Only. In. Hollywood.
Yes, it could only happen in Hollywood…and, North Wales.
I’m listening to the waning minutes of the Wrexham-Boreham Wood match in a key National League encounter on BBC Radio Wales. It feels so wonderfully exciting to hear the Welsh commentators, as this writer is from South Wales. And also hearing the Welsh crowd singing, brings joy to my heart as I listen to the match from my home just 10 minutes away from the actual Hollywood sign in California.
As Wrexham top scorer Paul Mullin scored his second goal of the match to put his team up 3-1 on the verge of winning, I jumped up, punching the air, just like fellow Hollywood denizens and Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who also hugged each other. The sold-out Racecourse ground of 10,000 fans went bonkers.
BBC comments section texted: “The atmosphere from the Wrexham fans is incredible - they have not stopped even when they went a goal down! They deserve this for what they did for the club to save it.”
Assistant ref indicates 5 minutes of time added on.
It's that close, the end of a 15-year exile from the Football League for Wrexham. What a fairy tale story. Wrexham’s imminent promotion will mean there’ll be four Welsh clubs in the English League next season, that’s 4 of 92 overall.
Wrexham has won the Welsh Cup a record 23 times and are the oldest club in Wales. They have a rich history, but they’ve been in exile for 15 years.
I’m Beaming with Welsh Pride
Wales is not even represented in the Union Jack. We’re the fourth cousin in the package. Often looked down upon by England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Almost there. Then the final whistle blows and pandemonium ensues on the radio as the crowd apparently invades the pitch in glorious raptures.
Ryan Reynolds is showing his phone up to the crowd, as he apparently has his wife, dazzling actress Blake Lively, on some video app.
And, there it is, Wrexham is back in the Football League for the first time since 2008! The story, sprinkled with Hollywood stardust, is now complete. With only the National League trophy to be presented, plaudits to Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, the on-field architect of this joyous resurrection.
WREXHAM Champions of the National League
One longtime fan said, “I’m feeling absolutely elated. It’s been 15 years of hurt done away with.”
It’s taken 110 points and 115 goals scored to ensure promotion. And top scorer Paul Mullin shouts out in the din: "The fans have deserved this day…I’m so proud for all the lads. And so happy for the fans who have supported and helped save the club.”
WOW! What a great advertisement for lower league football!
Manager Phil Parkinson enthuses: "Amazing feeling I feel so emotional after what the club has been through in the last 15 years. I am so proud of the performance and the fans to go down and to come back”
“We'll keep a welcome in the hillsides/We'll keep a welcome in the Vales/This land you knew will still be singing/When you come home again to Wales…”
Drop in on Wrexham’s joyous dressing room celebration, on the National League Trophy presentation, and on fellow Hollywood star Paul Rudd sharing a pint with fans before the game.
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