'I don't support Wrexham but know what Reynolds and McElhenney are really like'

04 September 2023 , 08:00

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Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have earned praise from one rival fan (Image: Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

One rival supporter has admitted his liking for Wrexham's owners after getting to know them while working at the Racecourse Ground.

The hands-on approach of Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the Welsh club has won the team a cult following around the world. However, it now appears that their charms are rubbing off on fans of rival clubs, such is their welcoming nature.

Photographer Cody Froggatt began taking snaps at the League Two side's stadium after he finished up his masters at university. What he could not have known when he first attended a game at Wrexham's home ground was that he would soon be brushing shoulders with A-Listers.

That soon would become a welcome part of the day job for the youngster from nearby Connah's Quay, though. He would be present as the Red Dragons finally achieved promotion back to the EFL after 15 years during their historic 2022-23 season.

Incredibly, Cody was also able to strike up something of a working friendship with the club's world-famous owners during the course of the campaign. Speaking to Wales Online, the boyhood Chester FC fan described how this amazing feat developed, while also detailing how the household names made him feel welcome.

Ryan Reynolds mispronounces name of new Wrexham signing in hilarious video

He explained: "Rob and Ryan are really nice, and they're media savvy at the end of the day so they do play up for the cameras a little bit. I've met Blake (Lively, Reynolds' wife) and I've met Rob's wife and I've met all the kids and that.

"They are just people at the end of the day and they are just chilled out and really nice. Obviously when you're first shooting them you do get a bit star-struck, but after the first time you've done it just becomes a bit normal."

Superstars David Beckham and Will Ferrell have since been seen at Wrexham games (The FA via Getty Images)

Of course, the Racecourse Ground has been a hotbed for celebrity sightings in the past few years, with the likes of Hugh Jackman and Paul Rudd having attended games. Emma Corrin also was seen watching a game at the famous old ground last season.

Being in the presence of superstars all appears to be second nature for Cody now, who is taking it all in his stride. He added: "Like when Will Ferrell turned up one day, as we say at the ground - just another day at Wrexham!

"Because it does get a bit like that, you never know who's going to turn up. The first thing I do when I walk in is if I see the other photographers I'll go: 'Is anyone in the box today?' And they'll go: 'Oh, X is in or Y is in!' And you go: 'Allright, OK'. It does become a bit normalised in a sense that you just get used to them."

Tom Beattie