Prem counterpart Masters added: “The FA and the Premier League have worked  to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football.” More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney blow Wrexham stars away with ‘humble’ attitudes as dressing-room antics revealed

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      WREXHAM goalkeeper Mark Howard has opened up about his relationship with “humble” co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney bought the Red Dragons back in 2020 and have since led them to back-to-back promotions.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have transformed Wrexham in recent yearsCredit: PAMark Howard (L) has revealed the duo have helped him off the pitchCredit: PAWith the help of manager Phil Parkinson, the duo guided Wrexham from the National League to League Two last year.And on Saturday the club’s second successive promotion was confirmed following a 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers.Reynolds was left in tears after watching his team secure a spot in League One, while McElhenney shared his joy from Los Angeles.The two Hollywood stars have been heavily praised for their dedication to the club since taking over.READ MORE ON WREXHAMAnd goalkeeper Howard admits their “humble” attitude in and around the Racecourse Ground still leaves players stunned.In an interview with OLBG, he said: “They have shown nothing but respect. They are humble people.”They have taken the pressure off the players with the way they have conducted themselves. They are a pleasure to work with and so are the staff they have brought in. “All hard working and humble people behind the scenes to make sure the players aren’t exposed to things outside of playing football.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tears”The popularity and growth is huge and we can see that but they have ensured we have all taken it in our stride.”They are people of their word. They have helped me massively. I’ve got my own podcast, Yours Mine Away, and Ryan kept to his promise that he would come on.”That has helped me massively to grow. They are the same with all the players, whether they have a clothing brand or other businesses. “I remember we actually had a meeting with Rob and he said anything that you have got going on, come and speak to us. They are good business people and know how to market themselves really well.”They have always been fully open to what we want to do in the background. They help a lot behind the scenes that people just wouldn’t realise. If you need a call or a text, they will answer.”They just get it. They know how to get the best out of people by being good people themselves.”Howard also recalled the time he met actor Will Ferrell, adding: “To meet Will was amazing. I remember myself and teammate Elliott Lee were in the physio room having some treatment and Will came in and we were soon cracking up.”He’s so funny. Hugh Jackman also came in. We are quite used to it now with some A-list movie stars being at the game.”Will Ferrell (R) is among the stars that have visited the team in WalesCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham set to give guard of honour to rivals on final home game of season despite already securing promotion

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      WREXHAM will give Stockport a guard of honour on the last day of the season after their rivals secured the League Two title.The pair have chased promotion all season long and achieved their goals last weekend.Wrexham will give Stockport a guard of honour on the final day of the seasonCredit: ReutersWrexham secured back-to-back promotions at the weekendCredit: AlamyStockport also won promotion before wrapping up the title on TuesdayCredit: PAWrexham crossed the line in fine fashion as they thrashed Forest Green 6-0, while Stockport beat Morecambe.And Dave Challinor’s side followed up their victory by thrashing Notts County 5-2 to win the league.That means Wrexham are set to give Stockport a guard of honour – as is customary for the champions.There will be a party atmosphere at the Racecourse Stadium on April 27 after the Red Dragons secured back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s 159-year history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWrexham will now compete in the third tier next season for the first time in 19 years.Owner Ryan Reynolds was reduced to tears as he hailed the promotion.He wrote on X: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney.”Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”Most read in EFLHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.

      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCo-owner Rob McElhenney expressed his regret that he could not be in Wales to witness the promotion in person, and said the time away from the club to film in Hollywood was “killing him”.He has since posted on X to celebrate his club’s promotion, tweeting Wrexham’s stadium announcer to say: “Hey @m_griffiths92 noticed you’re reading tweets. My son and I just wanted to say hi from Los Angeles. Quite a lovely day, huh? #askwxm”He then quoted a post from the club celebrating promotion saying: “No words ❤️”Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson soaks up applause after winning promotion to League One More

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      Will Ferrell had Wrexham stars cracking up in physio room but he’s not the only A-list movie star we’ve met, says keeper

