08 June 2023 , 13:45
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Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds shocked supporters by suggesting the Welsh club was changing their name to 'Wrexham United' before announcing American airline United as their new front-of-shirt sponsor.
Reynolds tweeted a graphic on Thursday afternoon that included the phrase 'Wrexham United' in white text on a red background, accompanied by the caption: "Yes. This. Is. Happening." McElhenney followed suit, quote-tweeting the message and replying: "Change is in the air."
They were quick to clarify their comments in a video announcing the deal, which will provide another huge financial boost to the Reds as they prepare for life back in the Football League.
"OK. That tweet needs some explanation," McElhenney said. "We stepped in, it was bound to happen," Reynolds interjected before their co-owner continued: "When we tweeted Wrexham United, we forgot to include a super important ampersand."
Reynolds explained further: "Yeah, it should have read Wrexham and United, because Wrexham is going to be sponsored by United Airlines; it's the front of shirt, which is super exciting. We just really wanted to share this.
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"We will not now nor will we ever change the name of the club," McElhenney stated. Reynolds reiterated: "We would never do that," before McElhenny added: "It's probably illegal anyway," Reynolds continued: "Yeah if it's not illegal, it should be. Let's make it illegal if we can do that legally."
Back to the point, McElhenney added: "We are very sorry for the confusion," before Reynolds finished that sentence: "But we're mostly excited. United, that's a major airline.
Wrexham will be playing in League Two next season with United emblazoned on the front of their shirts (Getty)"It's a banner day for the team and the town," Reynolds continued before McElhenney jumped in with a correction: "The city." Reynolds clarified: "Right, Wrexham city. I still prefer town." "I do, too," McElhenney added, "but I think we gotta button this up a little bit, Ryan. We are now EFL."
Since Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the team in late 2020, their presence has attracted several high-profile sponsors. TikTok has adorned the front of their shirts over their last two years in the National League, while online travel agency Expedia, also a partner of Liverpool, have had their logo feature on the back of those same shirts over each campaign.
Reynolds' Aviation American Gin sponsored their shirt sleeves during the 2021/22 season before being replaced by Vistaprint last term. That deal continues for the 2023/24 campaign in League Two.
However, agreements with Expedia and TikTok expire this summer, and their owners are moving quickly to replace them before returning to the Football League next season. United will replace TikTok on the front of their shirts in what is another major financial boost.
Since sealing promotion, Wrexham has been busy increasing its commercial income. Late May saw them partner with Blake Lively, who is married to Reynolds, and her beverage company Betty's Buzz in an arrangement that will see the drink logo appearing on the front of the team's training tops and adorning the sleeves of the women's team shirts.