Every successful soccer team needs a smart manager and talented players. These are the two most basic ingredients for building a winning club. But what if you don’t have a kitchen? That’s where the owners come in.

Having decent owners — whether in terms of their acumen or general respectability — is far from a guarantee in the soccer world. If you’ve got a friend or family member who supports Manchester United, just ask them about it. Or a Chelsea fan about how life has been since Todd Boehly took over. Or a Wrexham fan what life was like before Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The ownership of “Ryan and Rob”, as they’re colloquially called in Wrexham, has been an unbridled success so far. The team has achieved promotion in two successive seasons and will now compete in League One during the 2024/25 season. If Wrexham can earn another promotion into the Championship — which is a mighty task — then they’ll be just one league away from the Valhalla of the Premier League.

In addition to their genuine care for the city of Wrexham, Reynolds and McElhenney have also put their money where their mouths are, funding key players such as James McClean, Mark Howard, Elliot Lee, and left-back Jacob Mendy. Mendy became just the second-ever Wrexham player to represent his nation in an international tournament when he played for the Gambia at AFCON earlier this year.

Mendy’s journey to Wrexham and League One is particularly remarkable. The 27-year-old defender was born in Gambia before moving to Spain and then England, where his career began as a part-time player and part-time construction worker, playing in the ninth tier of the English football pyramid.

Speaking to BroBible’s Post Credit Podcast in tandem with the release of “Welcome To Wrexham” season three, episode six, Mendy reminisced about his journey to where he is today. He detailed what it’s like to score in front of Will Ferrell, how he’d stack up against Mohamed Salah, the realness of Ryan and Rob, whether or not they find “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” funny, if the team has seen “Deadpool vs. Wolverine” yet, and more.

Mendy’s journey is a testament to the importance of supportive and engaged owners. When he sustained an injury, it was Ryan Reynolds who first reached out to him. This kind of personal attention and genuine care from the owners has created a strong bond between the players and the management, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Under the ownership of Reynolds and McElhenney, Wrexham AFC is experiencing a new era of success and growth. The club’s journey from the lower tiers of English football to competing in League One is a story of determination, passion, and effective management. With the continued support of their dedicated owners, Wrexham is poised to achieve even greater heights in the future.

Reflecting on his experiences, Mendy expressed gratitude for the opportunities and support he has received. His story is one of resilience and determination, showcasing the potential for success when talent meets opportunity and support.

Wrexham’s rise under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney is a remarkable story in the world of football. With dedicated and caring owners, a talented squad, and passionate fans, the future looks bright for Wrexham AFC. Jacob Mendy’s journey is just one example of the positive impact that good ownership can have on a football club.

FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham” airs Thursdays at 10 pm ET/PT on FX, streaming next day on Hulu. Check out the full interview with Jacob Mendy for more insights into his journey and experiences with Wrexham AFC.