Promotion battles – they’re never easy for fans and owners alike, as emotions go through the wringer during the twists and turns in the pursuit of what often feels like elusive success.
The story was no different for Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on Saturday, as the Wales side finally secured their return to the Football League after a 15-year absence following a sensational season.
Wrexham beat Boreham Wood 3–1 thanks to two goals from top scorer Paul Mullin and a goal from Elliot Lee as they took a whopping 110 points – a National League record. It crowns what has been a remarkable ride since Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham in February 2021.
Since then, the Red Dragons have come to the attention of football far and wide and even have their own Disney+ documentary – with a second season due out later this year.
Mail Sport captured the emotions of Wrexham’s co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on a sensational night for the club as they secured a return to the Football League
Reynolds greeted Wrexham fans ahead of kick-off on what could be a historic day for the club
There was a slight sense of nervousness as Notts County cut their deficit to Wrexham to one point after a 5-2 win over Maidstone United earlier on Saturday
They have also seen the club’s turnover rise by a staggering 404 per cent to almost £6 million – a record for non-league football and this is just the start of their ambitious plans which Reynolds confirmed in October 2021 to join the Premier League. reaches.
The owners have been visibly present at the club this season and were present yesterday as they witnessed a historic night for the club.
Mail Sport’s Kevin Quigley was there to capture all the emotions and anguish the pair experienced as they watched the drama unfold.
There was some nervousness at the Racecourse Ground after title rivals Notts County narrowed the gap to one point following their 5-2 win over Maidstone United earlier in the day.
Wrexham went down 1-0 early on after Lee Ndlovu opened the scoring within 43 seconds
Elliot Lee’s equalizer celebrations led to wild celebrations among Reynolds and McElhenney
The first half was still tense as Boreham Wood were level with the hosts at half time
You could see Reynolds spurring his side with McElhenney a little more pulled back
However, Wrexham knew a win would guarantee promotion with just one game left to play and they had the advantage after a dramatic 3-2 win over their title rivals earlier in the month.
It all started in shock when Lee Ndlovu scored after just 43 seconds for the visitors to send fear through Wrexham fans and the co-owners.
However, there was relief in the 15th minute as Lee equalized the equalizer when he fired in a header to unleash passionate celebrations among the club’s supporters and hierarchy.
The rest of the first half was a tense watch with Boreham Wood proving to be brave opponents and the agony the match caused for Reynolds and McElhenney was plain to see.
Reynolds sensed the moment and then could see his side press ahead before the elation set in as Mullin curled in his 37th and most important goal of the season early in the second half to put Phil Parkinson’s side 2-1 ahead and on the brink of victory. match was on. EFL.
Paul Mullin put the hosts 2–1 up early in the second half, but the game was not yet won
The Racecourse Ground then erupted as Mullin scored again to make it 3–1 after 71 minutes
Reynolds could hardly believe what he saw with Wrexham poised for promotion
McElhenney and Reynolds enjoyed themselves during the last 20 minutes of the clash
Mullin ensured he would be written even more into Wrexham folklore when he added a second after 71 minutes, when the whole stadium erupted.
This meant that the final period of the match was played in a festive atmosphere, and Reynolds and McElhenney could see they were having a good time and could hardly believe what their club was about to achieve.
When referee Scott Jackson blew his full-time whistle, the entire stadium and city erupted as thousands of supporters rushed onto the field to celebrate what Phil Parkinson’s team had done.
After the wild festivities died down, McElhenney and Reynolds made their way to the field to bask in the festivities.
As they embraced, they could hardly believe what had happened and took a moment to take it all in.
The pair were very close to taking the first step in their hugely ambitious plans for the Wales side
After a pitch invasion by elated supporters, McElhenney and Reynolds took to the field
The pair took a moment to take it all in after ending Wrexham’s absence from the EFL
After celebrating with many members of the squad, the pair won the National League trophy
They celebrated with many players, including 38-goal hero Mullin – whom McElhenney labeled ‘one of the best footballers in the world’ – before lifting the National League trophy together.
The Wrexham owners best sum up the magnitude of the achievement after full-time. Reynolds told reporters, “I’m not sure I can really process what happened tonight, I’m still a little speechless.
“One thing that goes through my mind over and over again was when people said in the beginning, ‘Why Wrexham? Why Wrexham?’ This is exactly why Wrexham, what is happening now is why.’
McElhenney added: “I think we can hear what it feels like for the city and that’s the most important thing for us – I think this is a moment of catharsis for them.”