Since being taken over by Disney star Ryan Reynolds and actor Rob McElhenney in November 2020, Wrexham have shot up the football leagues, earning a back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One.
Wrexham now sit second in their first season in League One, and are seven games away from making English Football League history. No club has ever gained three promotions in a row.
However, despite the media love and fame Wrexham receive, with many sports websites describing their story as a ‘fairytale’, the Welsh side are largely hated by fans around the UK. But the question is.. why?
I think it is fair to say that since the takeover, Wrexham have consistently outspent teams in their league, and even teams in the leagues above.
One of the Red Dragons first signings that came as a shock was former Cambridge United forward Paul Mullin. The striker scored a whooping 32 goals in the League Two 2020/21 season for the U’s, winning the golden boot.
Amid interest from high end League One clubs the following summer, Mullin instead opted to drop divisions and join Wrexham in the National League.
Wrexham had financial backing way above the levels they were playing at – promotions and a rise up the English pyramid seemed inevitable.
Many fans take dislike to Wrexham as they feel it’s not fair on the other teams in their league that can’t compete with their finances. There is also a lot of hatred towards Wrexham fans for their arrogance on social media.
The way Wrexham are portrayed in the media as being a ‘Disney fairytale’ is smeared, as many fans believe The Red Dragons have just bought their way up the leagues.
As well as that, the amount of times they are chosen for TV when there are more appealing matches on, is also heavily criticised.
Overall, there is an element of jealousy in the hatred of Wrexham FC, as most supporters, especially lower league clubs would love for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to have ownership of their club!
