Fans selling to Americans pays off, but in oh so different ways
There are similarities between the two football clubs of Portsmouth and Wrexham, and not just the fact players from both squads have either visited Las Vegas or are en route to ‘Sin City’ following Football League promotions.
A decade ago, both clubs were run by a supporters’ trust – Wrexham fans having taken ownership in 2011 and Pompey’s fans doing likewise two years later. Both clubs were down in the dumps – in 2013/14 Wrexham finished 17th in the top tier of non-league football, a season later Pompey ended 16th in the fourth tier, their lowest ever EFL finish.
Historically, both clubs were playing two divisions below the level they have graced most often since the Second World War.
American investment has turned both clubs’ fortunes around, though a lot quicker in north Wales.
No doubt the average Fratton Park regular would not have heard of Michael Eisner prior to Tornante’s 2017 takeover.
The same cannot be said of Wrexham fans when Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney took control in early 2021.
In just a few years, their presence has transformed the club, now boasting a worldwide fanbase following the success of the FX docuseries Welcome to Wrexham.
Their cash has helped, too – in 2022/23, Wrexham’s wage bill was a staggering £6.9m. Lest we forget, they were non-league at the time. In the same period, Pompey – two divisions higher
– reported a wage bill of £8.28m for the same financial period.
On the field, Wrexham are replacing Pompey in
League One next season after completing back-to-back promotions.
Off it, the owners have talked of building a stadium capable of holding up to 55,000 fans – not far off half the Wrexham Borough population.
That might never happen, but it poses an interesting question for Pompey fans, namely which American owners would YOU prefer?
The Eisners or a bit of
A question for Pompey fans, namely which American owners would YOU prefer?
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Wrexham will win promotion again next season. They have huge momentum. But it will be interesting to see if the owners manage to clock up seven years, as the Eisners have. And if so, fascinating also to see where Wrexham FC are in 2028.
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