Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds responds to Birmingham’s bid for US game

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has dismissed suggestions his club could face Birmingham City in the US next season.

Earlier this week it was reported that Birmingham had inquired about moving their League One fixture against Wrexham to the USA next season – a move that would have been revolutionary for English football. However, the EFL quickly rejected the idea.

Now, Hollywood star Reynolds has responded to a concerned X fan who asked the Deadpool actor about the proposed plans. A concerned Wrexham supporter, troubled by reports that the game could be played in the United States, away from home supporters, took to the X to ask Reynolds directly about the news.

READ MORE:Ryan Reynolds now faces Wrexham fire sale over EFL decision

READ MORE: David Beckham tells Ryan Reynolds exactly what he thinks about the Wrexham project

The Daily Star reports how the fan cited a set of “guiding principles” that were set out by Reynolds and co-boss Rob McElhenney when they bought the club in 2020, and put the question to Reynolds. The question to Reynolds said: “It goes against all the ‘guiding principles’ you stated publicly even before you bought the club. Let’s not start getting too greedy and breaking our promises @VancityReynolds @RMcElhenney”.

The actor quickly responded to the claims and promptly dismissed the story, stating, “I agree. And that’s why there were no discussions.” While pre-season games taking place in the US are not uncommon, league games are a different matter altogether.

The EFL later rejected Birmingham’s request, which would have seen the two teams compete against each other across the Atlantic. If the proposed match in the US had gone ahead, it would have marked the first competitive match in England to take place outside England or Wales.

Reynolds has previously hinted at his disapproval of taking Wrexham to the United States for one season, fearing it could alienate home fans. However, it appears that Birmingham bosses do not share that sentiment, with their hierarchy disappointed by the EFL’s decision to reject their request, as reported by Mail Sport.

Since Reynolds and McElhenney took over, Wrexham’s fortunes have been on the rise, with the club rising through the EFL ranks. The same cannot be said for Birmingham following their high profile acquisition.

The Blues were taken over by a US-backed group last year, which saw NFL icon Tom Brady join as a minority investor. Birmingham’s first season under Brady and co ended in disappointment, with the club relegated to the third tier for the first time since 1995.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion has a broad role that includes “working alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, health and recovery systems and programs.” However, the takeover has not yet gone according to plan.

John Eustace was sacked from his role at Birmingham City while the club were in sixth place and was succeeded by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. However, after just 83 days at the helm, Rooney’s tenure saw the Blues drop to 20th place, leading to his swift replacement by Tony Mowbray.

Unfortunately, Mowbray was forced to resign due to ill health, leaving Gary Rowett to take over as the club were relegated to League One.