Although Wrexham AFC’s owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are credited with turning the Welsh team’s fortunes around, some supporters are upset about the firing of a long-time team member.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the owners of Wrexham, are facing serious allegations following the revelation that the team’s stadium announcer, known as “the voice of the Racecourse,” is “no longer associated with the club.”
Steve Jones, who has been in the position for years after replacing his father, announced on social media that he was “devastated” to be leaving the Racecourse Ground as an announcer. “I’m devastated to announce that I’m no longer affiliated with Wrexham AFC,” he stated. There is nothing more I can say.”
Red Dragons supporters swiftly jumped to his defence, with many directing their annoyance towards Reynolds and McElhenney, the Hollywood pair.
Colin Boote, a season ticket holder, wrote on X, saying, “Bloody hell Steve.” You were y Cae Ras’s voice, as was your father before you. You performed admirably during the memorial game against Gillingham. Best wishes for the future and I hope you’re doing well, buddy.
User @Katheri74297928 wrote: “@RMcElhenney @VancityReynolds @Wrexham_AFC what on earth is going on? Why release a tv show all about the town and roots and then get rid of them slowly?”
Meanwhile, @pdrussell posted: “As an avid viewer of the series, supporter of the team from afar and all round football fan, I feel qualified to say ‘WHHHAATTTT?’ #wrexham @VancityReynolds”
Another user, The Davies Locker (@TheDaviesLocker), expressed dismay at the decision and suggested the American owners need to fix the issue. The account added: “Absolutely THE VOICE of the Cae Ras. All the best to you mate, not sure what’s gone on but @VancityReynolds, @RMcElhenney, and @thehymphreyker need to rectify this sharpish. #OneOfOurOwn.”
The owners of Wrexham have not yet commented on Jones’ termination; however, the club did declare on Monday that it was almost ready to buy the Racecourse Ground lease. In order to secure funding for the development of the Kop stand and help Wrexham secure UEFA Stadium Category 4 status going forward, the club must surrender the lease.
The League 2 team, which was defeated 2-0 by Accrington Stanley over the weekend, agreed to pay £187,000 upon surrendering the lease, £1,000 annually (with an annual increase of 3%), and to cover the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust’s legal fees in connection with the lease surrender. If obtained,
Co-chairmen Reynolds and McElhenney released the following statement: “We were thrilled to receive the support of the WST Directors and share their understandable desire to protect the Club’s long-term future.” We wanted to address the anomaly in the WST lease for the Racecourse Ground, which did not include the requirement that the team actually play at the stadium, only that it not be used for any other purpose. Our legacy at the Club will not be defined while we are its custodians. We didn’t want that position to be exploited in the future by anybody.
“The £187,000 payment is equal to the sum that supporters gave to keep the Club alive. It is a priceless feeling for us to know that we will supply the money necessary to fairly reimburse everyone who helped to save the Club. We kindly request that the 824 members who possess the ability to cast a vote support the proposal, enabling the Club to carry on with this amazing journey together.
The next game Wrexham plays is on Saturday at the Racecourse versus Morecambe.
