Wrexham promoted reaction as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney celebrate

A moment that Wrexham fans will never forget

(PA)

Celebrations with Ryan Reynolds and the gang

(IAN COOPER/IAN COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY)

Ryan Reynolds breaks silence on promotion

Mickey knows this feeling. https://t.co/IEIc9cfI5t

Ryan Reynolds mispronounces name of new Wrexham signing in hilarious video — Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) April 22, 2023

That's all from us

Thanks for tuning in to a historic day for Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they secured promotion to the Football League.

It's been 15 years since Wrexham last stepped foot in the EFL, but after a stunning 3-1 win over Boreham Wood, that's where they'll be next season.

Wrexham now sit on a record 110 points in the National League, although we suspect they may not play their final game of the season with the same intensity after today's celebrations.

More to the shirt drama!

It turns out that Ben Foster was contacted pre-game by Ryan Reynolds, who demanded his shirt if they achieved promotion.

Reynolds also grabbed the shirt off Elliot Lee, and he's got a nice collection of historic shirts now after a stunning season.

Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are some of the most likeable owners in the game, and Foster poured his heart out in support.

“He text me before the game asking for that… Can't say no to the owner!”

Watch the moment @VanCityReynolds came into the post match press conference for @BenFoster & @ElliotLee9’s shirts pic.twitter.com/YE0wg8l2Ua

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 22, 2023

Ryan Reynolds GATECRASHES Ben Foster press conference

Ben Foster's post-match interview was interrupted by owner Ryan Reynolds, who demanded his shirt.

The Wrexham co-owner shares a bromance with Foster, as he was seen hugging him after the former Manchester United star saved a last-minute penalty against promotion-rivals Notts County.

Reynolds previously asked Paul Mullin for his shirt a few weeks ago, and the striker responded by saying: "I can't say no, you paid for it."

Wrexham boss details scale of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's involvement

Foster also obliged and handed over the match worn shirt.

Ryan Reynolds claims Ben Foster’s shirt after Wrexham win promotion to the EFL #WrexhamAFC pic.twitter.com/FzVI7QOcsX

— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) April 22, 2023

Jeffrey Dean Morgan gets his birthday wish

The Walking Dead star Jeffrey Dean Morgan asked for a Wrexham win on his birthday, and he got his wish after watching on from his home in the United States.

Morgan congratulated fellow actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and admitted he felt "stunned" after watching the dramatic 3-1 win over Boreham Wood.

It seems as though Reynolds and McElhenney are banding together a group of acting ultras as they continue to grow Wrexham.

Incredible. I’m as stunned as Ryan and rob look right now! Congrats to NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!! ⁦@Wrexham_AFC⁩!! What a story this is!! pic.twitter.com/kPOoxPKmEb

— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) April 22, 2023

Wrexham congratulated by Prince William

The Prince of Wales has congratulated Wrexham for their stunning achievement, tweeting out a message after they won the National League title on Saturday.

William said that Wrexham have "done Wales proud" and that he's excited for the season ahead when they return to the Football League.

Congratulations @Wrexham_AFC! A club with such amazing history, looking forward to a very exciting future back in the Football League. Doing Wales proud. W https://t.co/VGdF6GkFVw

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 22, 2023

Amazing reminder of the size of Wrexham's achievement

Wrexham star Jordan Davies was just a young lad when the club were relegated from the Football League in 2008, and now he's part of the side that climbed back into the EFL after 15 years.

Davies shared a photo from when he was a young prospect at Wrexham, and it shows just how far they've come.

15 YEARS IN THE MAKING! WE ARE GOING UP pic.twitter.com/i3P7Yy0hK3

— Jordan (@jordandavies98) April 22, 2023

Wrexham eye 'Premier League ambition' after completing first promotion

The rise of Wrexham has been incredible ever since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds took over in 2021, and they've jumped to a higher division for the first time.

But this is just the start of what they're hoping to be a long, successful journey, and have ambitions of climbing right to the top of the football pyramid.

