Wrexham have received almost £18 million in non-repayable grants from the Welsh government via the local council, according to the Guardian.
The local borough council had previously pledged a substantial amount of a £25m government grant to redevelop the area around the train station next door to its stadium.
The £18m award has triggered criticism from football finance expert Stefan Borson, who has questioned why the club needs the cash injection.
Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham in 2021 and have taken them from the National League into the Championship.
While the pair’s wealth has undoubtedly helped the club, their shrewd commercial acumen has played a more influential role in the rise up the ranks.
Grants will deliver benefits to the local region
It is unclear whether the author of the Guardian article and Borson are playing politics or merely pontificating for clicks.
Reynolds and McElhenney have not only revatilised the club’s fortunes, but have also helped to transform a city that was dying a slow death.
That point is evidenced by the increase in tourism revenue since their takeover. Tourism earnings rose from £49m in 2020 to £180m last year.
The government investment is undoubtedly justified given its potential economic benefits for the city.
The Racecourse Ground is the oldest international football stadium in the world, having hosted Wales’ first match in 1877.
It is an important cultural and heritage asset for Wrexham. The stadium redevelopment and surrounding infrastructure will allow Wrexham to host international matches again.
This will create more local jobs and deliver an overall economic boost from increased visitor numbers to the region.
The Racecourse Ground could host matches at the 2035 Women’s World Cup, generating even more economic benefits for the region.
The stadium has been put forward as part of the United Kingdom’s bid to host the sporting event, but improvements are needed to meet UEFA’s requirements.
