Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have had two new Welsh trains named after their hometowns.
The actors, who took charge of Wrexham Football Club in 2021, were honored in recognition of the “positive work” and impact the owners have had on the area, including helping local businesses.
The Vancouver Red Dragon and Philadelphia Robin, nominated by Transport for Wales, were introduced by Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething and Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates ahead of their home game against Stockport.
Since the Canadian actor Reynolds and North American star McElhenney, both 47 years old, bought the then National League club three years ago, the team is promoted twice in a row.
Photo: Transport for Wales
Photo: Transport for Wales
They won the National League title last season, moving up to League Two, and also secured promotion this time around with a 6-0 victory over Forest Green.
Based in North Wales Wrexham will play in League One next season – the third tier of English football.
Gething said it was “great… to see two of the latest additions to Transport for Wales shares, part of our £800m investment to improve train reliability and comfort”.
“There’s a big buzz about Wrexham these days.”
He added: “Rob and Ryan have invested a lot in the community and it’s fantastic that their contribution is being recognized with the new trains, which I’m sure all Wrexham fans will want to travel on whenever they can.”
(L-R) Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Photo: PA
Mr Skates said: “Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have opened a window to the world at Wrexham, their fantastic football club and the wider region. I’m delighted we’ve recognized this by naming two of our new and made-in-Wales trains in his honor.
James Price, chief executive of Transport for Wales, said: “We are in the process of introducing brand new trains to our Wales and Borders network… We are proud to name our new trains after the towns of origin of Ryan and Rob.”
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Earlier this month, Deadpool star Reynolds said he cried “tears of joy” after Wrexham secured its second consecutive promotion, while McElhenney, who co-created It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, said he was “speechless”.
Fans invaded the pitch to celebrate the end of the game against Forest Green at the Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham were promoted to the Football League at the end of last season after a 15-year absence, with a open bus parade which saw tens of thousands of people turn out to mark the achievement.
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