READ THE FULL FEATURE HERE

(Twitter/@btsportfootball)

Hollywood moments still to come for Wrexham

Wrexham will enjoy a few nights of celebrations before completing the National League season, and they'll be aware that their first campaign back in the EFL will be extremely tough.

But they're set to have the best pre-season possible to prepare, as they face both Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.

As part of the 2023 FC Series in the United States this summer, Wrexham will face both Man United and Chelsea, with two more games scheduled.

After the news was announced, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said: “Our tour of the United States will be an exciting part of the summer’s build-up to the new season and something we will all be looking forward to in July.

“To have the opportunity to play a team of Chelsea’s calibre at the Kenan Stadium, North Carolina, will be a terrific test for our players and form an important part of our preparations for the 2023/24 season.

“We’re looking forward to meeting some of the fans who have supported us so passionately from afar this season at a renowned athletics stadium.”

(Getty Images)

Yes Rob McElhenney, that does say Wrexham on the trophy!

Rob McElhenney checks the National League trophy

Phil Parkinson is DRENCHED after wild celebrations

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson is absolutely covered in what's likely to be a mix of water and champagne, as he celebrated his first league title as manager.

The celebrations continue for Wrexham, and the players haven't even taken off their match kit yet with more important matters at hand.

Our Gaffer

#WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/LIAuUa9PZc

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) April 22, 2023

Celebrations in Philadelphia for Wrexham

Wrexham now have a huge fanbase worldwide thanks to the impact of Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and of course the huge success of the series 'Welcome to Wrexham' on Disney Plus.

Fans weren't just gathering in Wrexham for their historic return to the EFL, as even watch parties were hosted in Philadelphia!

Final whistle in Philly as @Wrexham_AFC earn promotion. Everyone in this bar claims to know @RMcElhenney. pic.twitter.com/aTDzIwoqID

— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) April 22, 2023

What a journey it's been so far

After purchasing Wrexham for £2million in 2021, it's been some journey for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

They've fallen head over heels for football, while the Wrexham fans have fallen in love with their Hollywood owners.

Wrexham are no longer a historic club in Wales, they now have a huge global following and the sky is the limit.

They're now back in the EFL for the first time since 2008, and who knows what's next for the Red Dragons

The Wrexham story is INSANE:

• Bought for $2.5M
• Produced docu-series on FX
• Added 1M+ social media followers
• Tripled season ticket purchases
• Signed sponsorships with TikTok, Expedia, etc.

And now they've been promoted back to the EFL for the first time in 15 years. pic.twitter.com/fwEtELDovF

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) April 22, 2023

Ben Foster: "I love you lot, I do"

Ben Foster has played for England, lifted the EFL Cup on three occasions and even experienced promotion to the Premier League in his career.

But the new Wrexham hero looks to be enjoying the National League title success more than any other, and joined in with fans as they sung his name.

SUPER BEN FOSTER IN GOAL!

#WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/bCdfn9mYyw

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) April 22, 2023

Ben Foster's vlog could break the internet

Ben Foster is not just a professional goalkeeper, but he became a popular YouTube star after a niche idea to put a GoPro in the net of his goal.

While also having a podcast, Foster is now best known for his matchday vlogs, showing behing the scenes action and raw footage from inside the goal during games.

Foster of course was armed with his camera during the game, and even had it clenched in his fist during the trophy lift and dressing room celebrations.

It's going to be some vlog...

Ben Foster has been vlogging the action as usual (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Ben Foster teases another season with Wrexham

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster may have announced his retirment at the end of last season, but he performed a stunning U-turn after an SOS call from Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson.

Foster signed a short-term deal to help get Wrexham over the line, and he's now a National League title winner. Foster has already said he feels "home" at Wrexham, and he could be tempted into another season.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Ben Foster celebrates during Wrexham's promotion decider against Boreham Wood (Matthew Ashton/AMA)

Ryan Reynolds calls wife Blake Lively after securing promotion

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds tugged on the heartstrings as he instantly FaceTimed wife Black Lively after promotion was secured, as he wanted to share the moment with his other half.

