Ben Foster has praised Wrexham’s “ridiculous” journey as Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds mark their fifth anniversary at the helm of the Welsh club.
The former England and Manchester United goalkeeper contributed to Wrexham’s ascent from the National League to the Championship, playing a key role in ending the club’s 15-year absence from the English Football League in 2023 with their first of three promotions.
This remarkable story has gained international attention, largely due to the acclaimed docuseries ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ which emphasizes not only the club but also the community, highlighting unique personalities both on and off the pitch.
McElhenney and Reynolds shocked fans when they took over the club on February 9, 2021, and they have since been frequent visitors to the SToK Cae Ras stadium.
Since the takeover, several celebrities, including Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, and Eva Longoria, have been spotted at Wrexham matches. Supporters from as far away as Australia and Argentina have made the journey to North Wales, many of whom have stopped by the popular Turf pub next to the stadium.
Foster expressed to the Press Association: “With Salford City, you have footballers managing the operation who’ve been through it all before. They have an understanding that sometimes limits what won’t work. Birmingham has wealthy owners too, but Wrexham’s situation is unique.”
“Rob and Ryan came into this without a clear idea of how to run a football club. They put in financial resources but also their personal passion and energy, which is rare to see. If you asked them what they are proudest of, I believe Wrexham would rank among their top achievements, alongside their acting and business ventures.”
“To take on something they didn’t fully comprehend and transform it into what it is today is truly commendable. It’s incredible.”
Surprisingly, McElhenney and Reynolds had never met prior to acquiring Wrexham, with McElhenney’s interest sparked by watching the Netflix docuseries “Sunderland ‘Til I Die” about the Black Cats.
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At one point, they considered acquiring clubs like Aldershot, Carlisle, and Hartlepool, along with potential ventures in Ireland and Scotland.
Upon their first visit to Wrexham, McElhenney stated, “We wanted to buy a club with history and community ties. As we evaluated various clubs, the list dwindled, and nothing came close to Wrexham.”
During the same press conference, Reynolds—who later declared in 2025 that his time as owner had been the “greatest four years” of his life—admitted, “We’d be lying if we said our dream wasn’t to reach the Premier League.”
Formerly dismissed by some as a mere “publicity stunt,” that ambitious dream is now tantalizingly within reach.
Record revenue, driven by substantial growth in commercial income, has been invested both on and off the field, with the local council honoring McElhenney and Reynolds with the Freedom of Wrexham.
Phil Parkinson, who was appointed manager within five months of their takeover from the Wrexham Supporters Trust, has led the team to three consecutive promotions and into playoff contention in the Championship.
Foster commented: “What they’ve achieved is phenomenal. It’s unprecedented. To navigate from non-league up three tiers and already contend for promotion at this level is extraordinary. I predicted a year or two ago that they would reach the Premier League within three to five years.
“Escaping the Championship is a daunting challenge given its competitive nature and financial demands, but they are navigating it successfully by empowering the manager to make the necessary player acquisitions and truly understand the team’s dynamics. There’s no reason why their progress can’t continue, as this accomplishment is unlikely to be replicated.”