WREXHAM AFC'S star owners are the UK's favourite celebrity football club owners, according to new research.

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

Since then, the Reds have been taken on an incredible journey back to the English Football League, via back-to-back promotions, and even have their own documentary in the form of Welcome to Wrexham.

Now, research conducted by Casino.org has found that the lovable Wrexham duo may just be the UK's fave celeb football club owners.

They surveyed 1,000 football fans on the rise of celebrity football club owners and found that Rob and Ryan came out as clear winners, with 56.7% of fans agreeing.

The duo beat some top competition from past and present club owners, with Elton John finishing in second place for his contributions to Watford F.C. and ex-Liverpool stakeholder and NBA star LeBron James following close behind.

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Celebrities becoming major shareholders in football clubs is nothing new.

But, with Rob and Ryan's successful acquisition of Wrexham AFC, and their award-winning Disney+ show, there seems to be more buzz around celebrities and football now more than ever.

News also recently hit about A$AP Rocky & Joe Tacopina’s potential bid to buy EFL League Two’s Tranmere Rovers F.C., which could shake things up for the Birkenhead club.

But what do football fans make of celebrity ownership in UK football?

Well, according to Casino.org's research, fans generally hold a positive or neutral view regarding celebrities investing in UK football teams.

A significant majority (50.5%), like the concept of celebrity involvement in football clubs. Which suggests that many fans see potential benefits, such as increased visibility and funding.

Which celebrities have impressed?

When asked who they believe has successfully transitioned from celebrity status to football club ownership from past and present, an impressive 56.7% of fans identified Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as the most effective.

Watford FC’s former chairman, Elton John, comes in second while NBA star turned Liverpool shareholder, LeBron James, takes third place.

Here's the full list of results:

  • Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney (Wrexham A.F.C.) - 56.7%
  • Elton John (Watford F.C.) - 28.2%
  • LeBron James (Liverpool F.C.) - 27.2%
  • Stormzy (Croydon F.C.) - 19.1%
  • Delia Smith (Norwich City F.C.) - 18.8%
  • Alan Sugar (Tottenham FC) - 18.1%
  • Michael B. Jordan (Bournemouth F.C.) - 16.8%
  • Jade Thirwall (South Shields F.C.) - 4.7%
  • Other - 2.1%

When fans were surveyed about which types of non-sporting celebrities they would trust to manage their favourite football clubs, nearly 30% expressed confidence in actors as the most capable choice.

Using Rob and Ryan's takeover of Wrexham as a case study, the club's acquisition and the accompanying TV show have significantly boosted tourism in the Welsh city.

Casino.org asked 1,000 football fans their opinions on celebrities taking over UK football clubs, with the survey having compiled data between October 23 and 28 of this year.