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Vanarama National League Wrexham v York City Ryan Reynolds co-owner of Wrexham arrives ahead of the Vanarama National League match Wrexham vs York City at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, United Kingdom, 25th March 2023 Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images Wrexham The Racecourse Ground Clwyd United Kingdom Copyright: xGarethxEvans/NewsxImagesx

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Vanarama National League Wrexham v York City Ryan Reynolds co-owner of Wrexham arrives ahead of the Vanarama National League match Wrexham vs York City at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, United Kingdom, 25th March 2023 Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images Wrexham The Racecourse Ground Clwyd United Kingdom Copyright: xGarethxEvans/NewsxImagesx
In the world of soccer, the name ‘Wrexham’ has been echoing triumphantly in recent years. Since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired the club in 2021, they brought a lot of stardom to the Racecourse Ground. With their efforts, Wrexham has now triumphantly returned to the Football League. However, despite this success story, there’s a potential storm brewing that could force the club’s management to reconsider the very identity of Wrexham.
Imagine a scenario where the cheers for Wrexham on the pitch turn into chants for something new. Though it may puzzle a few, it is a situation that has arrived at the Welsh club, who might be forced to change their name. Let’s delve deeper and unravel the mystery behind this ‘name-changing’ dilemma.
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Wrexham AFC’s name change could be on the cards
As the Wrexham fans and supporters cherish their team’s resurgence in the Football League, an unexpected challenge has arrived from the Welsh political arena. According to the reports from The Sun, the Welsh government is thinking of renaming the places in Wales, that are ‘English-sounding.’ In a bid to preserve the cultural and linguistic integrity of Wales, this move is considered seriously by the government.

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Football – Vanarama National League – Wrexham v Boreham Wood 22nd April 2023 – Vanarama National League – Wrexham v Boreham Wood – Wrexham celebrate with the trophy – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside. Wrexham UK *** Fußball Vanarama National League Wrexham gegen Boreham Wood 22. April 2023 Vanarama National League Wrexham gegen Boreham Wood Wrexham feiert mit der Trophäe Foto Simon Stacpoole Abseits Wrexham UK PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSimonxStacpoolexOffside
Welsh linguist Mihangel ap Rhisiart presented the Senedd (the Welsh parliament) with a petition signed by 1,300 people that demanded Welsh names for Welsh places. Mihangel stated that the change in names will showcase “respect for Wales as its own nation with its own history and culture.”
However, the focus here is on Wrexham, which may soon be replaced by ‘Wrecsam’ if the petition gains momentum. This change will surely impact the club’s identity, as some fans have also voiced concerns regarding it. If the petition is successful, it would be a difficult decision for Reynolds and McElhenney, as they want to respect the Welsh culture. It remains to be seen whether the petition to rename Wrexham will be successful. However, the debate over the club’s name is sure to continue. It is a complex issue with no easy answers.
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A challenge for the Hollywood duo
For Reynolds and McElhenney, this potential renaming could pose more than just a bureaucratic inconvenience. The Welsh minister, Jeremy Miles also emphasized the need for change in spellings, by saying, “We should aim for one spelling when there are a few letters of difference.” The consequences of this change will go beyond the soccer field, as it will impact the club’s core identity and its connection with the community and fans.

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Wrexham v Notts County – Vanarama National League Wrexham owners, Ryan Reynolds L and Rob McElhenney R during the Vanarama National League match between Wrexham and Notts County at the Glyndr University Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham on Monday 10th April 2023. Wrexham Clwyd United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xMIxNewsx originalFilename:fletcher-wrexhamv230410_nps98.jpg
Now, Reynolds and McElhenney find themselves at a crossroads between the tradition and culture of Wales. The main question that remains now is how the Hollywood duo will navigate through this unexpected challenge. As the Wrexham owners and fans await the Welsh Government’s decision, the fate of Red Dragons hangs in balance.
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