Owen  Lloyd

After 15 years of hurt, Wrexham AFC have been promoted back into the Football League with the aid of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds who have helped bring back the spark to a once bleak city.

The 38 league goals of Scouse superhero Paul Mullin proved pivotal in pushing the Welsh side back into League Two of the English football league system for the first time since 2008, which also caters for a handful of teams across the border.

The 28-year-old found the net once again yesterday against Boreham Wood which led to berserk scenes at the Racecourse Ground that lasted through the night.

It was an occasion that drew global attention, largely thanks to McElhenney and Reynold's involvement that has brought notable success for the first time since their takeover in 2020 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The promotion party saw remarkable scenes, including Mullins leading anti-Government chants in the local McDonald's.

It also gave a glimpse into a potentially bright future for not only the club but the city as well, which like its beloved team, was once prosperous but has been stuck in stagnation.

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, life in Wrexham, like much of Wales, revolved around coal.

By 1913, the North East Wales coal field was producing up to three million tonnes a year and employed more than 10,000 people and played a huge part in the economic and cultural life of the area.

However, the industry fell into decline after the Second World War and of the seven large scale collieries in the Wrexham area in 1946, just two remained by 1968.

Other trades felt a similar fate, with leatherworks, brickworks, steelworks and breweries all closing in the second half of the 20th century.

Wrexham was dependent on old industries and since their decline, after the Second World War, the city has struggled with a lack of investment ©Getty Images
Wrexham was dependent on old industries and since their decline, after the Second World War, the city has struggled with a lack of investment ©Getty Images

The Red Dragons, which is the third-oldest professional football team in the world after its 1864 formation, have experienced relative success in their history.

Although not reaching the levels of the likes of Real Madrid, a record 23 Welsh Cup wins is nothing to be sniffed at.

A famous 1992 FA Cup win against Arsenal, and European nights against names such as Roma, FC Porto, and Manchester United have given fans fond memories of the Racecourse Ground.

Away from the league success, Wrexham has also enjoyed an FA Cup run.

Phil Parkinson's side progressed to the fourth round of the tournament, being the only National League team to do so, where they were eventually knocked out by potentially Premier League-bound Sheffield United in a replay.

The first game against the Blades proved the clubs' extended reach courtesy of its ownership as it became American broadcaster ESPN's most followed football match across its digital platforms.

Reynolds and McElhenney's documentary Welcome to Wrexham has helped generate the popularity influx and made the club a big name in the United States with some fans even flying to Wales to experience the atmosphere.

Even the team's staff have misjudged the hype and experienced a sell-out of 24,000 shirts ordered.

Originally, strategic advisor Shaun Harvey thought they had ordered too many but after running out in January they are looking to sell 35,000 next season across three kits.

The demand could well grow even beyond that what with a previously unheard of playoff schedule for a fifth-tier side.

Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney, left, and Ryan Reynolds have transformed the club and in turn the city ©Getty Images
Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney, left, and Ryan Reynolds have transformed the club and in turn the city ©Getty Images

Instead of cross-country bus journeys to face lowly opponents as in seasons gone by, Wrexham have secured a Stateside tour.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United have confirmed they will play the newly-promoted side in the US.

The fixture against the Blues, owned by American Todd Boehly, is set to take place on July 19 at the University of North Carolina's Kenan Stadium on the East Coast of the country.

Less than a week later, Erik Ten Hag's Red Devils await at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on July 25.

The club have stated that there are two further fixtures to be announced for the American trip on July 22 and 28.

As well as the inevitable boost this will have to Wrexham's fanbase, many are hoping to see an impact on tourism in North Wales.

Wrexham has already attracted the likes of actors Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell, and the average Joes have followed.

The surrounding area has so much to offer with the beauty of Anglesey's beaches, Conwy Castle, Bangor and more, there is untapped potential in Y Gogledd. Lest we forget the world's fastest zip line in Penrhyn Slate Quarry.

"We could not buy the promotion that they are bringing to the area," said chief executive of North Wales Tourism Jim Jones on the impact of Reynolds and McElhenney.

"It's a great gateway for people who visit Wrexham to then visit the rest of beautiful North Wales.

Wrexham's return to the Football League may well spell an upturn in tourism for North Wales ©Getty Images
Wrexham's return to the Football League may well spell an upturn in tourism for North Wales ©Getty Images

"I think there's not a lot that we really have to do because Rob and Ryan are doing it all for us.

"Hopefully Wrexham will go from strength to strength, not just on the pitch but also in terms of their economic regeneration which includes tourism."

What is perhaps the most heart-warming aspect of the story is the way that Wrexham has completely captivated both McElhenney and Reynolds.

The pair admit to being total football outsiders prior to their £2 million ($2.4 million/€2.2 million) investment, but have fallen in love with the sport, the club, the city, and the people.

McElhenney's tears at the full-time whistle after the decisive win were symbolic of the struggles faced by the fans who have endured decades of hardship.

The Wrexham faithful have remained loyal during times when the club had to work its way out of administration and then play for 15 years in the footballing wilderness that is the National League.

The buzz of excitement emanating from the Racecourse Ground flowed through the city in yesterday's match that will surely go down in history. 

It may not always be sunny in Wrexham but it seems Reynolds and McElhenney have brought the Hollywood weather with them as bright times lie ahead.

Provided they don't go straight back down that is!