“Bootlegger’s Bold Challenge: Can a Hollywood Dream Team Steal Wrexham Lager’s Thunder?”

In a turn of events that could only be scripted in Hollywood, Wrexham has been thrust into the limelight thanks to none other than the charming duo of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney! After their bold leap into football ownership with Wrexham AFC back in November 2020, you might think these two would stop there. But no—now they’ve set their sights on brewing up some good times by acquiring Wrexham Lager, Britain’s oldest brewery! As excitement bubbled over with their recent announcement, a familiar face from the social media scene—the outspoken ‘Bootlegger’—had a little something to say about it. Who knew the world of beer could be so… spirited? Is there a recipe for rivalry brewing beneath that frothy surface? Buckle up, because this story is just getting started! LEARN MORE

A social media star has called out Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney following the announcement of their Wrexham Lager take-over.

Not too long ago Wrexham was no different to anywhere else in Wales, however, the city has been on a very unique trajectory over the past couple of years thanks to an investment from two Hollywood actors.

We’re are of course talking about Reynolds and McElhenney’s decision to purchase Wrexham AFC in November 2020.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired the football club in November 2020 (Leon Bennett/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

The club has since been on whirlwind trajectory, returning from the non-league football wilderness to be promoted twice to their current standing in League One. It’s a journey which has also been documented via Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham, which has helped the club gain worldwide recognition and support.

It’s certainly a wonderful reversal of fortunes for long-term fans of the club, which means you’d expect they wouldn’t mind Reynolds and McElhenney’s decision to expand their takeover of the town by becoming co-owners of Wrexham Lager.

The duo announced their acquisition of what is said to be oldest brewery in Britain in spectacular fashion on 30 October, which included using morse code telegraphs to signify the lager’s long history, having been founded in 1882.

“The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offsides rule and the occasional need for beer – especially after finance meetings,” the pair added in a statement.

“Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”

Fans appeared to be generally happy with the announcement online, however, the positive reaction didn’t include super-fan Bootlegger – real name Karl Phillips – who replied ‘duck ’em mate’ to someone asking for his thoughts on the takeover.

Phillips’ relationship with the football club and brewery goes a long way back, with the amassing a large following online for documenting his days drinking and watching Wrexham games. His popularity even led to a collaboration between Wrexham Lager and himself back in 2020, called the Bootlegger 1974 Pilsner.

However, the relationship would later turn sour after Phillips accused the brewery of failure to pay him for the deal – a claim which Wrexham Lager has since denied.

The content creator made his thoughts clear on the news (X/@bootlegger1974)

Phillips appeared to claim that Reynolds and McElhenney’s takeover meant his deal was no more.

“Insisted I was removed,” he wrote, but did not specify whether this was referring to the brewery or Reynolds and McElhenney’s themselves.

LADbible Group has approached representatives for Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Wrexham Lager and Karl ‘Bootlegger’ Phillips for comment.