Wrexham Women head coach Jenny Sugarman says Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac remain closely involved as the club begins a new European chapter at the Racecourse.
The comments came before Wrexham’s first UEFA Women’s Champions League fixture, but they now carry added significance after the club’s historic European win over FC Pyunik.
Wrexham’s rise has been rapid. The side reformed in 2018, reached the top flight in 2023 and secured their first Adran Premier title last season.
Rob Mac remains in regular contact
Speaking before the European debut, Sugarman said both co-chairmen were excited by the team’s progress and the prospect of European football returning to Wrexham.
“They’re both incredibly excited,” Sugarman told BBC Sport.
“I had messages with Rob the other day. Rob is deeply proactive in touching base and making sure we’ve got what we need.”
That contact reflects the wider commitment made when Reynolds and Mac took control in 2021. The owners identified the women’s programme as a priority and have since supported its move towards semi-professional football.
Sugarman said the ambition is substantial, but she also placed it in context.
“They said it publicly that they want to back and support this women’s team to make it the best in the world.
“That’s a big ambition and there’s a long way to go on that journey but we feel we’re making the right first steps.”
Wrexham have built the foundations
Those first steps have included stronger recruitment, improved facilities and a clearer route into the senior side. Wrexham’s women’s pathway has progressed from open trials to domestic champions and European competition.
The playing squad has also changed. Arrivals such as Natasha Thomas and Lucy Farrell showed the level of player Wrexham can now attract.
Sugarman believes the owners recognise that progress.
“They see the players that we’re bringing in and they recognise the levels of the players that we’re able now to attract and recruit and bring in.”
European football belongs in Wrexham
For Sugarman, hosting Champions League football was as important as qualifying for it. She wanted the occasion to belong to the town as well as the team.
“What was even more exciting for us was being able to bring European football to north Wales and to the town.
“Because this is a town of incredibly proud, hard-working people that back their team.”
The decision to stage the ties at the Racecourse connected the women’s side with Wrexham’s wider European history. It also gave supporters the chance to witness another major milestone at home.
Wrexham now face Riga at the Racecourse on Saturday, 25 July, with a place in the second qualifying round at stake. The result against Pyunik showed the team can meet the moment, while Sugarman’s comments show the club intends to keep building beyond it.
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