Hugh Jackman can't inspire Wrexham in nightmare Football League return

05 August 2023 , 16:35

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Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman was supporting his friend and Wrexham co-chairman Rob McElhenney at the Racecourse Ground (Image: Twitter/ Rob McElhenney)

Superstar Hugh Jackman lent some moral support to his A-Lister friends and Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as Wrexham they their return to the EFL - but their was no fairytale on the opening day.

The "Wolverine" actor has made no secret of his newfound love for the North Wales outfit in the recent past. True to form, he made the trip to the Racecourse Ground for their first League Two fixture in 15 years and he was immediately made to feel at home.

The club gained support from around the globe as a result of their exposure to a new audience through TV series "Welcome to Wrexham", as well as their ties with two of Hollywood's most familiar faces. Following on from this, their dramatic National League promotion tilt last season won the team a new legion of fans.

After a whistlestop tour of the US, it was straight back down to business for the Red Dragons, however, with a first League Two fixture coming in the form of a tricky home game versus MK Dons. Relegated from the third tier last term, their opponents are among the favourites to gain promotion this term and ran out 5-3 winners to leave the EFL newcomers reflecting on a disappointing start.

The club's owners soon welcomed Jackman to the fold, with "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" funnyman McElhenney posing for a snap with his old pal inside the stadium. Taking to Twitter, the comedy writer could not resist a tongue-in-cheek remark as he quipped: "Is the Co-Chairman transfer window still open? #TeamHugh."

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The Marvel megastar also shared a some pictures from inside the famous ground alongside his "Deadpool" co-star Reynolds on his own Twitter account, with an amusing caption of his own. Tagging the club's chairmen in his post, he joked: "Finally snagged an invite. Thanks Wrex."

Reynolds did not make reference to the presence of the Hollywood household name at the stadium on his own social media but did post a compilation video. The footage recounted the past decade and a half, leading up to this historic day for the club, with the accompanying words: "One day at a time. And today is that time. EFL, here we come."

Acting royalty Hugh Jackman takes to the terraces alongside Ryan Reynolds at the Racecourse Ground (Hugh Jackman/ Twitter)

Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman was supporting his friend and Wrexham co-chairman Rob McElhenney at the Racecourse Ground (Twitter/ Rob McElhenney)

Their US trip saw the team take on Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United, but the Red Dragons were brought right back down to earth versus the Dons. Phil Parkinson's men were on the receiving end of a strong start and found themselves two goals behind within ten minutes.

From there, the Welsh outfit did rally and they grabbed a goal back before half time through Jacob Mendy.

However MK Dons re-established a two-goal lead a matter of minutes into the second half through Jonathan Leko. To add insult to injury, he was on hand again as the visitors added a fourth goal on a dismal first game back in the EFL for Wrexham.

Ultimately, a late strike from Wrexham's Jordan Davies could not spark a miraculous comeback and Daniel Harvie seemingly put the result beyond doubt by making it 5-2. A final consolation came from Anthony Fore but the match finished 5-3 in a sobering defeat for Parkinson's team.

Paul Mullin of Wrexham lies injured after a collision with goalkeeper Nathan Bishop of Manchester United (2023 AMA Sports Photo Agency)

The impact of not having prolific goalscorer Paul Mullin on hand for this opening game of the season is hard to ascertain - Wrexham did not struggle to score, in fairness - but supporters will likely point at his absence as a key reason for their lacklustre start. The Liverpudlian scored a staggering 47 goals in all competitions last term and has bags of experience in the EFL.

Mullin has been resting up in California after he suffered a punctured lung in the clash versus Manchester United in the US. He tweeted prior to the game, expressing his disappointment at missing the landmark match versus MK Dons through injury.

He said: "Gutted to not be at the Racecourse tomorrow, to hear that roar when the lads walk out that tunnel would have been special! The moment you supporters have been waiting for!! Hopefully we can kick off the season with a win!"

Tom Beattie