Hollywood Owners Face Potential Early Departure of Key Signing
Wrexham AFC co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have received concerning news regarding one of their marquee summer signings, with defender Conor Coady potentially departing for a Premier League coaching role after just three months at the Racecourse Ground.
From Pitch to Dugout: Coady's Potential Role Change
According to reports from The Telegraph, newly-appointed Wolves manager Rob Edwards is considering offering Conor Coady a coaching position at Molineux. The 32-year-old former England defender only joined the Welsh club from Leicester City in August for a £2 million transfer fee, signing a two-year deal with the Championship newcomers.
The potential move comes amid Coady's limited playing time under manager Phil Parkinson. Despite starting in Wrexham's opening Championship match at Southampton, the experienced centre-back hasn't featured in league action since the 3-1 home defeat to QPR in mid-September, quickly falling down the pecking order.
Wolves Connection and Managerial Appointment
Coady's potential return to Wolves holds significant sentimental value, given his eight-year spell at the West Midlands club between 2015 and 2023. During his tenure, he made over 300 appearances, captained the side, and played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League.
The speculation follows Wednesday's announcement that Rob Edwards had joined Wolves on a three-and-a-half year deal after being recruited from Championship promotion-chasers Middlesbrough. Edwards' appointment proved controversial, with angry Boro officials cancelling his pre-match press conference and standing him down from matchday duties during negotiations.
Wolves eventually paid £3 million in compensation to secure Edwards' services, despite initial rejection of their approach and accusations of rule-breaking from Middlesbrough.
Coady's Wrexham Journey and Celebrity Welcome
Coady's arrival at Wrexham in early August was considered a significant coup for the newly-promoted side, who fought off interest from Scottish giants Rangers to secure his signature. The defender received a characteristically warm welcome from the club's Hollywood owners, initially through a surprise WhatsApp video from Ryan Reynolds.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live in August, Coady recalled: "When I signed, he sent me a video and Rob messaged me. I got a WhatsApp from an American number which I thought was a bit strange. I sat on the couch with my missus watching it and I was really starstruck."
His first in-person meeting with Reynolds came before Wrexham's first home game, where Coady joked about the actor's height, suggesting he could "play centre half with me," only to discover Reynolds had never played football.
Challenges Ahead for Both Clubs
While a return to Wolves appears unlikely given Coady's recent two-year commitment to Wrexham, the potential move highlights the fluid nature of football careers. The defender had faced criticism earlier this season from former Wales striker Iwan Roberts, who labelled him as "past his prime."
Meanwhile, Edwards faces a substantial challenge at Wolves, who have registered just two points from their first ten Premier League games, leaving them with an eight-point gap to safety following Vitor Pereira's dismissal after defeat at Fulham.
For Wrexham's celebrity owners, the potential departure of a key summer signing after just three months represents another learning curve in their football ownership journey, demonstrating how quickly circumstances can change in the competitive world of Championship football.
