Yahoo News Ryan Reynolds reveals transfer secret Wrexham are using to compete with Birmingham City
Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds has discussed how he looks to attract players to the club as he prepares for a promotion tilt in League One alongside early favourites Birmingham City. Wrexham, who will visit Blues in September, have enjoyed successive promotions under Reynolds, co-owner Rob McElhenney and manager Phil Parkinson.
They've managed to attract household names like James McClean, Ben Foster and Steven Fletcher despite their league status in recent years, with the Hollywood influence at the very top of the club coming to the fore.
Despite investment into all aspects of the club, including the squad and the Racecourse Ground stadium, Reynolds opts for the personal touch when speaking with prospective new signings to ensure that targets feel at home from the off.
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"It sounds ridiculous, but it's always just about leading with honesty. I talk to every single potential signing that we have. In fact, just today, I talked to our new guy we have, George Dobson," he told Rio Ferdinand as a part of the Euro 2024 Legends Lounge. "You just want them to feel like you have their back and that you are setting them up to win.
"You also want them to understand that I am not going to make football decisions, I am going to make story-telling decisions about this club, its history and its future - and really instilling in them, belief in their ability and backing them in terms of whatever it is they want to do outside of football, because that's just as important. Like, what is your plan for your family? Do you have a brand? These are things that are increasingly important in 2024."
Wrexham have signed Lewis Brunt, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and midfielder George Dobson, the latter from Charlton Athletic, so far this summer, but fellow third tier heavyweights Blues have been busy too; they've so far recruited goalkeepers Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Ryan Allsop, winger Emil Hansson and striker Alfie May.
