Ryan Reynolds-owned Wrexham AFC narrowly misses out on promotion

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/28/22

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham AFC will remain in the National League after losing a wild playoff semifinal match, 5-4, against Grimsby Town on Saturday.

Wrexham finished the regular season second in the National League, six points behind Stockport. While the latter earned automatic promotion to EFL League Two, Wrexham had to navigate a six-team playoff for the chance to join Stockport. Those hopes ended when Grimsby Town, which finished sixth place in the National League, scored a 119th-minute goal to break a 4-4 tie.

Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the team in November 2020 amid a season that ended with an eighth-place finish. With the backing of the pair of actors as owners, Wrexham improved for its best finish in a decade.

Wrexham has participated in the National League, the fifth tier of English club soccer, since being relegated from EFL League Two in 2008.

Grimsby Town will play the winner of a semifinal match between Solihull Moors and Chesterfield for a chance at promotion.

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