Wrexham co-owner Rob Mac inspected the new National Football Museum of Wales, praising the facility's blend of tradition and innovation.
Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob Mac visited the newly opened National Football Museum of Wales before its grand opening later this year. Staff greeted him warmly as he toured the facility, despite his arrival being a brief stop during a trip back to the United States the same evening.
The actor-turned-club owner, who goes by Mac (previously McElhenney), made the visit without any security team, emphasizing his personal connection to the club and its surroundings. His visit highlights his deep involvement in Wrexham’s transformation from a lower-league side to a club pushing for Premier League promotion.
Wrexham’s rise under Mac and Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds’ investment is visible across the city, with the Wrexham AFC brand now dominating local culture. Tourists flock to the historic Turf pub, where the club was founded, while a Hollywood-style ‘Wrexham’ sign greets visitors on a hillside near the city. Young supporters now wear Wrexham jerseys in the streets, a shift from past preferences for nearby giants like Liverpool and Manchester United.
The new museum’s opening aligns perfectly with the club’s rapid ascent, including three straight promotions under manager Phil Parkinson, who was personally recruited by Mac for the ambitious project.
The National Football Museum of Wales serves as both a tribute to the region’s football legacy and a showcase of its modern achievements. Upon entering the foyer, visitors are met with a massive video wall featuring legends like John Charles, Gareth Bale, Jayne Ludlow, and Jess Fishlock, alongside key moments in Welsh football history.
The museum also preserves local traditions, such as salvaged brickwork from its former life as a police station, symbolizing respect for history while celebrating progress. ‘Wow, this is incredible,’ Mac remarked upon seeing the facility, praising its ability to merge Wrexham’s story with Welsh football’s broader narrative.
Louise Preece, the museum’s marketing manager, described the project as a ‘merger of Wrexham’s history and the history of Wales football, from grassroots to professional clubs.’
Mac, a passionate sports fan and history lover, quickly gravitated toward an interactive screen where fans can watch past Wales international goals and cast votes for their favorites. His attention landed on a goal scored by Mark Hughes, a Wrexham native, in a 3-0 victory over Spain in 1985, prompting an enthusiastic ‘Boom’ as he voted.
The museum’s exhibits also highlight the ongoing £90 million redevelopment of Wrexham’s Cae Ras ground, which includes over 7,000 additional seats and upgraded hospitality areas.
Mac’s journey with Wrexham has been chronicled in the Emmy-winning documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ now renewed for three more seasons.
The club’s revenue surged by nearly a quarter to £33.3 million, with over half attributed to global interest sparked by the documentary and Mac and Reynolds’ bold vision.
‘We have to have a section [at the museum] at some point,’ Mac noted. ‘We’ll have a section here, but we’ll have to have earned it.’ Museum staff agreed, confirming they’ve created a role specifically for Mac in recognition of his contributions.
Among the museum’s exhibits is an old wooden rattle, a traditional supporter’s tool from the post-war era, donated by the family of a lifelong Wrexham fan who has since passed away.
Mac was given the honor of placing it in a glass display case, asking the curator about its origins. ‘Was this passed down through the family?’ he inquired.
The curator confirmed the item’s sentimental value, and Mac handled it with care, hinting at its potential future use when Wrexham finally reaches the Premier League. For Mac, that milestone is no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’