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      WREXHAM’S Hollywood fairy tale continued on Saturday as they were promoted to League One.It came after a 6-0 battering of Forest Green Rovers and promotion rivals MK Dons dropping points confirmed they were going up.Ferrell watched Wrexham alongside David Beckham and Ryan Reynolds in the 2022 FA Trophy finalCredit: GettyMark Howard (centre) says Will Ferrell cracked the team upCredit: PAThe announcement that the Dons had lost prompted a massive pitch invasion and wild scenes at full-time.It’s the Red Dragons’ second promotion on the bounce and represents the rapid progress the club has made since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney tookover the club in 2020.Their Hollywood ownership and Disney documentary series has seen Wrexham become an unlikely tourist destination for celebrity fans looking to prove their football fan status.Recently Hugh Jackman took a break from filming his new movie with Reynolds, Deadpool and Wolverine to take in a game at the Racecourse.READ MORE ON WREXHAMNow Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard has revealed that the team had another Hollywood weapon up their sleeve in Will Ferrell.He said the Anchorman actor had the squad “cracking up” in the dressing room.Speaking to OLBG, Howard, 37, said: “I’ve watched Ryan’s films. I had done that though before I joined Wrexham as I’m a big film buff. You watch Deadpool, these hugely popular films, but you don’t see him as this Hollywood superstar. “There’s been a few famous faces I’ve met. Actors Charlie Day and Will Ferrell have come in. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”To meet Will was amazing. I remember myself and teammate Elliott Lee were in the physio room having some treatment and Will came in and we were soon cracking up. “He’s so funny. Hugh Jackman also came in. We are quite used to it now with some A-list movie stars being at the game. Wrexham PROMOTED to League One after 6-0 battering of Forest Green as Hollywood rise from non-league continues”At our away games we get rival fans or players asking if the owners are coming. They are a big pull for everyone.”Howard’s interview comes after the players hit the town to separate their new status as League One players.The players belted out songs and took selfies with fans as they enjoyed a boozy meal.He also said the squad had heard rumours of a return to Vegas, where the club were flown to last year as a celebration for reaching League Two.Hugh Jackman also visited WrexhamCredit: GettyMcElhenney’s co-star Charlie Day also attended the Wrexham matchCredit: GettyAntman actor Paul Rudd also visitedCredit: AFPPlayers and fans alike celebrated their latest promotion on the Racecourse pitchCredit: RexHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

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      Arsenal wonderkid named in Team of the Season after helping lead Hollywood-backed Wrexham to promotion

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      ARSENAL loanee Arthur Okonkwo has been named in the League Two Team of the Season.The 22-year-old goalkeeper joined Wrexham on a season-long loan in September and has since played a crucial role in the club’s promotion push.Arsenal loanee Arthur Okonkwo has been named in the Team of the SeasonCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper has been crucial in Wrexham’s promotion push this seasonCredit: PAIn 38 appearances across all competitions Okonkwo has kept 15 clean sheets and made several match-defining saves.His impressive form has even caught the eye of the Nigeria national team.NFF chiefs are now reportedly considering him for a senior international call-up.Okonkwo was named in the League Two Team of the Season at the EFL Awards on Sunday.Read More on ArsenalHis Wrexham team-mate Elliot Lee was also named in the XI.The Red Dragons secured promotion to League One with a 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers at the weekend.Fans invaded the pitch at the STōK Cae Ras Stadium at full-time with Hollywood star and co-owner Ryan Reynolds watching on.Reynolds later took to X to congratulate the team, writing: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”Wrexham fans were then treated to a night of singing, Jagerbombs, and celebration with the squad at a local restaurant and bar.Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.

