FORMER Wrexham AFC manager Dean Saunders says the Hollywood takeover of the club has benefitted 'the whole town'.

Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over as co-chairmen of the north Wales football club back in 2021.

Since then, the Reds have secured back-to-back promotions up to EFL League One.

And, they have also secured three seasons of their very own documentary; Welcome to Wrexham.

All of that has contributed to supporters from all around coming to visit both the club and the community on a weekly basis.

Former Wrexham boss Dean Saunders - who was manager between 2008 and 2011 - says the famous takeover has 'benefitted the whole town'.

Speaking to mybettingsites.co.uk, the former Wales striker said: "The two superstars in Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have come in which I initially thought was a joke.

"Everyone thought it was a joke but I have to say you couldn’t have written a script any better. They've made a TV show out of it and it’s now a tourist attraction.

"People come in from all over the world. Not only has the football club benefited but the whole town has. They’ve put so much money into it.”

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However, Saunders also urged caution for the club as they move their way up the ranks to compete with bigger clubs.

He added: "I was manager in the national league for three years and my playing budget for the season was £750,000 which had to cover all the wages.

"We got 100 points and we got into the playoffs. Normally that wins the league. I always thought if I could get Wrexham into League 2, we could get into the Championship because I knew we were better than some of the League 2 teams when we played in the Conference. That’s been proven right.

"Now they’re riding high and up there with Birmingham City. Next season is a tester because if they go up this year, the Championship has three Premier League clubs that have been relegated. Their playing budget is £50m. To compete you'll have to start handing out £20,000-£40,000 a week.

“I always thought the Premier League might be a step too far but you never know. Look at Ipswich. They bounced from League 1 to the Premier League. I support all the Welsh teams. Wrexham are a big club. They slipped out of the Football League but now they’re back.”