Wrexham Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo Hails Hollywood Owners as Football's Finest
Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has opened up about the profound influence of the club's Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, describing them as some of the best in football. The actors have been transformative figures since taking over the Red Dragons approximately five years ago, overseeing three consecutive promotions and a rapid ascent to the Championship.
Reynolds' Tunnel Encounter Fuels FA Cup Triumph
Okonkwo highlighted a pivotal moment before Wrexham's thrilling FA Cup victory over Premier League side Nottingham Forest earlier this month. Reynolds was spotted firing up the players as they emerged from the Racecourse tunnel for their pre-match warm-up, offering words of encouragement and shaking hands. Reflecting on this, Okonkwo emphasised how the co-owner's pep talk helped inspire the team to a dramatic penalty shootout win, where he himself saved two penalties to become the hero of the night.
Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, Okonkwo shared: "I think a lot of people saw that he was standing by the tunnel and personally gave everyone a little dap up before the game. I went out early before all the boys went out, but he did give me a nice wave, which is always nice to get from the owner before the game. He doesn't need to say anything for you to know how he feels about us."
Owners' Positive Energy Drives Player Performance
The 24-year-old goalkeeper elaborated on the unique dynamic, noting that Reynolds and McElhenney's involvement sets them apart from many other club owners. He explained that their consistent support and positive energy create a motivating environment for the squad.
"He was amazing that day," Okonkwo continued. "When your owners give you that sort of positive energy before the game, I feel like every player wants to go and perform. You have a lot of clubs where owners aren't too involved, and I think we have some of the best owners. They always give us as much energy as they can, especially when they're there."
Praise for Departing Captain James McClean
In addition to lauding the owners, Okonkwo also paid tribute to former club captain James McClean, who recently left Wrexham to join his hometown team Derry City after mutually terminating his contract. Despite McClean being a contentious figure due to his decision not to wear a poppy on Remembrance Sunday, Okonkwo highlighted his significant contributions to two of Wrexham's recent promotions and his respected status in the dressing room.
Okonkwo said of McClean: "No-one I've ever worked with is like James McClean. He's an unbelievable character. A lot of people won't believe me, but he's one of the nicest people you'll meet. He has a really good heart and obviously doesn't accept anything, which I think people know. That's why we all loved him. He did what he wanted to do and he had his own thoughts and his own beliefs. I feel like that's why we all had great respect for him. He was an unbelievable leader."
This insight from Okonkwo underscores the cohesive and inspired atmosphere at Wrexham, driven by both the hands-on approach of its celebrity owners and the leadership of key players like McClean, as the club continues its remarkable journey in English football.