      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

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      Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurant

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      WREXHAM’S promotion celebrations were in full swing over the weekend after securing their spot in League One.Following Saturday’s 6-0 victory over Forest Green the Hollywood-backed club will play in the English football’s third tier for the first time in 19 years.Wrexham have secured promotion to League OneCredit: RexThe Hollywood-backed team celebrated with a boozy mealCredit: https://twitter.com/FatBoarWXMPlayers and staff were spotted celebrating with fans at a local restaurant and barCredit: https://twitter.com/FatBoarWXMWrexham fans were treated to a night of singing, Jagerbombs, and celebration with the squad at a local restaurant and bar.The players and staff were all smiles as they posed for a group photo at The Fat Boar – which the local posted with the caption: “Winners get dinners & beers x.”With a lot of booze spotted in that team photo, the celebration soon became merry as the players and fans began to drink together.Wrexham shot-stopper Mark Howard was spotted on film drinking a jager bomb with one fan while toasting to “Up the f****** Reds”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd another pic saw striker Paul Mullin belting his heart out singing on a bar stool.The Fat Boar uploaded an image of that moment alongside the caption: “‘Same time next year?” as the club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney hope they achieve a third-straight promotion.Deadpool star Reynolds said on X: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in north Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney. “Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMcElhenney replied with “No words”, with a love heart emoji.The takeover by the pair in February 2021 has generated global attention for the club.Inside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tearsMark Howard was spotted toasting ‘Up the f****** Reds’ with a fanCredit: https://twitter.com/TomiCawsThe goalkeeper then had a jager bombCredit: https://twitter.com/TomiCawsWrexham secured automatic promotion to League One with two rounds to go by defeating Forest Green and relying on MK Dons and Barrow to drop points.Wrexham dominated the game, leading 4-0 at halftime.MK Dons surrendered their early lead and lost 4-1 to Mansfield at home, while Barrow was defeated 3-0 by Gillingham.Fans at Wrexham stormed the SToK Cae Ras in celebration after the final whistle, despite warnings from the club to remain in the stands.Wrexham is currently in second place in League Two, trailing leader Stockport by four points. Stockport also secured a promotion on Saturday.The top three teams are automatically promoted to League One, and Wrexham cannot be caught by fourth-placed MK Dons.Manager Phil Parkinson praised his team, who won the National League title last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I’m immensely proud of the lads today because, if you look at the Tuesday performance (a 4-1 win over Crawley).”And today, when it mattered most we’ve put in our two best performances of the season.”Wrexham secured automatic promotion to League One by defeating Forest GreenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/elliotlee9/Fans at Wrexham stormed the SToK Cae Ras in celebration after the final whistleCredit: Rex More

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      Story of Wrexham’s unstoppable rise from Hollywood backing to amazing Arsenal loanee – is Premier League now in sight?

