Wrexham promotion winner Arthur Okonkwo reveals classy Rob McElhenney phone call as ex-Arsenal man explains what makes Ryan Reynolds different to other owners

Wrexham promotion winner Arthur Okonkwo reveals classy Rob McElhenney phone call as ex-Arsenal man explains what makes Ryan Reynolds different to other owners
  • Okonkwo hails club’s Hollywood owners
  • McElhenney’s phone call motivated Wrexham players
  • Secured back-to-back promotion to League One

WHAT HAPPENED?

The custodian, who was on loan from Arsenal, had a remarkable outing with the Red Dragons as he kept 14 clean sheets in 36 appearances as the club clinched promotion to League One. The Welsh club finished second in the fourth division in the 2023/24 season having won their last five league clashes.

Rob McElhenney Wrexham

THE BIGGER PICTURE

However, there was a brief period at the start of the year when Phil Parkinson’s side lost three consecutive matches in League Two. The players were demoralised after a string of poor results but a motivational phone call from co-owner McElhenney turned things around at the club, as per the 22-year-old goalkeeper.

WHAT ARTHUR OKONKWO SAID

Speaking to the Mirror, Okonkwo said, “When we had a third loss in a row, Rob McElhenney called me straight after the game and he just said to me, ‘Keep doing what you are doing, you’ve been excellent for us and I’ve no doubts that you’ll be back to full form.’

“It was so good to get that call, they are so supportive and I was really happy with the way they backed me and helped me. They are very involved, they want the team to win every single week and they let us know that. You get text messages, they come to as many games as possible and you don’t get that from all owners.

He added, “They are so passionate about the club and, even though they are so busy, they try to be involved as much as they can. I’m not shocked by how much success Wrexham have had because they are so committed to the project.”

Paul Mullin James McClean Elliot Lee Wrexham 2023-24

WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

The players and the coaching staff are currently enjoying a well-earned break in the off-season but they will be back in action in July as they travel to the US for pre-season.