Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, co-owners of Wrexham AFC, experience stress related to their football club, particularly around the last game of the season. McElhenney often gets styes in his eyes when feeling stressed, while Reynolds feels the stress in his chest. During a recent episode of Welcome to Wrexham, the co-owners discussed their anxiety surrounding the upcoming game against Stockport.
One of the main topics of discussion on the show was the signing of James McClean, a controversial player with a long-standing football career. McClean faced backlash for refusing to wear a poppy flower, a symbol of support for the British Army, resulting in hate and death threats on social media. Despite the negative attention, McClean explained his perspective, citing his upbringing in Derry, Ireland, where the poppy symbolizes the British occupation in Ireland, causing hurt and pain within the country.
Wrexham executive director Humphrey Ker expressed surprise at McClean’s interest in joining the team, given his iconic status in the football world. Despite the controversy surrounding him, McClean shared that his experience at Wrexham has been positive, emphasizing his love for the sport and his focus on his football career, despite the distractions and criticisms he faces.
In addition to the drama surrounding the men’s team, the show also featured a major update on the Wrexham women’s team, announcing their upcoming trip to America for the first time in history. This move was touted as historic and significant for the club, showcasing their commitment to growing and expanding opportunities for female athletes within the organization.
Overall, the episode of Welcome to Wrexham highlighted the complexities and challenges faced by football clubs and players in the modern era. From managing stress and controversies around players like James McClean to celebrating milestones like the women’s team’s trip to the U.S., the show offered a glimpse into the world of professional football and the dedication and passion of those involved in the sport. With new episodes airing on FX, viewers can continue to follow the journey of Wrexham AFC and its co-owners as they navigate the ups and downs of the football season and the broader football community.
