Wrexham won’t be playing the Blues in the USA – Reynolds
WREXHAM co-owner Ryan Reynolds has refuted suggestions that his club could potentially face Birmingham City in the USA next season.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Birmingham had enquired about the possibility of relocating their League One match against Wrexham to the US next season - a move that would have been groundbreaking for English football.
However, the EFL quickly dismissed the idea.
Now, Hollywood star Reynolds has responded to a concerned fan on X who questioned the Deadpool actor about the proposed plans.
A worried Wrexham supporter, troubled by the reports that the game could take place stateside and away from local supporters, took to X to directly ask Reynolds about the news.
The Daily Star reports how the fan quoted a set of “guiding principles’, which were established by Reynolds and co-chief Rob Mcelhenney when they bought the club in 2020, and posed his question to Reynolds.
The question aimed at Reynolds read: “Goes against every single one of the ‘guiding principles’ you stated publicly before even buying the club. Let’s not start getting too greedy and breaking promises @Vancityreynolds @Rmcelhenney.”
The actor swiftly responded to the claims and promptly dismissed the story, stating: “I agree. And that’s why there have been no talks.”
While pre-season games taking place in the US are not unusual, league fixtures are a different matter altogether.
The EFL subsequently rejected the request from Birmingham, which would have seen the two teams compete against each other across the Atlantic.
If the proposed Us-based match had gone ahead, it would have marked the first competitive English fixture to be held outside of England or Wales.
Reynolds had previously hinted at his disapproval of taking Wrexham to the United States for an in-season game, fearing it could alienate local fans.
However, it seems the Birmingham chiefs don’t share this sentiment, with their hierarchy reportedly disappointed by the EFL’S decision to reject their request, as reported by Mail Sport.
Since Reynolds and Mcelhenney took over, Wrexham’s fortunes have been on the up, with the club climbing the EFL ranks.
The same cannot be said for Birmingham following their high-profile acquisition.
The Blues were taken over by a Us-backed group last year, which saw NFL icon Tom Brady join as a minority investor.
Birmingham’s first season under Brady and co ended in disappointment, with the club being relegated to the third tier for the first time since 1995.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion has a broad role that includes ‘working alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programmes’.
However, the takeover hasn’t quite gone according to plan yet.
John Eustace was dismissed from his role at Birmingham while the club was in sixth place, and was succeeded by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
However, after a mere 83 days at the helm,
Rooney’s tenure saw the Blues plummet to 20th position, leading to his swift replacement by Tony Mowbray.
Unfortunately, Mowbray had to step down due to health issues, leaving Gary Rowett to take over as the club descended into League One.