Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

Three Takeaways from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s EFL Championship Interview

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brian Schaible | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 12:21 AM ET

Wrexham’s long-awaited arrival in the EFL Championship has been full of drama but hasn't yet resulted in wins. They had a hard-fought showing at Southampton that ended in defeat, followed by a missed opportunity against West Brom left the Red Dragons still searching for their first win. Before the home opener, co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney spoke to Sky Sports about the club’s journey. Here are three key takeaways.

1. Not taking anything for granted

Reynolds admitted he felt the same nerves ahead of the Championship home debut as he did when Wrexham were fighting several levels lower in the National League. For him, the key is to appreciate just how far the club has come. “It’s easy to just immediately think about the push to the next level,” he said. “But we’re in the Championship…and that is a special thing.”

2. They want to maintain a hands-off to soccer decisions.

The owners were quick to praise manager Phil Parkinson and his staff. “Our job is to listen, learn, and tell the story,” Reynolds explained. McElhenney added that their focus is on building infrastructure and long-term stability, not on football decisions. Their outsider role actually allows them to form stronger relationships with players, something uncommon for club owners.

3. Investing in the future.

When asked about the next steps, both pointed to investing in training facilities and a youth academy. McElhenney stressed sustainability, “what we want is a model that doesn’t flame out, but lasts for generations.” Their commitment to honoring Wrexham’s past, highlighted by their recent tribute to club legend Joey Jones, mirrors their focus on preparing for the future.

Wrexham may have faced challenges early on, but their trajectory under Reynolds and McElhenney remains clear, fueled by a strong belief within the organization that they belong.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: