Ryan Reynolds posts emotional message after Wrexham promotion heroics | OneFootball

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has recalled how "people laughed" at Rob McElhenney stating in the duo's first press conference that their ambition was to reach the Premier League – and that he now wishes "the whole world" could visit the city.

That dream took another dramatic step to becoming a reality on Saturday as Wrexham's 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic sealed automatic promotion to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Wrexham were playing National League football during 2022/23 but have now escaped non-league, League Two and League One in successive years – an incredible turnaround in fortunes that the Hollywood duo were plotting when they seized control of the club in November 2020.

An emotional Reynolds, who is a regular at matches alongside McElhenney, was present for Wrexham's momentous achievement and took to Instagram to share some heartfelt thoughts once the dust had settled.

"We've been with Wrexham for what seems like the blink of an eye, but so much has happened. I remember the first press conference, we were asked what our goals were... and I think Rob jumped in with, 'The Premiere League'," the Deadpool star wrote.

"People laughed. They had every right to. It seemed insane... But we weren't kidding.

"I feel at home here. It's a place that values community, decency and history. From the respect it pays to the Gresford Disaster, to the feeling of hope and miracles created by Mickey Thomas. These are big reasons Wrexham is growing into what it always was. It isn't just a place with a history of ups and downs, it's also a FEELING. And a feeling is sometimes as good or better than a memory."

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate together / Kya Banasko/GettyImages

Recognising those responsible for delivering on the pitch for Wrexham, Reynolds continued: "We made history. We've been promoted for a record third time in a row. That doesn't happen without the wisdom of Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff, or the talent of Paul Mullin. It doesn't happen without Max Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo. Or Mark Howard who may have one of the hardest jobs there is. I watched Sam Smith create a frightening blend between football and martial arts, scoring our second goal yesterday.

"The Stadium feels like a church. I know so many of you now. Since February, 2021, I've watched babies become regulars. And some regulars depart us for good. We've had the honour to scatter ashes of loved ones across that field. I've even watched every available hand shovel snow off the pitch to keep a match from cancellation.

"Somebody said the Welsh have the "heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter." That's what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham. Diolch."

Wrexham join Birmingham City in English football's second tier next season – another team with high-profile American investment interest. NFL legend Tom Brady is a minority owner in the club, partnered with the Tom Wagner-founded Knighthead Capital Management LLC.