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Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announce unusual new sponsorship name for historic stadium

Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announce unusual new sponsorship name for historic stadium

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have used their connections to bring more change to Wrexham.

Wrexham have won promotion back to the Football League but supporters won't be watching League Two football at the Racecourse next season.

Wrexham were crowned National League champions earlier this month with a record points haul of 111, ending their 15-year exile from the Football League.

The Welsh side, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have won the hearts and minds of football fans everywhere with their rags to riches tail.

However, the owners have taken a decision that football purists won't be keen on.

For the first time in its history, Wrexham's historic Racecourse ground - the world's oldest international football stadium - will be renamed for sponsorship reasons, which are explained in the video below.

Under the terms of a sponsorship deal brokered by Reynolds and McElhenney, from July 1 Wrexham's home will be known as the SToK Racecourse.

SToK Cold Brew Coffee is one of the fastest-growing coffee brands in the United States, although its products are currently not available in the United Kingdom.

Wrexham's American co-owners announced the sponsorship in a light-hearted video in which they secretly replaced the team's afternoon tea with SToK.

In the clip, striker Paul Mullin smashes his cup on the changing room floor after exclaiming: "Coffee at tea time? Shambles!"

In a statement, the owners said: "We wanted a stadium sponsor that captured the vitality and energy of Wrexham while also, like Welsh, being a bit of a learning experience to say. SToK Cold Brew Coffee fit the bill perfectly.

McElhenney and Reynolds have confirmed the name change. (Image: Alamy)
McElhenney and Reynolds have confirmed the name change. (Image: Alamy)

“We’re incredibly excited and a little overcaffeinated.”

SToK - pronounced 'Stoke', might not sit right with some fans, but Wrexham say taking on a stadium sponsor name was backed by the club’s advisory board, which is made up of supporter representatives.

Brittney Polka, vice president of Ready-to-Drink Beverages at Danone North America, said: “Some may wonder why a US-based cold brew brand would sponsor a tea-drinking Welsh football team.

“The answer: SToK is all about bold moves.

“We were captivated by the story of Wrexham — the team, the fans, and the community — and we’re honoured to be welcomed into the Wrexham family.

“We’ll be cheering on the Red Dragons and raising our cold brews from afar.”

"Wrexham executive director Humphrey Ker said: “We are delighted to welcome SToK to the Wrexham family.

“Having secured the support of the club advisory board and understanding that the majority of fans were happy for the stadium to be sponsored, we were delighted to partner with one of the fastest growing cold brew coffee brands in the US, as their ambitions and upward trajectory matches our own."

Wrexham walked the National League but the question is: can they do it on a cold rainy night at SToK?

Featured Image Credit: PA/Alamy

Topics: Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, League Two