Ryan Reynolds has arrived in Wrexham for Saturday's Championship clash with Wolves, just 24 hours after the club announced the shock departure of chief executive Michael Williamson.
The Hollywood star has made the trip to north Wales amid growing speculation among supporters about what is happening behind the scenes at the Racecourse Ground following a turbulent few weeks.
Boardroom Exit Announced
Williamson's sudden exit was announced on Friday afternoon, with Reynolds and fellow co-owner Rob Mac issuing a joint statement thanking the American executive for his two years of service. Club director Shaun Harvey has stepped in as acting CEO.
But the announcement has prompted a wave of reaction from supporters, many of whom believe there is more to the departure than has been made public.
The news follows the recent departure of popular former executive director Humphrey Ker, while Wrexham were also fined £75,000 by the EFL last month after two players were included in matchday squads despite being ineligible.
Fan Reactions
Reacting to Friday's announcement, supporter Tony Whilding wrote on X: "Humphrey leaving with not acknowledging the owners. Club fined for putting unregistered players in squads. Worst couple of windows post takeover, something ain't right."
He also questioned whether the recent player registration issues had played a part in Williamson's departure, although there has been no suggestion from the club that the two matters are connected.
Popular Wrexham supporters' podcast Fearless in Devotion also reacted to the announcement, posting: "What in the questionable summer transfer window has gone on here then??"
Another supporter, Paul Davies, suggested there had been a noticeable change in the atmosphere around the club before the news emerged. "It has not felt right at the club this season .. until Wed night," he wrote, referencing Wrexham's impressive 2-0 victory over Championship leaders Middlesbrough.
Calls for Ker's Return
Others were quick to call for the return of Ker, who stepped down from his position on the Wrexham board in September after five years with the club. Ker, who played a crucial role in the Hollywood takeover and became a hugely popular figure among supporters through his appearances in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, had explained that the club's evolving structure made it increasingly difficult for him to contribute in the way he wanted.
However, following Williamson's departure, some supporters have expressed hope that the door could now be open for a return. "Great news, Now bring back Humphrey Ker as fast as possible please....And leave Parky where he is," wrote Stewart Pritchard.
Bryn Jones added: "Happy days, something been wrong off pitch for a while, get Humphrey Ker back involved now... he gets this club and community!"
Meanwhile, another supporter, Steven Davies, posted a lengthy message expressing his concerns about how Wrexham's identity had changed as the club climbed the football pyramid. "The club has lost its soul, lost its spark," he claimed, before arguing that Ker's return could help restore some of the connection between the club and its supporters.
Social Media Activity
One eagle-eyed supporter claimed to have noticed some interesting social media activity involving several familiar Wrexham figures. Whilding wrote: "Humphrey Ker, Elliot Lee and Paul Mullin all liking the BBC Sport Wales story about Mike Williamson on Instagram departing the club, think that says it all, doesn't it?!"
He subsequently claimed former midfielder Andy Cannon had also liked the post. Those reported interactions have further fuelled discussion among fans, although they do not establish why Williamson left or what the individuals concerned think about the decision.
Wrexham have offered no explanation for Williamson's exit, nor have they suggested it is connected to Ker's departure, the club's transfer business or the recent EFL punishment.
In their joint statement on Friday, Reynolds and Mac said: "We thank Michael Williamson for his two years at Wrexham and for his work taking the club from League 1 to the Championship. Since our takeover five years ago, Wrexham have had historic success on the pitch and won hearts all over the globe. We remain focused on our most important task: to make the Wrexham community proud. Shaun Harvey has been an integral part of this journey from the beginning, and we know Shaun will give every support to Phil Parkinson and the lads on the pitch while keeping the broader Wrexham community roaring us on."
Williamson joined Wrexham in May 2024, having previously held senior positions at Inter Milan, DC United and Miami FC, and oversaw their promotion from League One into the Championship. His departure comes with the Red Dragons sitting 16th in the second tier after a difficult start to the campaign, although Wednesday's victory over Middlesbrough provided a timely lift for Parkinson and his players.
Reynolds will now be hoping Saturday's encounter with high-flying Wolves can provide another reason for supporters to cheer after a dramatic few days at the Racecourse Ground. But with questions continuing to circulate among the fanbase, the club's latest boardroom shake-up has ensured that events off the pitch are attracting almost as much attention as those on it.
