Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney secure game-changing addition for Wrexham that sums up how far they've come

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have made a new addition at Wrexham and it epitomises the progress the club have made in recent years.

The duo became owners of the Welsh side in February 2021 and have aligned themselves with the players, fanbase and history of the football club during their time at the club.

Their ownership has coincided with the Red Dragons achieving back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons.

When the pair arrived at the Racecourse, the side were languishing in the fifth-tier National League.

Manager Phil Parkinson led them to a 111-point first-placed finish, which saw them promoted to League Two in 2023 before a second-placed finish allowed them to capture promotion to League One.

Several former Premier League players have signed for the club amid their success, including James McClean and Steven Fletcher and they have even been credited with an interest in the likes of Jamie Vardy in the past.

But one of their most recent additions shows how far the club have progressed in recent years.

Earlier today, the club conformed the arrival of former UEFA, Inter Milan and European Club Association communications guru Rob Faulkner.

Faulkner boasts over 20 years' worth of experience working in football and will start his role as ‘Chief Business and Communications Officer’ on December 1, 2024.

While always working in the communication industry, Faulkner has shown his versatile skill set in various roles throughout his career.

He worked for car manufacturers Yamaha and Toyota before moving into football with UEFA in 2001.

Faulkner progressed to being Head of Media Relations and Corporate PR in 2010 before moving on to Leidar, a Switzerland-based communications consultancy.

Faulkner, who joined Inter Milan in 2015, previously worked alongside Wrexham chief executive Michael Williamson. Their connection may have played a part in the decision behind his appointment.

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Following his departure from Inter in 2019, Faulkner became Head of Communications for European Athletics and then Director of Communications and Marketing for the European Club Association in 2022.

On Wednesday morning, Wrexham released a statement confirming Faulkner’s arrival.

“I can’t wait to get started in my new role at Wrexham AFC as Chief Business and Communications Officer,” said Faulkner in the statement posted to Wrexham’s website.

“The Club has been on an upward spiral for the past three years, driven by its inspirational owners and loyal fans.

“I look forward to supporting its continued upwards journey both on and off the pitch while keeping it firmly anchored in the hearts and minds of the local community.

“I would like to thank Wrexham AFC CEO Michael Williamson and co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds for this great opportunity.”

Impressively, Faulkner speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish and hiring an experienced operator like him illustrates just how far Wrexham have come.