In February 2021, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham for £2 million after evaluating four different football clubs.
During a recent interview, Humphrey Ker disclosed the teams that Reynolds and McElhenney had considered acquiring prior to their investment in Wrexham.
He noted, “We initially looked at Aldershot because they are the first team alphabetically in the National League. I explained the National League to him, and he was curious about ‘Aldershot,’ so we decided to explore that option.”
“We also considered Hartlepool and Carlisle United, which many fans are aware of,” he continued. “Interestingly, Ryan had an initial interest in teams from Ireland or Scotland since he is originally from Ireland, mentioning Shamrock Rovers as a possibility.”
Ultimately, the duo opted to buy Wrexham, while the other clubs have experienced varying degrees of success since that time.
An Overview of the Teams Considered by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney before Acquiring Wrexham
Hartlepool United
During the 2020/21 season, Hartlepool United secured a promotion to the Football League by finishing above Wrexham in the National League. However, after spending two seasons in the fourth tier, they faced relegation in the 2022/23 season.
Currently, Hartlepool is back in the National League, sitting 12th after 14 games and has recently parted ways with manager Simon Grayson after just four months at the helm.
Aldershot Town
Aldershot Town, like Wrexham, was also competing in the National League when Reynolds and McElhenney considered them. Their performance in the 2020/21 season saw them finish in 15th place with 52 points, and their situation has not shown much improvement in the subsequent years.
They currently remain in the National League, holding 19th position with only 13 points after 14 games in the current season.
Carlisle United
Among the English clubs that Rob and Ryan evaluated, Carlisle United was the only one maintaining a position in the English Football League at that time. They had been a stable League Two side for many years before advancing to League One for the 2023/24 season.
Unfortunately, Carlisle was relegated after just one season and faced yet another drop last term. They are now competing in the National League for the first time and are in contention for promotion, currently placed third in the division, just one point shy of the top spot.
Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers have emerged as the most successful team among the ones considered by the Hollywood stars. Having clinched the League of Ireland Premier Division title in four of the last five seasons, they are currently leading the table in the 2025 season with a six-point advantage and a game in hand over second-placed Derry City.
