In February last year, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ takeover of Wrexham AFC was officially completed. The takeover included an immediate investment of £50,000 into the women’s football section, as well as the confirmation of Aviation American Gin as Official Gin Partner.
However, this weekend, Hollywood icon Ryan Reynolds is set to make another contribution to his club - but this time, on the pitch. The club's co-owner sensationally agreed to play in goal for their FA Trophy semi-final against Stockport County on Saturday, after all three of their first-team goalkeepers suffered injuries. First choice Rob Lainton is now out for the season, with Christian Dibble also struggling, and Lee Camp not 'match fit'.
With the transfer window now closed, the Dragons cannot sign a replacement due to rules governing a Welsh team playing in the English league pyramid - and have to look at people who already have contracts with the club. Also, co-owner and fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney has been eliminated as a possibility as he is nursing a groin injury.
With the situation looking desperate, boss Phil Parkinson got his thinking cap on and came up with the clever proposal of recruiting Reynolds - who was a keen ice hockey goalkeeper while growing up in Canada. He recently told reporters: "When Ryan came over for a recent visit we put him through his paces during a training session. His Ice Hockey reflexes are unreal. His movement blew me away."
The actor himself, 45, told Daily Star Sport: "It's now April and we can't sign any more players, so I'd be a fool not to want to play. Sure, being in Hollywood films and playing superheroes like Deadpool is fun. But it's time for a new challenge and I'm relishing a clean sheet against Stockport County more than any Oscar I've ever wanted.
"I've only just started training for it but I can promise that when corners come in, I'll be punching the ball away harder than Will Smith smacked Chris Rock.
"I'm fully focused on the FA Trophy semi-final this weekend, which offers a great chance for us to get to Wembley. And I can't wait until I get the chance to play in the National League, if the boss still wants me."
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