Ben Foster Celebrates Wrexham's 'Ridiculous' Five-Year Transformation
Former England and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has hailed Wrexham's "ridiculous" journey as Hollywood co-owners Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds mark their fifth anniversary at the helm of the Welsh football club. The Red Dragons are currently chasing a fourth consecutive promotion and are within sight of the Premier League, an achievement Foster describes as "outrageous" and unlikely to ever be replicated.
From National League to Championship Contenders
Foster played a crucial role in Wrexham's rise from the National League to the Sky Bet Championship, helping secure the first of three promotions that ended the club's 15-year exile from the English Football League in 2023. The goalkeeper emphasized the unique approach of owners Mac and Reynolds, who purchased the club on February 9, 2021, despite having no prior experience in football club management.
"Rob and Ryan didn't really know what they were doing when they took over a football club," Foster told the Press Association. "They invested money, but they also invested their own energy. They put their personal interest and energy into it in a way you rarely see. I genuinely think if you asked them what they're most proud of, Wrexham would be right up there with anything they've done in acting or business."
Global Spotlight and Community Focus
The story of Wrexham's resurgence has captured global attention through the award-winning 'Welcome to Wrexham' docuseries, which highlights both the club and its community. The series has shone a spotlight on characters within the dressing room and the city itself, attracting fans from as far away as Australia and Argentina to North Wales.
Celebrity visitors to the SToK Cae Ras stadium have included actors Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, and Eva Longoria, while the nearby Turf pub has become a familiar destination for supporters. Mac revealed that his interest in purchasing a football club was sparked by watching the Netflix docuseries 'Sunderland 'Til I Die,' with Wrexham ultimately standing out due to its history and community connection.
Premier League Dreams Within Reach
Initially dismissed by some as a "publicity stunt," the owners' bold claim of reaching the Premier League now appears incredibly achievable. Record revenue driven by substantial growth in commercial income has been invested both on and off the pitch, with the local authority even awarding Mac and Reynolds the Freedom of Wrexham in recognition of their contributions.
Manager Phil Parkinson, appointed within five months of the takeover, has overseen three consecutive promotions and guided the team into Championship play-off positions. Foster expressed confidence in continued progress, stating, "I said a year or two ago I thought they'd be in the Premier League within three, four or five years. Getting out of the Championship is a big ask – it's a tough, competitive league with a lot of money involved. But they've done it the right way."
The goalkeeper concluded, "It's ridiculous. It will never be done again. Non-league promotion, promotion, promotion, and already being in promotion places at this level is outrageous. There's no reason why they can't keep progressing, because as an achievement, it will never be replicated again."
