How Wrexham plan to benefit from £48m cash boost

Wrexham’s ambitions have been boosted by a cash injection of almost £50m.

But the money is part of a long-term plan to grow the club rather than the emergence of new funds for January transfers.

Wrexham moved into the Championship play-off places over the weekend and Phil Parkinson’s side could yet push for an unprecedented fourth successive promotion under co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

Now documents at Companies House have confirmed the north Wales club have received £47.83m via a new share issue.

Although there is the potential for signings before next week’s deadline, the new figures are from a deal struck last month with American finance group Apollo Sports Capital (ASC) that signalled new investment.

ASC – who are also majority shareholders in Spanish giants Atletico Madrid – have taken a minority shareholding in the Stok Cae Ras club, believed to be just shy of 10%.

Their investment has provided extra working capital for a club who have previously admitted playing “catch-up” off the pitch following their rapid rise from non-league just three years ago.

Although future transfer and wage budgets could benefit from the extra funds, there are also ongoing plans to boost the club’s academy, women’s set-up and general infrastructure.

At the time of the deal, Reynolds and Mac said in a statement: “From day one, we wanted to build a sustainable future for Wrexham Association Football Club. And to do it with a little heart and humour.

“The dream has always been to take this club to the Premier League while staying true to the town. Growth like that takes world-class partners who share our vision and ambition, and Apollo absolutely does.”

ASC have a seat on the club board, along with Reynolds and Mac – formerly known as McElhenney – who retain the majority shareholding and controlling stake, and the New York-based Allyn family who have around 15%.

ASC’s parent company is said to have more than $900bn (£675bn) of assets under management, with plans set out to invest $5bn (£3.75bn) in the sporting sector.

On top of the initial investment, the deal could also involve access to further capital as part of aims to develop other areas of Cae Ras.

Wrexham are building a new 5,500-seat Kop stand that could rise to 7,750 and increase the ground’s capacity to about 18,000. Additional long-term expansion has also been mooted as well as a desire for a new training ground.

Next month marks the five-year anniversary of the high-profile takeover by Reynolds and Mac from the Wrexham Supporters Trust, who had previously owned and run the Welsh club.

That period has seen revenues rocket, with the club now attracting global interest due to their celebrity ownership and accompanying documentary.

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