Two English soccer clubs with celebrity American owners secure promotion

Under the leadership of investment group Knighthead Capital, which includes Brady as a minority owner, and the guidance of manager Chris Davies, Birmingham has undergone a transformation both on and off the field. 

The team has played an exciting brand of attacking soccer, with key contributions from players like Alfie May and big-money signing Jay Stansfield. May has 23 goal contributions (15 goals and 8 assists) while Stansfield is the club’s top scorer with 19 goals. 

Brady’s involvement has brought added attention to the club, with fans and pundits praising the strategic decisions made by the new ownership group. The club's future looks promising, with ambitions to not only consolidate their position in the Championship but also challenge for a Premier League return in the coming years.

Meanwhile, Wrexham, owned by Reynolds and McElhenney, has achieved its own remarkable feat. After a hard-fought season, it earned promotion from League One to the Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over promotion rivals Charlton Athletic.

This marks Wrexham's third consecutive promotion, making it the first club in English soccer to accomplish such a feat.

Since taking over in 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney have been instrumental in transforming Wrexham from a struggling non-league side into a widely recognized and successful club. Their financial backing and passion for the club's culture and history have brought the team into the spotlight. 

Wrexham's success is part of a broader trend of American ownership reshaping English soccer, with other clubs like Liverpool, Leeds United and Burnley also benefiting from U.S. investment.

Both clubs’ promotions are a significant milestone for American investors in the English game, signaling a shift in the sport’s landscape. With Wrexham and Birmingham City now set for the Championship, the involvement of Brady, Reynolds and McElhenney has proven to be a catalyst for success. 

As they prepare for next season, all eyes will be on these two clubs as they aim for further triumphs in English soccer's competitive second tier.