Ex-Wrexham star reveals how unique £1.49m bonus system works under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

A former Wrexham star has explained how the club's bonus structure works as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney fork out their biggest prize fund for an unprecedented third consecutive promotion.

The Hollywood pair took over in 2021 when they were in Non League and after receiving the backing of the club's supporters, have helped completely transform the fortunes of the Welsh outfit.

A 3-0 win at home to Charlton at the SToK Racecourse on 26 April secured a historic hat-trick of promotions, a feat that has never been seen before in English football.

Wrexham's stars have been rewarded for their efforts with two all-expenses trips to Las Vegas for the last two years, as well as sharing around a total of £750,000 in bonuses.

That figure is to increase significantly, with The Athletic reporting that they will pay out £1.49 million in bonuses - separate from any performance-related clauses in contracts - after securing passage to the Championship.

Reynolds and McElhenney planned ahead and took out an £850,000 insurance policy which allowed them to cover a good chunk of the costs.

How are Wrexham's bonuses decided?

As captain of Wrexham, Ben Tozer was very much involved in bonuses and who was entitled to what sum. He signed for Wrexham in August 2021 and captained the Red Dragons to their first two promotions under Phil Parkinson.

During an appearance on the Fozcast with former teammate Ben Foster, Tozer explained that the bonuses at Wrexham go off a points system which focused on the amount of starts a player made, as well appearances on the bench and in the travelling squad.

Wrexham stars are set to receive a record bonus. Image: Getty

The centre-back said: "The last two years, they'd send me the email and be like, 'This is what everyone's owed bonus-wise'. They'd send out a list and be like, 'You played 46 games'.

"It's split into a points-system. You get five points for a start, you get three points for coming on and you get one point for being in the squad or on the bench. If you start 46 games, you get five points for 46 games, five times 46 is 230.

"Then you do the same with people who played 44 and people who came off the bench twice. It's the fairest way of doing it.

"The only time it doesn't become fair is when you've got people that travel to every game and don't make the bench, so you try and put in a travel point for a third choice goalkeeper for example.

"You've got the same situation at home but that'll be down to the manager's discretion. That's how the total's done basically."

Tozer was released by Wrexham in 2024 and returned to the National League with Forest Green Rovers, who finished third to reach the play-offs.