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Promotion Battles – Never easy for fans and owners alike as emotions go through twists and turns in the pursuit of what often seems like elusive success.
The story was no different for Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhinney on Saturday as the Welsh side finally secured their return to the Football League after a 15-year absence after a thrilling season.
Wrexham beat Boreham Wood 3-1 thanks to two goals from top scorer Paul Mullen and another from Elliott Lee as they reached a staggering 110 points – a National League record. The culmination of what has been a remarkable journey since Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhinney took over the Wrexham helm in February 2021.
Since then, the Red Dragons have entered the football consciousness more widely, and have their own Disney+ documentary – and a second season is set to be released later this year.
Mail Sport have captured the affections of Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhinney in an exciting night for the club as they secure a return to the Football League.
Reynolds greeted the Wrexham fans before kick-off on what could be a historic day for the club
There was a slight sense of nervousness around Notts County after they cut the gap between them and Wrexham to one point after a 5-2 win over Maidstone United earlier on Saturday.
They have also seen club turnover increase by 404 per cent, rising to nearly £6m – a record for non-league football and this is just the beginning of their ambitious plans which Reynolds confirmed in October 2021 will take them all the way to the Premier League.
The owners had a clear presence in the club throughout this season, and they were present yesterday, as they witnessed a historic night for the club.
The Mail Sport’s Kevin Quigley was there to capture all the emotions and pain the duo experienced as they watched the drama unfold.
There was a tense atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground after title challengers Notts County cut the deficit to one point after a 5-2 win over Maidstone United earlier in the day.
Wrexham went 1-0 down early after Lee Ndlovu opened the scoring inside 43 seconds
Elliott Lee’s tie celebrations sparked wild celebrations between Reynolds and McElhinney
The first half was still full of tension as Boreham Wood leveled the hosts at half-time
Reynolds can be seen urging his team to pull off a bit more than McElhenney
However, Wrexham knew a win would secure promotion with just one game left, and they had the advantage after a dramatic 3-2 win over their title rivals earlier this month.
It all started with a bang as Lee Ndlovu scored after just 43 seconds for the visitors to send fear through the Wrexham fans and co-owners.
However, there was relief on 15 minutes when Lee equalized when he headed home a shot to spark wild celebrations among the club’s supporters and hierarchy.
The rest of the first half was tense with Boreham Wood proving to be fearless opponents and the pain the game had caused Reynolds and McElhinney was palpable.
Sensing the moment, Reynolds could be seen urging his side before happiness fell when Mullen kicked his 37th and crucial goal of the season early in the second half to put Phil Parkinson’s side up 2-1 and on the brink of the EFL.
Paul Mullen put the home side 2-1 up early in the second half, but the game was still to be won
Then the ground of the Racecourse erupted as Mullen scored again to make it 3-1 in the 71st minute
Reynolds couldn’t believe what he was seeing with Wrexham on the brink of promotion
McElhenney and Reynolds were having fun during the final 20 minutes of the match
Mullen ensured he would be sent into Wrexham folklore even further when he added a second on 71 minutes, as the entire stadium erupted.
This meant that the final period of the match was played in a festive atmosphere, Reynolds and McElhenney could be seen enjoying themselves and could hardly believe what their club was about to achieve.
When referee Scott Jackson blew his whistle all the way, the stadium and the entire city erupted as thousands of fans ran onto the field to celebrate what Phil Parkinson’s team had done.
After the wild celebrations were over, McElhenney and Reynolds made their way onto the field to enjoy the festivities.
As they hugged each other, they couldn’t believe what had happened and took a minute to absorb everything.
The pair were very close to the first step in plans for their colossal ambitions for the Welsh side
After the pitch was invaded by cheering fans, McElhenney and Reynolds took to the field
The duo took a moment to digest everything after ending Wrexham’s absence from the Premier League
After celebrating with several team members, the duo lifted the National League Cup
They celebrated with several players, including 38-goal hero Mullin – whom McKellini described as “one of the greatest footballers in the world” – before lifting the National League Cup together.
Wrexham’s owners summed up the achievement scale best after full time. Reynolds told reporters: “I’m not sure I can really process what happened tonight, I’m still a little speechless.
“One thing that goes through my head over and over again was at the beginning, people said ‘Why Wrexham?’ Why Wrexham? That’s exactly why Wrexham, what’s happening now, is the reason.
McElhinney added, “I think we can hear how the city feels and that’s what’s most important to us – I think this is a cathartic moment for them.”
Mail Sport captures the emotions of Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney