Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has sent a classy message to Oldham Athletic chairman Frank Rothwell after the Latics secured promotion from the National League
Rob McElhenney has extended congratulations to a football club chairman who previously expressed ignorance about Wrexham‘s Hollywood co-owners.
Oldham Athletic owner Frank Rothwell aimed a jibe at McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds prior to an FA Cup match between his team and Wrexham in 2022. During an ITV interview, Rothwell made light of the two actors’ achievements, claiming he had never heard of them and hadn’t watched their movies or TV series.
“I don’t know who the hell they are,” Rothwell said. “I know they’re film stars and all the girls go ‘woo’ but I’ve never seen anything they’ve been in.
“These lads have bought a football club for as cheap as they possibly could do so they could tell their friends in Hollywood that they own a club. When they decide they’ve had enough of this and sell to another investor, it [Wrexham] will disappear. That won’t happen to Oldham.”
However, Wrexham emerged victorious, defeating Oldham 3-0 in the cup clash and later secured promotion from the National League that season. Despite Rothwell’s slight, McElhenney and Reynolds showed their light-hearted side, responding with a humorous video documenting his life.
They said: “Born in England in 1950, he grew up to be a 72-year-old man with a hat and glasses. He founded Manchester Cabins in 1979, he’s also the oldest man to row across the Atlantic Ocean. He’s got a nice smile. Very nice. Gentle. And he likes to shake hands, looks firm.”
They also generously contributed £1,600 to Rothwell’s fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s Research UK, as he tackled a solo Atlantic crossing in 2024. The Oldham chief expressed his gratitude, saying: “This is what I’d like to say to Ryan and Rob. Thank you so much for donating. You have given what I’ve done credibility.”
Oldham emerged as winners in the National League play-off final on Sunday, beating Southend 3-2 after extra time. McElhenney wittily harked back to Rothwell’s memorable quote as he extended his congratulations after the final whistle.
Posting on X, he said: “Congrats @OfficialOAFC and especially to you Frank. So well deserved! ! ! ! ! Love, some guy you’ve never heard of ;)”. His comments were warmly greeted by Latics supporters on the social media platform.
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John Benson said: “Amazing. Love how from that first interaction it was all in jest, no arrogance and from then was nothing but love and comedy and that @VancityReynolds and yourself clearly ‘get’ what supporting/following football is about.”
Chris Wall posted: “Class act Rob, great that everyone sees Frank’s part in all this.” Another wrote: “Thanks Rob, that’s a nice touch, we are over the moon.” Someone else added: “Absolute class and bants in equal measures.”
Oldham are set to compete in League Two next season, whilst Wrexham are gearing up for a stint in the Championship, having clinched second place in League One this term. It marks the first time the Red Dragons will grace the second tier since 1982.
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