*Temptation Sensation begins to play*
That was a little something for my fellow It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia fans out there.
2020 has just been a mental year in every possible way.
Even in the world of sports we seem to be constantly flooded with bombastic headlines and stories. It’s at the point now that nothing really surprises us.
So, when I heard Marvel antihero Deadpool and Mac from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are looking to invest in Welsh football club Wrexham I just accepted it a moved on with my day.
But it’s a thing and 2020 is just off the rails.
World famous Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds along with star and creator of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Rob McElhenney want to invest in National League football club Wrexham.
Wrexham AFC
The Welsh side last appeared in the English Football League during the 2007/08 season. This was the season they were relegated out of the EFL and have been in the Conference Premier/National League ever since.
Wrexham were established 155 years ago all the way back in 1864. While by no means the most successful side in English football they certainly have had their moments.
They won the Third Division back in 1978 and won the FA trophy as recent as 2013. They are also three-time quarter finalist of the FA Cup and got to the quarter final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976.
Notable names such as Ian Rush, Ben Foster and Johnathan Walters have played for the Red Dragons over the years. Paul Pogba’s brother Mathias also played for the club for two years between 2010 until 2012.
This story could finally give fans something to be optimistic about. Wrexham just about avoided relegation last season. They finished 19th out of 24 teams in the National League 2019/20 season on 43 points. This left they only avoiding the drop by a single point in a tight relegation dog fight.
Their fortunes could now change with some possible investment from two A list Hollywood celebrities.
Reynolds Confirms
The Wrexham Supporters Trust Board members overwhelmingly voted in favour to continue talks with the possible investors in a recent special meeting. This vote led to the identity of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney getting revealed as the possible investors.
Reynolds and McElhenney believe their investment would help Wrexham reach their “fantastic potential” and it could certainly help.
Ryan Reynolds even confirmed the surprising story on Twitter. A fan tweeted back in 2012 “You never know when Ryan Reynolds is going to turn up in Wrexham.”
The Deadpool star recently replied to this tweet by simply saying “Yep, you never know.”
Rob McElhenney hasn’t publicly spoking on his involvement in the investment but officials at Wrexham have spoken to both actors.
Club Confirms
Wrexham director and director of the Supporters Trust Spencer Harris has confirmed the club has talked to both Reynolds and McElhenney.
Harris said that talks began with representatives of both actors. Since the original talks have started both possible investors have talked personally with Wrexham officials via Zoom.
Harris has said on the surreal story “People with the professionalism of Rob and Ryan do not come around very often and news of their interest is quite exciting for the supporters, I’m sure. They are very driven individuals and very successful people in their industry. But from our discussions I can say they are both down to earth and want what is best for the club.”
While nothing is set in stone talks are progressing and this seems more realistic than a lot of us imagined. It will take time to finalise everything, but it could certainly be an intriguing develop for all involved at Wrexham.
The Wrexham Supporters Trust Board also released a statement on the matter.
“97.5% of voters (1,223 members) voted in favour of the resolution. As a result, talks with the proposed bidders will now continue and we are in a position to confirm the two people interested in investing in Wrexham AFC. In due course, Mr McElhenney and Mr Reynolds will put forward their vision for Wrexham AFC and proposal for members to vote on at a second special general meeting.”
Certainly, a situation to keep our eyes on as talks progress.
You never know we could see Reynolds and McElhenney show up at the Racecourse Ground and take in the atmosphere of something like a Wrexham vs Torquay game.
I for one am just enjoying all the Always Sunny references that are coming out of this story. If we can get an episode of the gang showing up at a Wrexham match, I’m all for it. Throw Deadpool in the mix for a cross over and take my all money.
The gang buy a Welsh football club, yes please.