Wrexham's Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney backed a £33 million summer spending spree, with a deadline day deal for defender Dom Hyam proving a masterstroke. The 29-year-old joined from Blackburn Rovers for around £2.7 million after a tense negotiation that stretched past 10pm on transfer deadline day.
Manager Phil Parkinson had initially targeted Bristol City's Zak Vyner, but switched to Hyam after that move fell through. Blackburn were reluctant to sell, setting a high price to deter Wrexham, but the club pressed ahead, even arranging a medical in Glasgow where Hyam was on Scotland duty.
Hyam has made an immediate impact, starting eight matches and captaining the side. His performances helped Wrexham beat Championship leaders Coventry City 3-2 and draw with second-placed Middlesbrough. Parkinson called him a 'colossus' after a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City.
Blackburn manager Valerien Ismael admitted the club felt pressured to sell, saying: 'We put it for a high price to say they won't come back, but they came back.' With Hyam's contract running down, the offer was too good to refuse. So far, Wrexham appear to have got the better end of the deal.
