The Brutal Reality of Football: Rob McElhenney & Ryan Reynolds Open Up on Very Emotional Wrexham Decision

Wrexham Owners Speak Out After Phil Parkinson Axes Veteran Striker Steven Fletcher

Wrexham’s fairytale rise through the English football pyramid has been nothing short of extraordinary. From a struggling non-league side to back-to-back promotions under the stewardship of Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, the club’s journey has captured the hearts of fans across the globe. But beneath the glitz and glamour, the club’s latest chapter has brought with it a dose of the sport’s harsh realities.

Recently, Wrexham bid farewell to veteran striker Steven Fletcher, whose departure came not with a celebratory sendoff but rather a sharp, sudden cut from the squad. The decision, made by manager Phil Parkinson, was reportedly not something Fletcher himself had anticipated. It was a move that left both club owners emotional, and they’ve now shared their reflections in a raw and honest conversation on the RobRyanRed podcast.

Fletcher’s Farewell: Not the Ending Anyone Expected

For a player like Fletcher—an experienced professional with years in the top flight and Scottish national team caps to his name—being let go from Wrexham might not seem like the biggest headline in football. But at this club, where community and connection are everything, his exit struck a deeper chord.

Fletcher had become a beloved figure in the dressing room, bringing not just goals and experience but a light-heartedness and joy that lifted the entire squad. He represented a bridge between generations—an old-school number nine who reminded younger teammates why they fell in love with football in the first place.

The veteran forward had even spent time with the owners in Los Angeles, promoting the Welcome to Wrexham series, hitting the golf course, and sharing laughs. So when he was suddenly told his time at the club was over, the emotional toll was real—not just for Fletcher, but for everyone who had grown close to him.

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Rob McElhenney: “The Brutal Reality of Football”

Speaking candidly on the podcast, Rob McElhenney didn’t hold back on how difficult it was to see Fletcher go.

“Even just bringing up his name is difficult because the brutal reality of football—it just reminds me of how quickly things can change,” said Rob McElhenney. “One minute we’re in L.A., spending the day promoting the show and playing golf. The next, he’s on a plane home and within 24 hours, Phil released him from the club. That was difficult.”

It’s a rare moment of vulnerability from an owner, and one that underscores how personal the Wrexham project has become for both Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. This isn’t a distant business investment; this is family.

Ryan Reynolds: “This Was Very Emotional”

Ryan Reynolds, ever the eloquent storyteller, also shared his thoughts—highlighting why the decision hit him so hard, and why Fletcher in particular had left such a lasting impact.

“There are two factors to the story,” RyanReynolds explained. “One is that Rob and I made a very wise decision—we don’t make football decisions. And because of that, we get to form relationships with the players that most owners don’t enjoy.”

He continued:

“That emotional investment is real. Fletch reminded a lot of the guys that this is supposed to be fun. That was the real differentiator this season. You could feel the joy in the squad. And that was a big part of Fletch’s influence.”

Reynolds even compared the feeling to telling a nervous friend to channel their inner child before going on stage: “Your 10-year-old self doesn’t care if you’re good at it or not. He just wants you to have fun. And Fletch brought that spirit into the dressing room.”

Football Isn’t Always a Fairytale

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For all the Disney-esque drama that has followed Wrexham’s rise—Hollywood owners, docuseries fame, and promotion after promotion—the club still lives within the unforgiving confines of professional football. Players get cut. Managers make tough calls. And emotions often get left behind in the wake of cold, strategic decisions.

Phil Parkinson, the manager credited with guiding Wrexham’s remarkable rise, clearly had his reasons. With the club now preparing for life in the Championship, tough decisions are inevitable. Age, fitness, wage structure, and tactical needs all play a role. And sometimes, even the most beloved players find themselves on the wrong side of the line.

What’s Next for Wrexham?

While emotions are still raw from Fletcher’s departure, Wrexham’s eyes are firmly fixed on the future. With a third consecutive promotion in the bag, the Welsh club now prepares for life in the Championship—a level not seen at the Racecourse Ground in over 20 years.

According to reports, the club is ready to invest heavily this summer. Transfer targets include Tom Cairney of Fulham and Lewis O’Brien of Nottingham Forest—both midfielders who could add depth and experience to a squad preparing to take on some of the biggest names in English football outside the Premier League.

Wrexham’s rapid ascent brings new expectations. No longer the plucky underdogs, they’re now a club with serious ambition. And while the path forward will require ruthless decisions, Rob McElhenney and RyanReynolds have shown they’re willing to face them—with honesty, empathy, and heart.

Mark Howard Also Says Goodbye

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Alongside Fletcher, veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard is also set to leave the club. Like Fletcher, Howard brought leadership and a steady presence in the locker room, but the club’s progression means changes in all areas, including between the posts.

Howard’s exit hasn’t generated quite the same headlines, but for those within the club, his contribution over the past two seasons hasn’t gone unnoticed. Another player who embodied the spirit of the project, he walks away with his head held high and a place in Wrexham folklore.

A Club Like No Other

At the end of the day, Wrexham remains a unique story in modern football. The combination of Hollywood stardom, small-town passion, and genuine grassroots spirit has created a cultural moment unlike anything seen before in the game.

And yet, stories like Fletcher’s remind us that even the most cinematic football journeys still face the same hard truths. Players come and go. Decisions hurt. And dreams don’t always have neat endings.

But perhaps that’s what makes it all the more real. Because for Rob, Ryan, and the entire Wrexham family, this isn’t just about winning—it’s about connection, community, and caring enough to feel the pain when one of your own has to move on.