Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s heavy investment has transformed Wrexham, with record signings and stadium plans under way. Betting angle: Wrexham look like a solid Championship survival pick — consider backing them for mid-table safety or an each-way play for a play-off push if odds are generous.
Wrexham five-year review: owners, investment and on-field progress
Wrexham's rise since the celebrity takeover has been remarkable: three consecutive promotions and a global profile boost. The ownership duo backed the playing squad and backroom staff heavily, aiming to establish the club as a sustainable Championship outfit while upgrading infrastructure and fan engagement.
Ownership strategy and financial backing
The owners committed significant funds to bring in a manager with Football League pedigree and to recruit players who could drive promotions. Summer spending reportedly reached around £33m, including a club-record signing. That level of investment has given the manager the resources to compete at a higher level and attract proven talent.
Grade – A
Squad recruitment and performance
Key signings such as prolific forwards and experienced Championship-level players were central to Wrexham’s ascent. Investment focused on immediate impact players to secure back-to-back promotions and to consolidate in the Championship. While a play-off push remains ambitious, the squad now has the depth to target survival and gradual improvement.
Grade – A
Stadium redevelopment: Racecourse Ground project
Plans for a new Kop stand at the Racecourse Ground have evolved from an initial proposal to a larger 7,750-seat design. Delays came from planning, site works and a major redesign, but site preparation has started and heavy machinery is in place. Completion will be critical to boosting matchday revenue and fan experience.
Grade – B
Training facilities and long-term development
The club has explored permanent training sites but has yet to commit to a new complex. For now, first-team work continues at Colliers Park while the search for land and funding continues; building a full training complex is expected to be a multi-year project. Upgrading training infrastructure remains a key priority to retain and attract talent.
Grade – C
Fan governance and community commitments
An advisory fan board was established to give supporters a voice; it took time to find its footing and has been rebranded to strengthen ties. The club has also kept honorary roles for club legends and maintained commitments to local heritage, notably support for the Gresford Colliery remembrance and related community projects.
Grade – C
Staffing, inclusivity and community work
Permanent staffing has increased significantly, moving from a largely volunteer culture to a professional operation with expanded commercial and football departments. The club also made notable appointments focused on disability access and matchday inclusion, improving the experience for fans with disabilities and expanding community outreach.
Grade – A
Sustainability and environmental commitments
Public pledges on ecological sustainability contrast with the realities of modern football logistics, including frequent travel. Progress here has been limited and the club faces expectations to set clearer, measurable environmental targets as it grows.
Grade – D
Communication and transparency
Early rapid changes left some supporters feeling out of the loop, but lines of communication have improved. Club leaders have become more available to fans and supporters’ groups, though maintaining an effective two-way dialogue remains an ongoing challenge.
Grade – B
Long-term outlook and sustainability
There are signs of increasing long-term planning: infrastructure projects, rising staff numbers and new minority investors have boosted financial foundations. Questions remain around sustained funding and how the club will transition if ownership changes, but on balance the club is in a stronger position than five years ago.
Grade – B
Verdict
Five years on, the ownership has largely delivered on the headline promises: on-field success, strategic recruitment and steps toward modernising facilities. The most pressing tasks ahead are finishing the stadium project, securing a permanent training base and improving environmental planning. For supporters and neutrals alike, Wrexham now looks like a well-funded, ambitious Championship club with scope to consolidate and grow.
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Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac made some big promises when they bought Wrexham, with their performance against those pledges being placed under the microscope
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