Wrexham's chief executive has pulled back the curtain on secret discussions between Hollywood co-owner Ryan Reynolds and manager Phil Parkinson that occurred amidst swirling speculation about the boss's future at the Racecourse Ground.
The Rumours and The Reality
Michael Williamson, Wrexham's CEO, has confirmed that Ryan Reynolds did indeed meet with Phil Parkinson in September, precisely when rumours about the manager's potential sacking reached fever pitch. This meeting took place on the eve of Wrexham's 3-1 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers, a match Reynolds attended from the stands.
The context was a challenging start to life in the Championship for the Red Dragons. After securing three consecutive promotions under Parkinson's leadership, the team struggled initially, losing three of their opening five league fixtures. This poor run left the club languishing in the relegation zone, inevitably leading to external noise questioning whether Parkinson was the right man to lead them forward.
A Casual Dinner, Not A Crisis Meeting
Contrary to the dramatic media reports, Williamson has clarified the true nature of the meeting. It was not a tense boardroom confrontation but a relaxed, informal dinner. Reynolds was in London for filming and seized the opportunity to catch up with Parkinson.
"Ryan was in London doing some filming and he came up the night before the match," Williamson explained to 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."
The CEO highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that while the media speculated about crisis talks, the manager and owner were simply sharing a meal and a positive discussion.
From Speculation to Stabilisation
The club's non-executive director, Shaun Harvey, had previously branded the sack rumours as "an absolute disgrace." Since that difficult September period, Wrexham's fortunes have dramatically improved. The team has been beaten just once in the league following the QPR result and recently enjoyed a run of five games unbeaten.
A 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic before the international break cemented their climb to 13th in the Championship table, a position that reflects their stabilised form. This positive turn has naturally quietened the speculation surrounding Parkinson's position.
Williamson attributed the earlier rumours to "media click-bait," designed to draw attention. He expressed unwavering confidence in Parkinson, emphasising the manager's proven track record and the significant backing he received during the summer transfer window, where the club invested approximately £33 million on 13 new signings.
"From my perspective, there was never any doubt, especially after what he's delivered to this club and into this town," Williamson stated. "He has shown and proved why he is one of the best managers I've worked with."
