Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds expressed a heartfelt message to Sheffield Wednesday fans following a recent Championship encounter between the two clubs. After Wrexham’s victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, Reynolds used social media to show admiration and support for the struggling Owls, highlighting the challenges in football management and ownership.
During the match at Hillsborough, Wrexham secured a 1-0 win, with Sam Smith scoring the only goal in the 58th minute. This result marked Sheffield Wednesday’s sixth consecutive defeat in the league, leaving them at the bottom of the Championship table on minus seven points, largely due to an 18-point penalty imposed for entering administration.
Reynolds Shares Supportive Words on Instagram
Following the game, Ryan Reynolds took to Instagram to congratulate Wrexham while extending his best wishes to Sheffield Wednesday. His sentiment reflected understanding and empathy, recognizing the difficulties faced by football clubs in financial distress.
“Well done on the away win, Reds! And I know I’m probably not supposed to say it but… wishing all the luck to Sheffield Wednesday. We’ve been where you are and wish you the best.”
— Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham co-owner
This gesture comes in light of Wrexham supporters previously showing solidarity with Sheffield Wednesday fans, who have endured protests against their owner Dejphon Chansiri amid a turbulent summer at the club.
Supporters’ Solidarity and Shared Challenges
During the August fixture between the teams, Wrexham fans displayed support for Sheffield Wednesday supporters holding the banner
“Black and gold until we’re sold,”
a statement reflecting their demand for new ownership at Hillsborough. Initially, the display of the banner was blocked at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, resulting in frustration from the home fans and an unusual misstep by Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney’s club management. However, the issue was resolved quickly, and Wrexham fans were encouraged to wear their team’s gold third kit to show solidarity with the Owls, with proceeds from shirt sales donated to Sheffield Wednesday’s Supporters Trust.
Wrexham Manager Reflects on Difficulties Faced by Both Clubs
Phil Parkinson, Wrexham’s manager, commented on the situation both clubs have faced, mentioning his own experiences in football management in troubled clubs. Speaking ahead of the recent match, Parkinson admitted a strong understanding of Sheffield Wednesday’s struggles, citing the emotional and administrative challenges football managers face during uncertain times.
“At Wrexham we’ve had our own problems historically over the years, so our supporters understand what Sheffield Wednesday are going through.”
— Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager
“Sheffield Wednesday look like they’re coming through the problems, with potential takeovers etc and it’s a great club with an incredible fan base. They will be back.”
— Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager
Parkinson also drew parallels with his tenure at Bolton Wanderers, where the club endured administration, transfer embargoes, and long unpaid wages to players and staff.
“I have a lot of sympathy. It’s really, really tough. People are thinking, ‘Is the takeover going to happen?’ and I’ve been there before at other clubs as well. It always drags on longer than you want it to, it really does.”
— Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager
“It’s never straightforward. That can drain you so much as a manager, and that’s why I’ve got so much sympathy for Henrik [Pedersen] because I’ve stood in those shoes.”
— Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager
“When I was at Bolton, it was probably worse. The players didn’t get paid for five months in that period. Having to manage players and staff who were not paying bills, I know what it’s like. But Sheffield Wednesday is a great club and it is going to come back.”
— Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager
Wrexham’s Rise and Growing Global Support
Wrexham has gained significant international attention in recent years, largely due to the influence of its celebrity owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. After achieving three back-to-back promotions, the club now enjoys widespread support far beyond North Wales. A Disney+ documentary titled Welcome to Wrexham has helped shine a global spotlight on the team’s journey.
The club now offers a dedicated weekly newsletter called Wrexham is the Game, aimed at fans seeking in-depth coverage, analysis, and updates free from advertisements.
What Lies Ahead for Sheffield Wednesday and Wrexham
While Sheffield Wednesday currently face tough times—marked by financial penalties, management uncertainty, and fan unrest—their future still holds promise. Both Wrexham’s ownership team and management have expressed belief in the club’s potential to recover, emphasizing the resilience shared across football communities.
Ryan Reynolds’ public message and Wrexham supporters’ actions underscore the close ties formed between clubs experiencing adversity. Their shared struggles reveal the complex reality behind football beyond the pitch, underscoring how solidarity and support can provide hope during challenging periods.
