“Not Have to F**king Worry” – Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham Turn Good Samaritans for Rivals Southend United on the Brink of Collapse
Follow Us
If there’s a definition for success, then it has to be Wrexham. The Welsh club has endured an excellent season so far and is currently fighting its way to promotion.
The club has witnessed a massive turnaround after Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny took control of the club in 2021. The duo has since then achieved wonders and taken them to a whole new level.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While Wrexham is enjoying success under their good owners, their league rivals, Southend United, are going through many hardships. The club is under the ownership of a 70-year-old businessman, Ron Martin.
League rivals on a brink of collapse
Under Martin, the 117-year-old club is witnessing a decline as the club never went down the EFL in over a century. The club was on the verge of collapse as they owed £1.4 million in debt to HM Revenue and Customs, a non-ministerial UK governmental department, responsible for collection of revenue. Moreover, the Southend West MP described it as the club’s “D-Day.”
However, on February 28, the club confirmed that they had paid the debt after securing a £5 million bridge loan for the same. This may give a sense of relief to fans, but only if they could truly believe it wouldn’t happen again.
Trending
Erling Haaland Injury Update- Expected Return Date & How Many Games Will He Miss For Manchester City?
April 24, 2024 02:11 PM EDT
Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?
July 12, 2023 09:29 AM EDT
Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality
March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT
How Does the Premier League Title Race Look After Manchester City’s Win Over Brighton? All Possibilities Explained
April 26, 2024 08:09 AM EDT
Despite Owning $15,000,000 Private Jet, Lionel Messi Jets Off in Economy With Inter Miami After ‘Quieter Life’ Revelation
August 08, 2023 12:45 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
A statement from Southend United on HMRC.
Click here to read ⤵️
— Southend United FC (@SUFCRootsHall) February 28, 2023
“There is a very real possibility that if we don’t start building [a new stadium] in June that we’ll be in this same situation over the summer and we’ll have to do it all again,” said Liam Ager, co-editor of the All At Sea fanzine.
Despite constant planning and approvals, Martin has failed to deliver the club a new modern stadium in over 25 years. The £500 million-worth owners are not able to start the construction of the new stadium until they sell the old one.
Southend’s turmoil was evident from the start of the season. The players received their salaries very late; in fact, the fans had to set up a GoFundMe page for staff members who didn’t get paid. Moreover, their youth players are on strike.
“The chairman is deliberately not investing in the current facilities,” said Ager. “Every week we all go back to Roots Hall and see another part of the ceiling has fallen, or another bit of paint has chipped away since last time or someone has put their foot through the steps going towards the back of the stand.”
Wrexham fans show an incredible gesture
The club’s poor management hasn’t stopped the fans from attending the game in huge numbers. In fact, their rival fans have also come out in support of the club. According to Rob Craven of the Shrimpers Trust Fans Group, about a third of the £21,135 in GoFundMe funding came from Wrexham fans.
Thank you Wrexham … Shrimpers Trust board members @benhumphrey_04 and @GaryWil86649153 will be making a presentation on the pitch on behalf of the supporters groups with a framed message of thanks. 💙🤝❤️ pic.twitter.com/0uZiiSJjvw
— Shrimpers Trust (@shrimperstrust) March 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Moreover, some of the fans are the club’s new US-based audience. “Southend United supporters were touched by the contributions of fans from many clubs, but it was Wrexham supporters who went above and beyond expectations and who significantly raised the profile of our campaign,” he said.
“The Wrexham fans have been brilliant because they’ve really put their money where their mouth is,” said Ager. “What you’d love is to not have to f**king worry about any of this and just go to matches on a Saturday afternoon,” he added.
Moreover, as a gesture before the game, a framed picture and plaque will be presented by the Shrimpers Trust to the Wrexham Supporters Trust.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Meet the Legendary Tennis Player Who is 3x Richer Than Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s indeed a heartwarming gesture from Wrexham fans who are quietly following their owner’s footsteps. Soccer is indeed a beautiful game.
Edited by:
Gideon Mathson