They gathered at the entrance, resembling a crowd awaiting a royal arrival.
Staff at the newly established Football Museum of Wales beamed with pride as a notable guest arrived to evaluate the site ahead of its grand opening later this year.
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While Rob Mac—an actor turned football club owner—may not possess a regal aura, the people of Wrexham certainly treat him like royalty.
The 49-year-old TV star, currently busy filming the latest season of his celebrated show ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ is making a brief stop before heading back to the United States that same evening.
However, when it comes to engaging with the community of Wrexham, a beaming Mac (formerly McElhenney) is all too eager to connect.
Without a security entourage, this visit is personal for Mac, who is keen to delve into the rich history of Wrexham AFC—the club he and Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds have dramatically transformed from National League competitors to a team pressing for Premier League status.
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A visit to this northern Welsh city reveals the profound impact of their investment on the area.
International visitors flock to the legendary Turf pub, the birthplace of the club.
A mock Hollywood-style ‘Wrexham’ sign greets those arriving in the city.
Young fans don Wrexham jerseys in the streets—an impressive shift from the past, when they predominantly showcased teams like Liverpool and Manchester United. Wrexham is thriving.
The introduction of the new museum aligns perfectly with the city’s dynamic advancements.
Meanwhile, Wrexham AFC is experiencing its own momentum. The team has achieved an impressive three consecutive promotions under manager Phil Parkinson—a man to whom Mac presented his ambitious vision.
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Like much of what Mac invests his time in, this initiative has yielded promising results. The Premier League is the next goal, whether in the upcoming season or soon after.
This remarkable journey is sure to be featured in the museum one day.
“Wow, this is incredible,” Mac exclaims as he steps into the foyer of the new facility, which serves both as a museum chronicling Wrexham’s transition from a town to a city and as a tribute to all things Welsh football.
It’s certainly striking; visitors are welcomed by a large video screen highlighting the legends of Welsh football, showcasing icons from John Charles to Gareth Bale, and Jayne Ludlow to Jess Fishlock, along with the myriad triumphs and failures experienced by this proud football nation.
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Yet, while the modern technology impresses, the museum retains a sense of traditional culture. Elements like the brickwork, salvaged from the structure’s previous life as a police station, honor the past while celebrating the future.
“What a spectacular display for visitors to enjoy,” said Louise Preece, the museum’s marketing manager.
“It’s a fusion of Wrexham’s heritage and the broader story of Welsh football, from grassroots levels to professional clubs throughout Wales. So many have contributed to this effort.”
As an avid sports fan and history buff, Mac finds himself completely captivated.
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His eye is immediately caught by an interactive display featuring past goals from Wales’ national teams, inviting fans to vote for their favorites.
He notices the Cae Ras stadium, home to Wrexham, currently undergoing a £90 million restoration that will add over 7,000 seats and serve new hospitality options.
As he watches, he sees Mark Hughes—Wrexham’s famous native—scoring a stunning volley against Spain in a 3-0 victory in 1985.
“Boom,” Mac cheers as he casts his vote on the screen.
“That was never in doubt; that’s a clear winner.”
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Naturally, Mac is excited to witness many more unforgettable moments at Cae Ras, both in person and as part of the Emmy-winning documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ which has been renewed for another three seasons.
Latest figures indicate the club’s revenue surged nearly 25% to £33.3 million, with more than half of that stemming from global interest. The compelling narrative of Rob and Ryan’s lofty aspirations has fueled this excitement.
Yet, Mac remains humble.
“We’ll need to feature a section [in the museum] eventually,” he remarks.
“Sure, we’ll have a place here, but we must earn it first.”
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Those behind the new museum certainly believe they have earned it, which is why they gave Rob the privilege of showcasing a unique artifact.
A traditional wooden rattle, popularly used by supporters in the post-war era, is destined to be displayed in a glass case.
Mac is honored to place it there.
Curious, he inquires about the rattle’s history: “Was this passed down through the family?”
It turns out it was donated by the family of a long-time Wrexham fan who has since passed away.
With a bright smile, Mac gently showcases the item.
Perhaps it will once again be used to cheer on Wrexham when they secure their place in the Premier League?
For Mac, it’s a question of when, not if.