Wrexham's Hollywood co-owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, found themselves in an embarrassing situation after a series of blunders were spotted in their acclaimed 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary series.
The Infamous Pronunciation Gaffe
The first significant error occurred in a 2022 joint video announcement where the owners confirmed their FA Cup qualifier would be broadcast on ESPN2 in the United States. During the clip, Rob McElhenney, who recently legally changed his surname from Mac, mispronounced the name of their opponents, Blyth Spartans.
The mistake prompted numerous complaints from Spartan fans, forcing the American actor - best known for creating and starring in 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' - to issue a swift and public apology for his error.
A Tactical Formation Too Far
Sharp-eyed viewers discovered another notable mistake in the final episode of the documentary's first series. The touching outro featured the two celebrities pledging to stand by Wrexham and guide them to promotion to the EFL.
However, the episode concluded with a still of a football tactics board showing markers set out in formation - but with 12 players positioned on the pitch rather than the regulation 11. Given both McElhenney and Reynolds' comedic backgrounds, some speculated this might have been an intentional joke, though many believe it was simply an editing oversight.
Remarkable Success Despite Early Stumbles
Despite these early documentary missteps, the duo have transformed Wrexham's fortunes dramatically since purchasing the Welsh club in February 2021. The Red Dragons have enjoyed a meteoric rise, achieving three consecutive promotions from the National League to the Championship under manager Phil Parkinson.
Upon taking ownership from the Wrexham Supporters Trust, Reynolds and McElhenney provided an immediate £2 million financial injection. This investment paid dividends as Wrexham clinched the National League title in 2023 and followed with two more promotions in subsequent years.
Surprisingly, the club receives no direct financial benefit from 'Welcome to Wrexham', which airs on Disney+ in the UK and via FX-on-Hulu in the United States. Club director and former EFL chief Shaun Harvey confirmed this during a fan board meeting in April 2024, noting the club benefits instead from increased marketing exposure that drives sponsorship value and retail sales.
The documentary's impact on Wrexham's popularity, particularly in the US, is undeniable. The UK market now accounts for less than half of the club's annual turnover, with latest accounts showing turnover skyrocketed by 155% to £26.7 million during the financial year ending June 2024.
The series itself has been well-received, picking up several Primetime Emmy awards and recently being renewed for a fifth season, proving that even with a few early mistakes, the Wrexham story continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
