'DAD would have loved it.'

That was the reaction from the Aplin family after Wrexham Football Club's soon-to-be new owner Rob McElhenney sent a heartfelt message to 13-year-old Sam following the death of father Gary from cancer.

Brother Jack shared the video on social media and was amazed by the response and said Sam, mum Diane and himself want to say a huge thank you to Wrexham's first team coach Carl Darlington, who let movie star McElhenney, who is buying the club along with co-Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds, know about the sad loss.

"My phone didn't stop pinging," said 19-year-old Jack. "Obviously it's been a tough time but this cheered Sam up. To get a personal message from Rob McElHenney, for him to take time out from his schedule. He's a hero.

"Carl Darlington set it up. Sam and Carl's son Iwan play for Brickfield Rangers under 13s and dad and Carl got to know each other well. I know dad would have loved all of this and we'd like to thanks to Rob and Carl."

Gary Aplin at The Racecourse

Gary Aplin at The Racecourse

Gary Aplin

Reds coach Darlington revealed he sent out a message to McElhenney as he was en route to Eastleigh game last Tuesday.

"I reached out to Rob last week as I knew Gary and Sam well and I just wanted to bring a smile to Sam and his family's face during this difficult time.

"Gary, Sam and Jack are big Wrexham fans who go to support most weeks. Gary and I always spoke about Wrexham AFC as we all share a passion for the club and our home-town.

"Gary was ecstatic about the takeover, so the message was fitting.

"Sam and Iwan are best mates so we just wanted Sam to smile as he's a great lad.

"As you know, Gary had a love for life and his positivity was amazing. So this was fitting.

"He certainly would love to see Sam in the limelight as he was so proud of him,"

McElhenney, who - along with fellow Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds - is close to finalising a takeover of Wrexham AFC, has already become a firm favourite with supporters for his personal acts of kindness - which also saw him donate £6,000 to buy a disabled Reds fan a specially-fitted bath tub.

Ans here's what he said on the video: "Hey, Sam. This is Rob McElhenney," the video starts.

"I heard that you are going through a really tough time right now with the passing of your dad.

"Just wanted to say I was really sorry about that. I just wanted to send a little support from the United States, and just to let you know I was thinking about you and I hope you are keeping your heading up and that you and your brother Jack are going to get through this.

"Everything passes, man, and you will get through it. And you'd better, because we're going to need you. We just played a game today where we drew against Eastleigh. I'm sure you watched, and I think what we need more than anything is, yes we need you back in the Mold Road Stand, which is as I know where you like to sit, we need you cheering.

"I hear you played for Brickfield and that you are a pretty tenacious midfielder... I'm fairly certain we need a midfielder, I don't know too much about football, but I've been told we need a really strong midfielder. I don't know, maybe you're the guy?

"We definitely need you on the pitch or in the stands. And the other thing I've got to ask you about is, when I get over there, is cricket, because I don't know anything about cricket and apparently, you are an incredible cricket player.

"I wanna learn. I want to learn all things Sam, I want to learn all things Europe, I want to learn all things Wales, and maybe you could help me?

"Keep your head up, so sorry to hear about your loss, and I'm going to see you real soon."