Wrexham AFC's Rob and Ryan 'beyond excited' for first match at The Racecourse

That was the prediction of Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds ahead of his first home match at The Racecourse as co-owner of Wrexham AFC.

Ryan, and co-owner Rob McElhenney, spoke from the heart at a press conference yesterday and said they were now firmly invested in football - both as the owners of the world's third oldest football club and as fans.

Rob described the early morning ritual for him and his sun at their California home - walking the dogs, putting on their Wrexham AFC gear, before watching the match.

But on Saturday, in a specially built viewing platform, he and Deadpool actor Ryan will watch their first game at The Racecourse.

And they are not underplaying what it means to them.

Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds during a press conference at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham. Picture date: Thursday October 28, 2021.

Both said Saturday’s home game against Torquay would be the pinnacle of their sports-watching lives.

Rob said: “I’ve been to the Super Bowl and I’m going to say this is going to surpass that.

“I’ve watched the Philadelphia Eagles, who I grew up watching and loving, win the Super Bowl for the first time – and only time – and that was one of the greatest days of my life.

“This is going to surpass that and the only thing that would hold it back is that my family is not here. But one day they’ll be here as well.”

Reynolds said: “In terms of personal investment – certainly emotionally – I can’t think of anything that would be on a par with Saturday.

“At Maidenhead I had apex of adrenaline rushes but to be here at the Racecourse, with as full house as much as we’re allowed, I’m beyond excited.”

He added: "This house is going to be rocking on Saturday."

“We want to feel that thunder, I think it’s going to be pretty special.

“We feel the sky’s the limit and the perfect ending for this season is promotion.”

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator Rob is dreaming of taking the fifth-tier Welsh club into the Premier League.

But Wrexham, with new manager Phil Parkinson at the helm, have not made an explosive start to the season following substantial summer investment.

The Red Dragons are 11th in the National League after only four wins from their first 11 games.

Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney during a press conference at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham. Picture date: Thursday October 28, 2021.

“Why not dream big?” said Rob.

“Promotion and relegation, they are big stakes. That was the key to it all. It’s not something we’re used to back home.

“The club has been in this league for 13 years and some things are going to have to change.

“Some great people have kept the club alive in this time, but we are going to make some adjustments to meet the changes needed.”

The America-based actors are paying their first visit to Wrexham since taking 100 per cent ownership of the National League club in February.

Reynolds and McElhenney saw Wrexham lose 3-2 at Maidenhead on Tuesday just hours after flying into the UK and will watch their first home game at the Racecourse against Torquay on Saturday.

Under dark rainy skies on Thursday, the pair met the media for the first time in the club’s main grandstand.

Ryan joked that he was told North Wales had a tropical climate.

Reynolds joked he was used to it “coming from Vancouver” while Philadelphia-born McElhenney said it “felt like home”.

“We wanted to buy a club that had a history and a connection to the community,” said Rob, who admitted he had fulfilled a boyhood dream by stepping on the pitch of the club he owned and taking part in a penalty shoot-out with the Wrexham players.

“When we looked at clubs the list got smaller and smaller and nothing came close to Wrexham.

“The ground feels like a cathedral and full of the spirit of people who have been before.

“This club has been here 160 years when none of us were alive and it will be here in another 160 years.”

Wrexham co-chairman Ryan Reynolds during a press conference at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham. Picture date: Thursday October 28, 2021.

Deadpool and Free Guy star Ryan said: “We’ve been surprised how emotionally invested my friends and family are in this. It’s something incredibly contagious.

“It’s been tough as it’s been a year plus (since making their bid to buy Wrexham in September 2020) watching from afar and following on social media.

“I don’t profess to be a football expert, but I see the beauty of the fan and I see it through others.

“We’d be lying if the dream wasn’t the Premier League. We want to get back in the Football League and continue our way upwards.”

He added: “We have a goal for the end of this club as well as this season and hopefully it’s a story to be told for years to come.

“The trick is to take our time a little bit. This is the first of many trips we will be taking to Wales.”