What happened to the first player Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney chose to join Wrexham revolution

The first player to make his debut during the Ryan Reynolds-Rob McElhenney era is now playing in England's sixth tier after his spell at Wrexham came to an unfortunate end.

Earlier this month, Reynolds and McElhenney celebrated successive Football League promotions as they secured their place in England's third tier with a 6-0 win over Forest Green.

It has been a whirlwind journey for the Wrexham owners, who completed their takeover of the then-National League side on February 9, 2021 after shaking hands with the Wrexham Supporters Trust.

Since that day, the pair have invested a further £10 million into the club, according to the Daily Mail, with some of that cash covering the repurchase of the freehold of the club’s Racecourse Ground.

So, what happened to the first signing under their regime?

Shaun Brisley, an experienced centre-back, was the very first player to sign for Wrexham in the Reynolds-McElhenney era, joining in the summer of 2021 from Port Vale.

Brisley had spent his entire career in the Football League prior to joining the Dragons following productive spells at Peterborough, Carlisle United and Notts County.

Ultimately though, it was the appointment of former Bolton and Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson that played a huge factor in the defender's decision to move.

“I’m delighted. Once I met with the manager, and he explained the really exciting project here, I couldn’t wait to join," he said.

“Wrexham are a big club who don’t deserve to be where they are now. With the new owners and the project in front of them, I want to play my part in getting us back to the Football League.

“It’s massive to be coming into something with a lot of hype around it, but the main objective is, of course, promotion to the Football League.”

Parkinson said the addition of Brisley was "just the start" of rebuilding their defensive line. “He’s got a lot of experience at Football League level, and he’s good in both boxes," he added.

"At any level, you need a defender who – when the ball comes into the box – will be the first to put his head on it and Shaun will certainly bring that."

Get someone who looks at you the way Steve Parkin looks at Shaun Brisley 🤣

🔴⚪ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/GHgvyO6WAX

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) October 23, 2021

Unfortunately for Brisley and Wrexham, the defender suffered an injury in pre-season against Spennymoor Town, meaning he had to wait for his debut – an FA Cup fourth qualifying round win against Marine.

He did manage to score on his first league start – a 3-0 victory away to Barnet.

But the centre-back left the club by mutual consent after making three further appearances against Maidenhead, Harrogate Town and Halifax.

Wrexham and Brisley eventually agreed to end his contract a year early.

“It was a frustrating season for 'Bris' last year – he couldn’t get much game time but always showed professionalism," manager Phil Parkison said.

"A player of his age and experience needs to be playing somewhere this year, and we wish him all the best.”

Brisley would go on to join newly promoted National League North club Buxton after leaving Wrexham, and made 46 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign.

Brisley agrees to join The Bucks 💙

We’re pleased to announce that Shaun Brisley has agreed to join from Wrexham AFC for the upcoming season 🖊

Subject to FA approval and International clearance*

All Buxton Aren’t We 💥💪🏻#UptheBucks #TeamBuxton pic.twitter.com/JhCjkEKVML

— Buxton Football Club (@Buxton_FC) July 7, 2022

He now plays for National League North side Alfreton Town, who recently reached the play-offs for a second successive season.