"People laughed" - Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds issues emotional message following League One promotion | OneFootball

Ryan Reynolds has issued a heartfelt promotion message on Instagram.

Ryan Reynolds has admitted that Wrexham AFC have made "history" in an emotional social media message after they secured promotion to the Championship with victory over Charlton Athletic.

In a season where they have been embroiled in a relentless promotion battle, it all came down to the penultimate fixture as they faced the Addicks, knowing that victory would secure promotion following Wycombe Wanderers' earlier defeat to Leyton Orient.

As they have done so often over the past two seasons, the Red Dragons seized the opportunity.

With Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney watching on, Phil Parkinson’s side raced into a 2-0 lead. A fierce strike from Ollie Rathbone opened the scoring after just 15 minutes, before a superb scissor kick from Sam Smith doubled their advantage merely three minutes later.

The sense that automatic promotion had arrived engulfed the Racecourse Stadium, and January signing Smith put the result beyond doubt late on, heading home to make it three.

That now means Wrexham have secured three successive promotions, and their Hollywood owners will be dreaming of taking the Welsh side to the Premier League soon enough.

Ryan Reynolds' passionate Wrexham AFC message as Championship promotion secured

It has been a whirlwind five seasons since Reynolds and McElhenney took charge, but the work they have carried out around the club is nothing short of admirable. Taking Wrexham from mid-table in the National League to now reaching the Championship is a truly remarkable achievement, and the feel-good atmosphere surrounding the club is nothing short of sensational.

Reynolds was clearly moved by the heartfelt sentiment he received from Wrexham supporters and expressed his delight at having delivered on his promises, taking to Instagram to share a message with the fans.

"We’ve been with Wrexham for what seems like the blink of an eye, but so much has happened," Reynolds wrote.

"I remember the first press conference, we were asked what our goals were… and I think Rob jumped in with, “The Premier League.”

"People laughed. They had every right to. It seemed insane… But we weren’t kidding.

"I feel at home here. It’s a place that values community, decency and history. From the respect it pays to the Gresford Disaster, to the feeling of hope and miracles created by Mickey Thomas. These are big reasons Wrexham is growing into what it always was. It isn’t just a place with a history of ups and downs, it’s also a FEELING. And a feeling is sometimes as good or better than a memory.

"We made history. We’ve been promoted for a record third time in a row. That doesn’t happen without the wisdom of Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff, or the talent of Paul Mullin.

"It doesn’t happen without Max Cleworth and Arthur Okonkwo. Or Mark Howard who may have one of the hardest jobs there is. I watched Sam Smith create a frightening blend between football and martial arts, scoring our second goal yesterday.

"The Stadium feels like a church. I know so many of you now. Since February, 2021, I’ve watched babies become regulars. And some regulars depart us for good. We’ve had the honour to scatter ashes of loved ones across that field. I’ve even watched every available hand shovel snow off the pitch to keep a match from cancellation.

"Somebody said the Welsh have the “heart of a poet and the fist of a fighter.” That’s what I love about this place. I wish the whole world could visit Wrexham. Diolch."

Wrexham AFC have taken the next step - Championship glory in the future is not unrealistic

While some may deem Wrexham's success to the deep pockets of their owners, it is only fair to say that this three-season run has required far more than financial backing alone.

Reynolds and McElhenney have seemingly made every decision with certainty, and their unwavering faith in Phil Parkinson has paid dividends.

Their experienced EFL side, combined with the youthful energy of players like Max Cleworth, Ryan Barnett and Ryan Longman, has created the perfect balance. However, the players, owners, and manager alike will know just how great a leap the second tier represents.

Arguably, this summer will prove to be their most challenging yet, with difficult decisions to be made regarding whether certain individuals are prepared for the demands of the Championship.

If any club can make the transition, it is surely Wrexham.

They appear to have an uncanny knack for getting the big calls right, and next season promises to be a fascinating watch as they take their place just one step away from the daunting lights of the Premier League.