Wrexham keeper Okonkwo grateful for Reynolds and McElhenney calls

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has joined Wrexham permanently after originally signing on loan

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo hailed Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as "incredible owners" following the club's remarkable success since the duo took over the club.

Following back-to-back promotions, actors Reynolds and McElhenney were in attendance as Phil Parkinson's side beat Wycombe Wanderers 3-2 on Wrexham's return to League One on 10 August.

And having joined Wrexham on a permanent basis after being released by Arsenal in the summer, Okonkwo opened up on the impact of the Hollywood pair on the Racecourse dressing room.

"They're two incredible owners," he told BBC Radio Wales Sport.

"They were in the changing room with us before the (Wycombe) game. They're so involved.

"I've had the calls and the messages like some other players have said. It's just amazing, after the game to get a message from Ryan Reynolds saying 'well done' or a call from Rob.

"It's incredible to have those people supporting you. Normally it's a number from LA (Los Angeles) or with Ryan it can come as anything. You just don't know what to expect."

Okonkwo made 40 appearances in all competitions during his loan spell with Wrexham during the 2023-24 season.

And during a phone call with McElhenney prior to re-joining the club, Okonkwo overheard a fan urging the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star to sign the goalkeeper on a permanent deal.

"That is a true story," explained the goalkeeper.

"I was on the phone with him after the season, he called me to talk about the future before I'd signed. 

"I could hear the person saying 'sign Arthur Okonkwo'.

"It's amazing the support we have in America, especially in pre-season.

"We have more fans than I knew we had out there, it's always lovely to see."