Hollywood star admits he asked a player about the offside rule
Ryan Reynolds, the co-owner of Wrexham AFC, has confessed that he made an embarrassing mistake when he attended his first match at the Welsh club. The Deadpool actor, who bought the club with fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney in February 2022, said he asked striker Paul Mullin about the offside rule during the game.
Reynolds said he was trying to learn more about the sport, but realised he had offended Mullin, who is the top scorer in the National League. The Canadian actor said he apologised to Mullin and praised his performance on the pitch.
Reynolds shared his blunder in the final episode of Welcome to Wrexham, the documentary series that follows his and McElhenney’s journey as the new owners of the club. The series, which is available on Disney Plus, shows the duo’s efforts to revive the fortunes of Wrexham, which is the oldest football club in Wales and the third oldest in the world.
Reynolds and McElhenney enjoy the highs and lows of football
Reynolds and McElhenney, who is best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, have been avid supporters of Wrexham since they took over the club. They have attended several matches, both in person and online, and have interacted with the fans and the staff.
The pair have also invested in the club’s infrastructure, facilities, and personnel, hiring experienced manager Phil Parkinson and breaking the club’s transfer record by signing Ollie Palmer from AFC Wimbledon. They have also reduced the ticket prices and launched a new kit and crest.
However, they have also faced some challenges and frustrations, as Wrexham failed to secure promotion to the Football League last season, finishing eighth in the National League. They also had to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited the attendance and revenue of the club.
Reynolds and McElhenney have expressed their determination to achieve their goal of getting Wrexham back to the Football League, where they last played in 2008. They have also said they want to make the club a global brand and a source of pride for the local community.
Reynolds and McElhenney receive mixed reactions from fans and rivals
Reynolds and McElhenney’s involvement in Wrexham has attracted a lot of attention and curiosity from the media and the public. Their celebrity status has also boosted the profile and popularity of the club, which has seen a surge in merchandise sales and social media followers.
However, not everyone has been impressed by their venture. Some fans and rivals have accused them of being publicity seekers and dilettantes, who do not understand or care about the history and culture of the club and the sport.
For instance, comedian Humphrey Ker, who they appointed as the executive director of the club, revealed that they were called a “c***” by some opposing fans at their first match at Maidenhead. Ker said he had to explain to them that it was a common form of abuse in English football, and that they actually enjoyed it.
Another example was the chairman of Accrington Stanley, Andy Holt, who criticised them for making a “stupid mistimed statement” about the financial situation of lower-league clubs. Holt said they were out of touch with the reality and the challenges of running a football club in the midst of a pandemic.
Reynolds and McElhenney have responded to the criticism with humour and grace, saying they respect the opinions of others and that they are learning from their mistakes. They have also said they are grateful for the opportunity and the support they have received from the majority of the fans and the staff.