Reynolds has brought his family to the Racecourse Ground on many occasions this season, but flew solo this time around. But thanks to the power of technology, he could still share the moment.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds enjoy their title lift

The Wrexham stars have all passed around the National League trophy, and now owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have got their hands on the silverware.

The owners have supported the side all over the country this season, jetting in from the United States most weeks to cheer Wrexham on.

They can now celebrate a season of hard work, and forget about everything for a night before returning to their everyday lives.

It's going to be great having them in the EFL next season.

Reynolds and McElhenney lift the trophy (BT Sport)

SCENES IN THE WREXHAM DRESSING ROOM

The Wrexham dressing room is literally bouncing as the players enjoy a drink and celebrate the title win.

This is expected to be just the start though, with an entire gruelling season now out the way and the ultimate prize in the bag.

FEARLESS IN DEVOTION, RISING TO PROMOTION!!!!!!!

#WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/pK01ZsZbEQ

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) April 22, 2023

The full Reynolds / McElhenney interview

"Why Wrexham? This is exactly why Wrexham!"

"Paul Mullin is one of the greatest football players in the world!"@VancityReynolds and @RMcElhenney react to @Wrexham_AFC's return to the Football League pic.twitter.com/buptb00lOX

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 22, 2023

Rob McElhenney claims Paul Mullin is "one of the best in the world"

After allowing the National League title success to sink in, Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were interviewed and asked about their thoughts on it all.

Both were speechless, and extremely grateful for the town of Wrexham allowing them to get involved in their journey.

However, McElhenney did make one huge statement, as he said: "I'd like to say that Paul Mullin is one of the greatest football players in the world."

(Getty Images)

Ben Foster already feels "at home" with Wrexham

Ben Foster may have only played seven games for Wrexham since signing on an emergency short-term contract, but he already feels as though he's found his home in the Welsh town.

Foster came out of retirement to play for Wrexham and get them over the line, but it seems as though he may extend his stay and continue the journey next season.

"It's like home already!"@BenFoster on his enduring connection with @Wrexham_AFC pic.twitter.com/7puTUJlNfo

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 22, 2023

Phil Parkinson reacts to his first league title

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has enjoyed some brilliant days in his managerial career, but perhaps none like this.

Parkinson has enjoyed promotion with the likes of Bradford, while also beating Chelsea in the cup, but the boss was emotional after getting over the line with Wrexham.

"It's a massive moment for this football club."

Phil Parkinson on the monumental effort behind @Wrexham_AFC's promotion pic.twitter.com/rA31u5IyKU

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 22, 2023

Wrexham lift the National League trophy!

@WREXHAM_AFC ARE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS pic.twitter.com/IFfNIloEng

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 22, 2023

A word from Wrexham hero Paul Mullin

Paul Mullin scored a stunning brace to help Wrexham clinch the title, but he's been in fine form all season and a worthy National League Champion.

After the final whistle, Mullin said that this win was "for the fans", and that it's the most important brace he's ever scored.

"The fans have deserved this day."

Paul Mullin on helping take @Wrexham_AFC back to the Football League pic.twitter.com/LU6TA8d31j

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 22, 2023

Wrexham owners pocket huge payment from EFL

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are already much richer after a stunning season, pocketing a £1.1million sum from the EFL.

For being League Two alone, they will receive a payment from the EFL of £1.1m, with their TV income/sponsorship and the annual Premier League solidarity payment incorporated into that amount.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

(PA)

Amazing support from the Wrexham faithful

No Wrexham fan is leaving the stadium early today, and most of the 10,000 were on the pitch after the final whistle.

The pitch has now been cleared ready for the trophy lift, but the stadium is expected to be full once again for their treasured moment.

No Wrexham fan is leaving early from this one (BT Sport)

The trophy lift is upon us

The National League trophy is out at the Racecourse Ground, and the Wrexham players will soon be able to lift it in front of their fans.

The game is now over, the celebrations have already begun, but they're moments away from finally grabbing the National League trophy.