Wrexham's Hollywood-worthy drama seals victory over Notts County, edging closer to League return!
In the world of film, fantasy, and superheroes, finding drama that feels truly unique can be a challenge. However, when it comes to Wrexham and their silver-screen stewards, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the surreal has become the norm.
After their top-of-the-table clash with Notts County on Monday, when even the groundstaff had packed up for the day, Wrexham's co-chairmen were still on the pitch, smiling and shaking their heads in disbelief as fans made their way out of the Racecourse. It was always expected that the financial backing and Hollywood glamour that Reynolds and McElhenney brought to the club would make promotion from the Football League a possibility after 15 long years of exile. But the manner in which they took a giant step towards that goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Notts County stretched the bounds of credibility even for those accustomed to the bizarre and incredible of Tinseltown.
Both teams had already accumulated 100 points going into the game, a feat that needs work. Two teams with over 100 goals each? Perhaps more excitement. How about a penalty in the final minute of injury time, saved by a 40-year-old former England goalkeeper, Ben Foster, returning to the club he last played for 18 years ago?
"I can hardly put it into words, it was absolutely stunning, fantastic, incredible," said McElhenney. "I think this was the most thrilling sporting event this crowd has ever seen, let alone the millions watching at home."
And there were indeed millions watching, drawn in by the record-breaking runs of both teams vying for the sole automatic promotion spot in the National League, as well as the curiosity surrounding the Welcome to Wrexham TV documentary that has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Journalists from the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany were present in the Racecourse's press box, and local hoteliers noted that hearing North American accents from visitors coming to watch Wrexham has become a common occurrence.
On Thursday, a group of fans even traveled all the way from San Francisco on a train ride just to see the pub featured in the documentary and catch a glimpse of the stadium. But those who descended on Wrexham for the game on Monday were there primarily for the historic match being billed as the biggest in non-league history.
By mid-morning, fans were already queuing near the stadium, eagerly anticipating the pre-match festivities. Even the night before, the talk was all about tickets, tactics, and the anxiety of not squandering their big opportunity for promotion. They knew the A-list owners would be in town, but that's just Ryan and Rob. The football was what mattered.
And the match delivered. The rough-and-tumble of non-league football, illuminated by the skill of John Bostock's opening free-kick for the visitors in first-half injury time, followed by the surge of Wrexham's momentum that saw Paul Mullin and Jacob Mendy put the hosts ahead. Notts County, who had shown all season that they fancied more than just a supporting role in this Hollywood script, fought back, then fell behind again, only to be awarded a penalty in the final seconds.
"Excluding the birth of my children, I'm not sure I have," said Reynolds when asked if he had ever experienced anything as emotionally draining as the match, his voice hoarse from screaming, against the background sound of Status Quo. Surreal, yet again becoming the norm.
As the final whistle blew on that unforgettable match against Notts County, Wrexham fans erupted into jubilation. The victory brought them one step closer to their long-awaited return to the Football League. Reynolds and McElhenney, standing on the sidelines, couldn't contain their excitement, jumping and hugging each other in celebration.
The journey of Wrexham AFC, once a struggling non-league club, has been nothing short of remarkable since Reynolds and McElhenney took over. The Hollywood duo's investment has injected new life into the club, attracting global attention and turning the spotlight on a small town in North Wales.
The impact of their ownership goes beyond the football pitch. The Welcome to Wrexham TV documentary, which chronicles the club's journey under their stewardship, has captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Journalists from around the world have flocked to Wrexham to witness the fairy tale-like story unfolding in front of their eyes.
But amidst the glitz and glamour, it's evident that Reynolds and McElhenney's passion for football and Wrexham runs deep. They have become integral parts of the club's fabric, attending games, interacting with fans, and getting involved in the local community. Their commitment to the club and its supporters is palpable.
As Wrexham's promotion push gathers momentum, the club and its fans are daring to dream. The possibility of returning to the Football League after a 15-year absence seems more attainable than ever. Reynolds and McElhenney have brought a renewed sense of hope and belief to a club that has weathered its fair share of challenges.
"I never thought I would be so invested in a football club halfway across the world," said one die-hard Wrexham fan. "But Reynolds and McElhenney have made this club feel like family, and we are all in this together."
As Wrexham's fairytale continues to unfold, one thing is certain - Reynolds and McElhenney have left an indelible mark on the club's history. Their unique ownership style, unwavering passion, and genuine connection with the fans have turned Wrexham AFC into a global phenomenon. And as they march towards potential promotion, the surreal has become the new norm for this small-town club with Hollywood owners.