Mayor gives civic welcome to Rob & Ryan saying “They mean business!”

Last week as part of Ryan Reynold’s and Rob McElhenney’s first visit to Wrexham a formal civic welcome took place at the Racecourse ground.

The Mayor of Wrexham Cllr Ronnie Prince told us, “It was really great to meet up with Ryan and Rob two Hollywood film stars, at the Racecourse ground last week, home to Wrexham football club. First impressions mean a lot and it was clear to see that they are both really down to earth good fellas. They had done their research because they knew so much information about WAFC and Wrexham as a town.”

“I asked them had they heard about the 1934 Gresford Colliery Disaster when 266 men lost their lives due to an explosion and that many miners had changed their shift so they could watch WAFC play Tranmere FC, which resulted sadly in the men losing their lives. Yes they knew all about it.”

“I informed them that I was not only representing Wrexham Council at the meeting but also the miners who lost their lives. I added that the miners would be looking down on the Racecourse with great pride come match day and would be fully behind Ryan and Robs ambitions for the club.”

“I also informed them that I was the grandson of William Prince who sadly was one of the miners who lost his life on that fateful day back in 1934, along with his father, my great grandad, and that my grandsons would be at the match on the Saturday cheering on the team so much is the passion for WAFC in our town and its people.”

Cllr Prince explained the reaction of “you’re never a grandad!” from Rob and Ryan, prompting him to reply “I think you need to go to Specsavers!”

Cllr Prince said, “They knew all about beating Arsenal in the FA cup many years ago when Micky Thomas scored a fantastic goal.

“I asked them both why have they chosen Wrexham FC for this great adventure? Why are we the lucky ones?”

“In a nutshell the reply back was that Wrexham is a real working class town with a wonderful community feel and a fantastic football heritage and that they have great ambitions for both the club and the town.”

Council Leader Mark Pritchard, Ryan Reynolds, Robert McElhenney III, The Mayor Ron Prince, Chief Executive Ian Bancoft

More discussions ‘about many topics to numerous to mention’ took place, with the Mayor explaining, “My final thoughts on meeting them is that they mean business, so don’t be to surprised if one day we make it to the premier league. So no pressure there Rob and Ryan!”

“Thanks Rob, thanks Ryan, for taking us on this great adventure. Our town is buzzing!”

As well as the Mayor, the Council Leader Mark Pritchard and Chief Executive Ian Bancroft attended the meeting.

Cllr Pritchard said, “It was great to hear their genuine aspirations for the football club, ground and Wrexham, including their support for both the city of culture and city status bid, it was reassuring to hear what others are saying which is “why wouldn’t you”.”

Mr Bancroft said,  “Wrexham is lucky to have such committed and genuine investors into the area and we thank them for their time and generosity of spirit during the visit, and we look forward to welcoming them back on many more occasions.”

The civic reception was held at the football ground due to Covid-19 restrictions rather than in the Council Chamber.