Wrexham chief executive Michael Williamson has disclosed that Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds held a private dinner with manager Phil Parkinson amid speculation over the manager's future. The meeting occurred on the eve of Wrexham's 3-1 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers in September, a period when the club had lost three of their opening five Championship matches and sat in the relegation zone.
Reports had emerged suggesting discussions over Parkinson's position, but Williamson clarified that the dinner was a casual affair. Reynolds, who co-owns the club with Rob McElhenney, was in London for filming and invited Parkinson for an early meal. Williamson declined the invitation due to a prior date with his wife.
“Ryan was in London doing some filming and he came up the night before the match,” Williamson told The Leader. “He didn't have any real plans and he invited Phil and I to dinner. I actually told him that I had a date night with my wife and wasn't able to attend but he and Phil had an early dinner and a fun conversation.”
Since the QPR defeat, Wrexham have lost only once in the league, climbing to 13th in the standings after a five-match unbeaten run. The club invested around £33 million on 13 new signings in the summer, and Williamson expressed unwavering confidence in Parkinson. “I think it was just a little bit of media click-bait,” he said. “From my perspective, there was never any doubt, especially after what he's delivered to this club and into this town.”
