Wrexham’s promotion-winning players couldn’t stop smiling as they boarded a flight for an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas, with co-chairs Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney handling the bill.
The National League champions were told a ‘monster’ side was lurking if they won the league, something they achieved in style with a record 111 points to blast them back to League Two.
True to their word, Hollywood couple Reynolds and McElhenney have arranged a luxurious four-day trip to Las Vegas, with a packed itinerary in anticipation of the football players.
Forward Ollie Palmer, via his Wxm Clothing brand, shared some photos from the airport as players, all decked out in Champions hoodies, got ready for the 10-hour flight to Sin City.
Midfielder Jordan Davies and centre-back Aaron Hayden were both touch-and-go for the trip as their partners expected, but both have celebrated the birth of children in time to make Tuesday’s flight.
Wrexham’s promotion-winning side were all smiles before flying to Las Vegas
The National League champions depart for an all-expenses-paid trip to the West Coast
Rob McElhenney (left) and Ryan Reynolds (right) take the bill as player rewards
It’s going to be the trip of a lifetime and best of all, the players don’t pick up the bill.
“It became a thing that if we won the league, we would get a holiday. So we’re going to Vegas,” said star striker Paul Mullin, who scored 47 goals this season GK.
“Ryan and Rob told us to leave our cards at home, they’re sorting things out. They just sent us a full itinerary.
“Part of me doesn’t want to go, maybe I’ll be dead at the end!
But I’d never go to Vegas on my own accord, so I’m looking forward to it.
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Speaking to CBS Sports, goalkeeper Ben Foster revealed that players have been promised a “monster” party to blow off some steam.
That they can as manager Phil Parkinson did not take the opportunity to join his troops on the journey as he focuses on building a team capable of winning League Two next season.
“Unfortunately I didn’t make it to Vegas,” he told Sky News.
“We leave that to the boys and hopefully they come back in one piece. I’m sure they will.’
Along with Mullin and Palmer, teammates Liam McAlinden, Ryan Barnett, Eoghan O’Connell, Sam Dalby and Max Cleworth were photographed in the departure hall this morning.
Striker Ollie Palmer (behind, right) shared some photos from the departure hall on Tuesday (in the photo, from left to right – Eoghan O’Connell, Ryan Barnett, Palmer and Liam McAlinden)
Both Jordan Davies (far right) and Aaron Hayden (second from right) waited tensely to see if they would make it, but their partners gave birth this week, allowing them to go
A full program is planned for the four-day trip before the Wrexham players take time off
Reynolds and McElhenney organized a parade – which kicked off at 6.15pm on Tuesday and saw the players march through the town for an hour before finishing at the Racecourse Ground
Thousands of fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Phil Parkinson’s men and owners
The Vegas trip comes just days after thousands of fans lined the streets of the North Wales city for an open-top bus parade, which Reynolds skipped the Met Gala to attend.
North Wales Police estimated an attendance of 40,000 as fans roared into the men’s and women’s teams for their championship winning seasons.
Wrexham’s increasing popularity – with more Google searches for the Welsh team than MLS in recent weeks – means players can expect a hero’s welcome.
Reynolds and McElhenney have also hosted four friendlies in the US this summer, so Parkinson’s squad will be back in the States in July for games against Chelsea, Manchester United, LA Galaxy II and an unconfirmed team.