Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney buy football club

Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have completed their takeover of Wrexham AFC, Welsh football club currently playing in England’s fifth tier.

In a statement on its official website on Tuesday, the club said the Hollywood stars have taken 100% control from the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST).

It added that the film stars have also made a £2 million ($2.77M) equity investment into the club under the terms of the deal.

According to the club, its initial funds will be channeled into identifying first-team players to enhance the team’s competitiveness ahead of the summer transfer window.

It said £50,000 ($69,200) will also be budgeted for enhancing the women’s football programme and increase participation at all levels

In a joint statement, Reynolds and McElhenney expressed excitement at acquiring the club, while reiterating their commitments to steer the football side to greater heights.

“It is a special day for the two of us to become the latest stewards in the long and storied history of Wrexham AFC,” the statement read.

“Together with the players, the staff, the fans, and the local community, we can now pursue our goal to grow the team and return it to the EFL in front of increased attendances, and in an improved stadium, while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham.”

Prior to the acquisition, the club had been fan-owned since 2011. But in November last year, the WST voted 98% in support of a takeover with the deal finally coming through on Tuesday.

Wrexham, said to be the third-oldest football club in the world, will be hoping to achieve new strides in the wake of the actors’ acquisition.

Although the club had reached the FA Cup quarterfinals and recorded a historic win over Arsenal in 1992, it has never played in the top-flight of English football.

The football side marked the takeover in a grand style on Tuesday by beating Altrincham 2-1 to move into the National League play-off places.