James McClean Mocks Play-off Rivals as Red Dragons Toast Another Leap With Las Vegas Party
For the third year running, Wrexham’s players are swapping the Welsh hills for the Nevada desert. Another promotion. Another trip to Las Vegas. Another celebration bankrolled by their famous Hollywood owners.
What began as a fairytale football revival scripted by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has become a full-blown sporting saga—complete with wild scenes, marquee signings, and, of course, the now-annual end-of-season pilgrimage to Sin City.
Following their second-place finish in League Two in 2023, Wrexham are back at it in 2025 after securing another runners-up medal—this time in League One, sealing their place in the Championship for the 2025-26 campaign. The champagne has barely stopped flowing, and already the squad is boarding another transatlantic flight, passports in hand, shades on, destination: Vegas.
Third Time Lucky? Not for James McClean’s Rivals
While most players in the EFL are gearing up for the high-pressure minefield that is the play-offs, Wrexham winger James McClean had other plans. And he didn’t hold back in letting everyone know.
“Vegas again, ole ole ole,” the outspoken Irish international posted on Instagram, alongside a grinning selfie with teammates Sam Smith, Paul Mullin, George Evans and Andy Cannon. “(Be sh*te to be in the play-offs right now),” he added, with trademark cheek.
It’s vintage McClean: brutally honest, slightly mischievous, and clearly delighted not to be involved in the late-season dogfight. At 35, the Derry-born winger has been around the block and isn’t about to turn down a fully-funded trip to America’s party capital.
A Tradition Funded by Fame
Reynolds and McElhenney’s financial backing isn’t just about player wages and transfer fees—it’s about building memories, camaraderie, and a winning culture. The Las Vegas trips have become symbolic of Wrexham’s transformation under their stewardship.
The first trip came in 2023, after the Red Dragons shattered National League records en route to promotion. That wild celebration captured imaginations far beyond North Wales. In 2024, it was rinse and repeat, with another trip sanctioned after finishing behind Stockport in League Two.
Now, having climbed another rung in the Football League ladder, Reynolds and McElhenney are once again footing the bill. And judging by the players’ social media activity, there’s no shortage of enthusiasm for the latest stateside send-off.
The Rise Continues: Championship Football Awaits
Under Phil Parkinson’s measured leadership, Wrexham have climbed from the fifth tier to the second in just three years. The rapid ascent has been powered by a blend of smart recruitment, star quality, and substantial backing.
Perhaps the most striking statement came in January 2025, when Wrexham smashed their transfer record to sign striker Sam Smith from Reading for £2 million. That figure is eye-watering for a club that was in non-league football not so long ago. Smith repaid the faith with seven crucial goals that helped seal promotion—and now finds himself jetting off for cocktails and casinos with his new teammates.
Alongside Smith, the likes of Paul Mullin—still the heart of the Wrexham attack—continue to be vital figures. Mullin’s goals helped ignite the Hollywood-fuelled journey from the very start, and he’s now eyeing up a first-ever Championship campaign with Wrexham.
A Coach’s Calm Amid the Chaos
While the players are cutting loose, manager Phil Parkinson and his coaching staff are opting for a quieter celebration. Parkinson won’t be heading to Vegas this time, instead taking time to reflect on yet another job well done.
He has built a side that mixes graft and flair, experience and hunger. With names like McClean and Evans providing leadership, and young talents breaking through, Wrexham are starting to look more than just a feel-good story—they’re becoming a genuine footballing force.
Next season’s Championship campaign will be a major step up. But if the past three years are anything to go by, you wouldn’t bet against Wrexham surprising a few people once again.
What’s Next for Wrexham Hollywood Adventure?
For now, the focus is firmly on celebration. But when the party’s over and the players return from the bright lights of Las Vegas, the hard work begins anew. The jump from League One to the Championship is no small feat. It’s a division packed with ex-Premier League clubs, massive crowds, and fierce competition.
Still, with Reynolds and McElhenney continuing to invest—not just in the team, but in the infrastructure, the branding, and the city itself—Wrexham look ready to embrace the challenge.
There are also questions around whether McElhenney will join the Vegas bash in person this time, potentially bringing along his wife, actress Kaitlin Olson. While Reynolds is often busy with his own film commitments, both co-owners remain deeply engaged with the club’s fortunes and have been regular faces at the Racecourse Ground.
A Model for Modern Football?
Wrexham journey isn’t just a football story—it’s a case study in how to rejuvenate a club with heart, authenticity, and ambition. The glamour of the Hollywood connection grabs the headlines, but beneath it lies a team built on togetherness and relentless drive.
Whether they’re mocking rivals on Instagram or grinding out wins on a rainy Tuesday night in Morecambe, the Red Dragons have captured the imagination of football fans around the world.
And as they toast another success under the neon glow of the Vegas Strip, you can’t help but wonder—just how far can this story go?
