JAKE EDWARDS - Huddersfield Town’s new chief executive - used to have trouble explaining where Wrexham was on his numerous trips back to the United States.

Now everyone is talking about Wrexham and the Reds’ rise in popularity has gone through the roof following the club’s takeover by Hollywood movie stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Edwards, who had a two-and-a-half year spell as a player at Wrexham starting in 1998, said: “Each time I would go back to the US to meet family and friends, I would explain I was playing for Wrexham and explain where that was,” said Edwards, who scored four goals in 21 appearances in Brian Flynn’s side.

“I would tell them about Wrexham; that we were playing Manchester City this week or Fulham next.

“Then last year I was in New York, walking down Fifth Avenue, and one of the yellow taxis drove by with The Welcome To Wrexham sign on top of it.

“Everybody’s heard of Wrexham now!

“The TV show has made a big impact on people in the US. It’s almost a household name, not just with football fans.

“It’s easy to follow it and keep abreast of what’s been happening to the club. It is remarkable.

“I’ve always kept an eye out on Wrexham and it’s progress. The ups and down over the past few years.

“It’s on a real upward trajectory and who knows, we could be playing Wrexham in the coming seasons.”

Edwards’ story of how he came across to sign for Wrexham is just as remarkable.

A volunteer ball boy at the 1994 World Cup in America, which included the game when Republic of Ireland beat Italy 1-0, led to chance meeting with Iain St John, whose TV show Saint and Greavsie was box office at the time.

“I met Iain St John and his son and they were very helpful in getting trials sorted out in the UK and in me getting contracted to Wrexham,” said Edwards, whose debut and first goal for the Reds came against two teams now playing in the Premier League, Bournemouth and Luton Town.

“That’s what I love about football,” added Edwards, who also played for Exeter, Yeovil, Telford, Burton and Chester during his professional career and used to share a house with Andy Morrell during his Wrexham days.

“Teams that used to be at the top are now at the bottom and vice versa.

“ I got a goal and an assist at Luton and I then had a bit of a run in the side.

“I look back at old video tape and programmes and you don’t realise when you’re playing when you see these guys that are now Premier League managers. Sean Dyche was at the back for Luton.

“I also started a Welsh Cup final alongside Ian Rush. It was a bit surreal.

“Good memories and some very good players in that team. Brian Carey, Tony Humes Kevin Russell and my colleague now here, Mark Cartwright, who is sporting director here. I had him working in the USL as sporting director and he’s here at Huddersfield now.”

Talking about his time as president of the United Soccer League, Edwards added: “My experience over the past 10 years in the US is that I’ve been building and running the USL - the equivalent of the EFL.”

Edwards became Huddersfield’s new CEO in the summer following the arrival of American owner Kevin Nagle.

“To see the positivity of new ownership, there’s a sense of real optimism and it’s an exciting time.

“Huddersfield have been to the top level. It has a fantastic fanbase, great supporters that really stuck by the club through some tough times. All the ingredients are there.”