Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have learned from Gary Neville and David Beckham at Salford and will not make the same mistakes, says Lee Trundle.
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Red Devils icons in charge at Peninsula StadiumHollywood stars calling the shots in North WalesTwo sides are now rivals on and off the pitchWHAT HAPPENED?
Wrexham welcomed Hollywood co-owners to North Wales in the spring of 2021. They soon became stars of the small screen, with the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary attracting a global fan base. League Two rivals Salford are stars of their own television series, with Manchester United’s fabled ‘Class of ‘92’ overseeing a meteoric rise through the non-league ranks and into the EFL.
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Salford’s progress has ground to halt in League Two, despite some big spending, and Wrexham are determined to ensure that they do not hit similar stumbling blocks. They are currently riding high in the fourth tier, with back-to-back promotions on the cards, and are being tipped to show Neville and Co how momentum can be maintained through careful management on and off the field.
WHAT TRUNDLE SAID ABOUT WREXHAM
Ex-Wrexham star Trundle – speaking to , who provide the latest – has said of goings on at SToK Racecourse and in Greater Manchester: “I don't think you can knock Salford too much as their owners have done a brilliant job. They were all ex-Man United players and it's been an unbelievable project, even if it has slowed down a bit over the last couple of years. I can't see Wrexham's project slowing down. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds generate so much coverage and they've brought in a wider audience.
"The Salford owners brought in outside interest, too, but from the demographic who were already football fans. I'm from Liverpool, and I even wanted Salford to do well as it's a great story! I think the Salford story was a good one, but Wrexham bring in a much bigger audience. I don't think it'll slow down anytime soon, and let's not forget that Wrexham are also doing the business on the pitch, which is where it counts. I can see the club getting promoted again and kicking on from there. I'd imagine Rob and Ryan will be leaning on people with lots of experience in football to prevent them from making any big mistakes. I can't knock what they're doing – they've been brilliant."
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Wrexham are due to face Salford in their next League Two fixture, on February 3, and Trundle added on the contrasting fortunes being experienced by the two teams in 2023-24: “Wrexham are second, whereas Salford currently sit 19th. I think Salford were in a similar situation a few years ago with the popular documentary and famous owners. There was a buzz around the club, but I think it's fizzled out over the past couple of seasons and it's evident in the style of play and their instability with managers. I think Wrexham will get a comfortable win against Salford. The latter club are struggling, whilst Wrexham have far more quality. I think they'll walk away with the three points.”