Wrexham’s new multi-million pound training ground site hit by THIEVES – just a month after Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned club won planning battle over development
- The site was broken into during the past Christmas period
- The stolen machines included a tractor, which also damaged property
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According to reports in Wales, thieves have stolen expensive machinery and equipment from the construction site of the academy’s new training ground in Wrexham.
Under the Hollywood ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Welsh club has enjoyed an impressive rise from the lower rungs of the football pyramid.
Phil Parkinson’s side achieved the first of back-to-back promotions in the spring of 2023, rising to League Two, before being promoted to League One ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
And with impressive results on the pitch have come big changes as Reynolds and McElhenney have sought to improve the club’s facilities.
One of the investments the owners want to make is in youth, with work starting on a multi-million pound project in the Wrexham village of Rossett.
But just months after preliminary work began at the site, it was targeted by burglars over the Christmas period.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham were the victims of a burglary over Christmas
The construction site of the club’s new multi-million training ground was targeted by thieves
The club’s plans for the project were briefly hampered when they tried to obtain planning permission despite opposition from some local residents
According to Wales OnlineLocal police confirmed that a John Deere tractor and a Bateson trailer were among the machines taken during the suspected burglary, which is said to have taken place between December 20 and January 3.
A padlocked gate was also broken at the scene during the burglary.
A club spokesperson confirmed that the club had reported the incident to police and would seek to recover the cost of the stolen items through Wrexham’s insurers.
The burglary is the latest hurdle to the club’s plans to convert the ground, which have been hampered by objections from neighbors and planning permission hurdles.
It is believed that work has begun on the project, which aims to boost the recruitment and development of the club’s youth as they pursue their dream of playing in the Premier League, before receiving planning permission.
However, proposals for the project were backed by Wrexham Council’s planning committee last month, with the green light given for work to go ahead.
On the pitch, Wrexham are aiming for their third promotion in as many seasons and currently sit third in League One, level with second-placed Wycomber Wanderers.
Most recently, the team bounced back from a 2-1 defeat to Barnsley on Saturday with a 1-0 home win against Peterborough.
Parkinson’s players will now enjoy an extended break before returning to competitive action due to postponement, with their next match being the meeting with Shrewsbury next Thursday.