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‘Completely Gutted’—Ryan Reynolds Gives Verdict on Historic Wrexham Season After Playoff Heartbreak

The Red Dragons fell agonizingly short on the final day of the EFL Championship season.
Wrexham finished 7th in the EFL Championship.
Wrexham finished 7th in the EFL Championship. | Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds admits he was “completely gutted” after Wrexham missed out on a place in the EFL Championship playoffs, but insisted he was still “incredibly proud” of everything they achieved this season.

The Red Dragons finished second in the English second tier after they drew 2–2 with Middlesbrough on the final day of the Championship season. It means they finished two points away from the playoff positions and a shot at promotion to the Premier League.

Phil Parkinson’s side knew no result would guarantee them a playoff spot on the final day, with Hull City and Derby County both in the race for sixth place. Wrexham were held to a draw by fifth-place Middlesbrough, while Hull defeated Norwich to clinch the final playoff position on a day when Derby lost to Sheffield United.

Even though they fell short at the final hurdle, Wrexham secured the highest league finish in the club’s 162-year history. They also reached the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since 1997 and the League Cup fourth round for the first time since 1978. It gives them very solid foundations to build upon next season.


Ryan Reynolds Reacts to Playoff Heartbreak

Reynolds and Rob Mac were not in attendance as Wrexham drew with Middlesbrough on the final day of the Championship season. The Hollywood duo have overseen a remarkable rise since they purchased the Welsh club in February 2021, with three successive promotions under manager Phil Parkinson.

Wrexham were not able to extend that unprecedented record to a fourth successive promotion, though they already exceeded many people’s expectations in their first season back in the Championship in 43 years.

Taking to social media shortly after the final-day draw, Reynolds shared a graphic that showed how far Wrexham have come since they purchased the club and urged fans to appreciate the journey they have been on.

“I am completely gutted by today’s result but incredibly proud of our season,” he wrote. “We’ve come a long way in five years, and this was the best result in our 150+ year history.

“More to do. But for now, we have so much to be proud of, Reds.”

Wrexham's Greatest Ever League Finishes

Rank/Season

League Finish

Finish in English Pyramid

1. 2025–26

7th in Championship

27th

2. 1978–79

15th in Second Division

37th

T-3. 1979–80

16th in Second Division

38th

T-3. 1980–81

16th in Second Division

38th

5. 1981–82

21st in Second Division

43rd


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Rich Fay
RICH FAY

Rich Fay is a Sports Illustrated freelance writer covering Wrexham AFC. He was born in Wrexham and raised in North Wales, but spent nine years covering Manchester United and Manchester City for the Manchester Evening News and National World. Rich is also the co-host of the RobRyanRed Wrexham podcast and featured in the Welcome to Wrexham docuseries. When he is not at matches, he is a keen hiker as well as a cook, and thinks he would do surprisingly well on the Great British Bake Off.