LEYTON ORIENT manager Richie Wellens has welcomed the huge publicity surrounding Wrexham and believes it has helped put all the other League One clubs in the spotlight.

Wrexham's popularity has soared since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover at The Racecourse in February 2021 with the Reds becoming a global sensation due to the impact of the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary.

Games at The Racecourse are a sell-out while fans have turned out in big numbers to see Wrexham on the road with opponents enjoying bumper attendances for the visit of the Reds

There has been success on the pitch with Phil Parkinson guiding Wrexham to two promotions in a row, and his side are among the frontrunners in the third tier.

Wellens, whose side drew 0-0 with Wrexham at Brisbane Road on Saturday, believes Reynolds and McElhenney deserve credit for what they have done since becoming co-chairmen and he feels the Reds have been brilliant for the league.  

"It's a club that is on the up for a number of years now, and a club that is used to winning, Wellens told the official club website.

"I know there is a lot of jealousy around Wrexham from other club's supporters and things like that but I think it is brilliant for what they have done.

"I was about 37 and coming to the end of my career, I think I was at Macclesfield who played away at Wrexham and the place was dead.

"It needed some life injecting into it and the new owners have come in and injected that life.

"From the games I have watched on television, especially the home games, the atmosphere is brilliant.

"Even though a lot of clubs are jealous of the money that they spend, also look at the interest that we can get from it.

"I think it is really good what they have brought to the league, and they have done it the right way.

"I have seen the documentary and they look like really good people so congratulations to them."