Reynolds appeared alongside Hugh Jackman on the newest episode of Rio Ferdinand’s podcast.
Rio Ferdinand was left shocked by an admission made by Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds on the latest episode of his podcast.
Hollywood star Reynolds, who is starring in the upcoming Deadpool 3 film, has co-owned the Welsh club since 2021 having taken it over alongside Rob McElhenney.
The Red Dragons are preparing for life in League One this season, having earned two consecutive promotions under the management of Phil Parkinson.
Wrexham’s spending power has meant they had the largest wage bill in League Two this season, and are expected to have one of the highest wage bills in League One despite being a newly-promoted club.
They have also attracted high-profile players to the club, such as James McClean, Ben Foster and Steven Fletcher, while Paul Mullin had interest from Championship clubs but joined Wrexham when they were in the National League.
The star power of Reynolds and McElhenney – as well as an ability to improve their image off the field in a way few other clubs can offer – are undoubtedly key factors for players when considering whether to make the move to Wrexham.
But Reynolds’ admission on what he says to players that he wants to sign for the club left Ferdinand shocked during a new episode of the ‘Vibe with FIVE’ podcast.
The Canadian admitted: “You just want them to feel like you have your back, and that you’re setting them up to win.
“They also have to understand that I am not going to make football decisions. I’m going to make storytelling decisions about this club, and about it’s history and it’s future.
“It’s really instilling in them a belief in their ability, and backing them in terms of what they want to do outside of football.
“That’s just as important. What is your plan for your family? Do you have a brand, or do you have something? And these are things that are becoming increasingly important in 2024.”
Ferdinand replied: “Wow. That is so different to the ecosystem of football that I grew up in, compared to what is there now.
“You guys are coming at it at a different angle. You’re going to get players that others can’t get, because you’re adding layers like that on it, when you’re helping players.”
“I think it’s important,” Reynolds continued. “I’ve always had a scare city idea of show business, that this could be my last job. You always think that it’s your last job.
“I’m sure for footballers, when your bread and butter is based on a very specific and highly prized skillset, you also have to think, ‘What else? What should I do? I have a family’.”
Rio Ferdinand says he’ll be ‘walking home from Germany’ if England player doesn’t start against Switzerland (an)
England’s rumoured line-up for their quarter-final clash against Switzerland has emerged.
All eyes are on Gareth Southgate ahead of England’s quarter-final clash against Switzerland as he prepares to ‘radically change’ his tactical plan for the game in Dusseldorf.
Southgate is reportedly considering switching to a back three to cope with the loss of Marc Guehi, who is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Slovakia.
John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Kyle Walker look set to make up the back three, according to Sky Sports News, while Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are expected to play as two No 10s.
In terms of the two wing-back roles, Trent Alexander-Arnold has cemented his place on the right flank for Liverpool in recent years, while the left-back slot could be filled by either Bukayo Saka or Luke Shaw, who is expected to be fit.
Southgate will also have to consider who to play in midfield alongside Declan Rice as Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher battle for that ‘number 6’ role.
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Mainoo was one of England’s standout performers in what was a lacklustre display against Slovakia in the last-16.
And ahead of this weekend’s game against Switzerland, Rio Ferdinand has backed Southgate to give the teenager his second consecutive start of Euro 2024.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the former Manchester United defender said: “If Kobbie ain’t starting, I’m walking back from Germany! Has to….”
Image credit: Getty
Many are in agreement with Ferdinand, including former England international Jack Wilshere, who says Southgate needs to build his team around Mainoo.
“Kobbie Mainoo has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield - and their team – around,” Wilshere told The Sun.
“That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat. I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.
“But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player. He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.”
“Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time. He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.”
Do you think Mainoo should start against Switzerland? Let us know.
England player ratings from Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland as Three Lions win on penalties (an)
England beat Switzerland in a penalty shootout.
England are through to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after beating Switzerland in a penalty shootout.
The Three Lions have booked their spot in the next round of the tournament following their big win over the Swiss on Saturday.
Here’s how we rated the England players:
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Jordan Pickford – 8
Could do little to stop Switzerland’s goal. Made a crucial save in the penalty shootout.
Kyle Walker – 5
Poor showing. Lost his man for Switzerland’s goal.
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John Stones – 5
Failed to stop Dan Ndoye’s pass to Breel Embolo.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Contained Embolo fairly well until he scored. An overall impressive performance on his first major tournament start for England.
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Kieran Trippier – 5
Dire at left wing-back. Dan Ndoye got the better of him.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Showed good defensive awareness and carried the ball nicely while breaking through lines. Intelligent performance from the 19-year-old Manchester United starlet.
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Declan Rice – 7
Comfortable in retaining and circulating possession in the centre of England’s midfield and helped out the backline. Had a brilliant long-range effort, which was saved by Yann Sommer.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Had some decent moments, including an impressive carry which saw Fabian Schar yellow carded.
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Bukayo Saka – 8
Electric on the right wing, beat Michel Aebischer on several occasions and got balls into the box. Constant threat. Scored a stunning equaliser and a spot-kick in the shootout.
Phil Foden – 6
Looked more comfortable in a central position as he was able to dictate play in the final third.
Harry Kane – 5
Not his best outing. Didn’t really have a sniff at goal. Dropped deep far too often. Harshly booked for a foul on Manuel Akanji.
Luke Shaw (SUB) – 6
First minutes of the tournament for England’s only left-back at Euro 2024, gave his side balance.
Eberechi Eze (SUB) – 6
Mustered a shot in normal time albeit a wayward attempt.
Cole Palmer (SUB) – 6
Lively showing after coming on in the 78th minute.
Ivan Toney (SUB) – N/A
Replaced Harry Kane in extra-time. Scored a penalty in the shootout.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (SUB) – N/A
Entered the fray in extra-time. Scored the winning penalty in the shootout.
