Ben Foster Celebrates Wrexham’s Remarkable Journey Under Hollywood Owners

Ben Foster has lauded Wrexham’s extraordinary journey as Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds mark their fifth anniversary at the helm of the Welsh club.

The former England and Manchester United goalkeeper played a pivotal role in Wrexham’s ascent from the National League to the Championship, contributing to the historic first of three promotions that ended a 15-year absence from the English Football League in 2023.

This remarkable narrative has garnered worldwide attention, largely due to the acclaimed docuseries ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ which emphasizes both the community and the club, shedding light on the personalities within the dressing room and the local area.

Reynolds, known for his role in Deadpool, and McElhenney, the creator of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, completed their surprising acquisition of the club on February 9, 2021, and have been frequent visitors to the SToK Cae Ras since.

The star-studded attendance at Wrexham games has included notable figures such as Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, and Eva Longoria, while fans from distant places like Australia and Argentina have traveled to North Wales, many stopping by the now-iconic Turf pub adjacent to the stadium.

Foster remarked to the Press Association: “In situations like Salford City, you have footballers managing the club who are well-versed in how things work. They carry a mindset that sometimes limits possibilities. Wrexham, however, is different.

“Rob and Ryan were not fully acquainted with the intricacies of managing a football club when they took over. They invested not only financially but also personally, dedicating their energy and enthusiasm in a way that is seldom seen. I genuinely believe if you asked them, Wrexham would rank among their proudest achievements, alongside their work in film and business.

“To take something they initially did not fully grasp and develop it into what it is today is a tremendous source of pride. It’s phenomenal.”

Interestingly, McElhenney and Reynolds had never met prior to their acquisition of Wrexham, with McElhenney’s interest sparked by watching the Netflix docuseries ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die.’

“We wanted to acquire a club with a rich history and strong community ties,” McElhenney stated after his first visit to Wrexham. “As we explored options, the list continually narrowed, and nothing compared to Wrexham.”

During the same press conference, Reynolds described their ownership experience in 2025 as the “greatest four years” of his life, admitting, “We would be dishonest if we said our ultimate dream isn’t the Premier League.”

What was initially dismissed by some as a mere “publicity stunt” is now tantalizingly within reach.

Record revenue, fueled by substantial growth in commercial income, has been strategically reinvested both on and off the pitch. In recognition of their contributions, the local authority has awarded McElhenney and Reynolds the Freedom of Wrexham.

Phil Parkinson, who was appointed manager within five months of the takeover from the Wrexham Supporters Trust, has successfully guided the team through consecutive promotions and into the Championship play-off positions.

Foster concluded, “It’s absurd. This achievement is unprecedented. Promotions from non-league to the Championship, combined with current promotion contention, is remarkable. A year or two ago, I predicted they’d reach the Premier League within three to five years.

“Escaping the Championship will be a formidable challenge due to its competitiveness and financial stakes. However, they have managed this sustainably—empowering the manager to recruit players that fit the club’s identity. There is every reason to believe they will continue to progress, as such an achievement is unlikely to be replicated again.”