Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announce huge Wrexham financial boost with new investors

Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have welcomed investment from "world-class partners" the Allyn family, which made its fortune in pharmaceuticals.

The New York-based family owned the medical firm Welch Allyn for more than 100 years until selling up in 2015 and turning its attention to investments. The family has formed Red Dragon Ventures LLC alongside Reynolds and McElhenney, which will "help fuel the Club’s lofty ambitions, as well as those of the broader Wrexham community".

A press release from the League One club said the Allyn family had joined as "minority investors", and Reynolds and McElhenney welcomed their arrival in a statement.

“Wrexham has earned the ’s attention and we are focused on bringing on board world-class partners to help with the next phase of our growth," the Hollywood stars said. "We have been fortunate to get to know the Allyn family and we are blown away by their intelligence, kindness and commitment. They are exactly the type of partners we will need for this amazing endeavor.”

Eric Allyn, manager and chief investment officer of the Allyn’s Family Office, added: "For more than a century, our family has focused on building great companies, while also uplifting wonderful communities.

"Our decades-long efforts in the Syracuse region are similar to what Rob and Ryan have started in Wrexham. We view Red Dragon Ventures as a vehicle to invest in a world-class football club, and, importantly, in the welcoming community of Wrexham.”

The American investment is the latest symptom of Wrexham's booming popularity across the globe. The takeover by Deadpool star Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia creator McElhenney in 2020 rescued the club from a 15-year stay in the wilderness of non-league, securing back-to-back promotions.

The journey has been chronicled in the Welcome To Wrexham documentary series, putting the North Wales town on the map and fostering a global fanbase. Phil Parkinson's team is chasing a third successive promotion, sitting in third place after 13 games.

Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson believes the fresh investment will take the club from strength to strength. He said: “The investment by the Allyn family into is great news for both the club and the local community in Wrexham.

"It will allow us to continue the development of the club while supporting the local community, which is something we truly believe in at this club.”