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      WREXHAM have secured promotion to League One in the latest step of their rebirth under their Hollywood owners.Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the club with the help of manager Phil Parkinson.Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney, left, and Ryan Reynolds have overseen back-to-back promotionsCredit: AFPFans invaded the pitch after promotion was sealed with a 6-0 win over Forest GreenCredit: RexWrexham return to League One after a 19-year absenceCredit: PAStriker Ollie Palmer celebrates with fansCredit: RexManager Phil Parkinson, right, has been key to Wrexham’s successCredit: RexThey sealed back-to-back promotions for the first time in their 159-year history in style, thrashing bottom-of-the-table Forest Green Rovers 6-0.Wrexham will return to the third tier for the first time since 2005, with owner Reynolds thrilled at the achievement.He wrote on social media: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney. Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”It has been some journey for the Hollywood A-listers, who were greeted with trepidation when they first bought the club, with some members of the fan trust that previously owned Wrexham voting against their takeover.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the pair quickly put fans at ease by assuring Wrexham would remain a club at the heart of its community, and they won over some by recognising the mining disaster at Gresford where 266 people lost their lives on the back of the team’s shirts.It has not been plain sailing either as Wrexham missed out on promotion from the National League in the first season under the owners, while they had to produce a record points tally last year to beat Notts County to first place last season.Their rise has been documented by Disney series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, which caused scepticism amongst some who thought the show was a “money grab”.The third season of the show will begin to air from next month and will document Wrexham’s continued rise, which could just be getting started.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHollywood ownersFriends Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham in 2020 and quickly bought into the culture of the club and North Wales.They spoke Welsh to media and met fans in pubs next to the Racecourse Ground and got to grips with the years of hurt supporters felt from being in non-league.Inside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tearsThe pair signed shirts and posed for photos to integrate themselves into the community, investing in local schemes and hiring voluntary staff like Wrexham’s disability liaison officer.Fast forward a few months and Reynolds was left sobbing in the stands after Wrexham’s dramatic FA Trophy victory over Stockport at the Racecourse.They used their acting skills to their advantage to promote the club’s previous shirt sponsor, Ifor Williams Trailers, before using their connections to take on board bigger brands, such as TikTok and Expedia.Reynolds and McElhenney helped promote the club further with appearances on The One Show and The Late Late Show in America, while bringing in big names to the club on and off the pitch – including former EFL chief Shaun Harvey.The A-list actors have invested more than just money into the clubCredit: GettyPremier League signingsThe new owners have invested heavily into the club and lured players down from higher divisions to help them win promotion to League Two last season, including top scorer Paul Mullin.That continued last summer with the additions of former Premier League stars James McClean and Steven Fletcher.They have provided a wealth of experience and set an example through their professionalism, as did goalkeeper Ben Foster when he arrived at the club last year.Foster retired in September after struggling to adjust to League Two, leaving Wrexham when they were 15th in the division after just one win from their opening four games.His replacement was the loan signing of Arhtur Okonkwo from Arsenal, who has proved a steady presence in between the sticks for the Red Dragons.Fans of rival clubs have criticised Wrexham’s spending habits and although the club has made losses, it is their huge revenue which has paid for the promotion-winning stars.James McClean has added Premier League experienceCredit: RexOn loan Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been a big presence between the sticksCredit: PAMajor investmentSeveral brands have been keen to join the Wrexham journey, boosting revenue to close to £20million for this season alone – a figure which rivals Championship clubs.Seven-figure sponsorship deals and the club’s pre-season tour of the US last summer has helped significantly, with the club’s presence across the pond seeing an increase in merchandise sales.United Airlines now sponsor the shirts while VistaPrint sponsor the sleeves, and Stok Cold Brew Coffee bought the rights to the stadium.’Welcome to Wrexham’ has added to the coffers, increasing revenue significantly from the £5.97m brought in during the Hollywood’s owners first full season in charge.And a second US tour this summer that will see Wrexham play Chelsea is set to boost the club further.How Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.

      Stadium upgradeRestoring the Racecourse Ground to its former glory is a high priority for the owners, but they have faced a few issues replacing the old Kop.The previous stand had not been used for years so was knocked down with the aim of building a 5,500 capacity all-seater by the end of the season.Those plans hit some obstacles so a temporary structure was erected in December, allowing for 2,289 more fans to roar on the team and ensure the stadium had fans on four sides.Construction on a permanent Kop End is set to begin from the end of the season and could take 11 months to complete.The old Kop End was demolished to make way for an all-seater standCredit: EPAWhat next?Reynolds, 47, will not want the “ride of his life” to end anytime soon and Wrexham’s ambitious owners will likely already be laying the groundwork for yet another promotion.They are prepared to wait for success too as Reynolds described their ownership as a “multidecade project”.Their ultimate ambition is to reach the Premier League, something Reynolds has not been afraid to dream of since buying the club.He said in January 2023: “We want to walk the walk, even as a fifth-tier club. We say this all the time, but we want to be in the Premier League, as crazy as that sounds to some people.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If it is theoretically possible to go from the fifth tier in professional football all the way to the Premier League, why wouldn’t we do that?”Why wouldn’t we use our last drop of blood to get there? We’re in it for the ride. This is a multidecade project.”Reynolds dreams of taking Wrexham to the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters More