Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds was “moved” by the team’s performance against Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round, boss Phil Parkinson has said.
The Hollywood star, who co-owns the club with Rob McElhenney, saw Wrexham arrive minutes after knocking the side out of the Championship.
But John Egan’s stoppage-time equalizer earned the Blades a rebound.
“Ryan walked into the locker room and he was so proud of what he had seen,” Parkinson added.
“He was moved by the kind of performance today and he said some very good words to the guys.
“They will remember it for a long time.”
Wrexham, the competition’s last non-league side, had fallen behind an early goal from Oli McBurnie and lost two key defenders before battling to lead Sheffield United 2-1 early in the second half.
Oliver Norwood equalized for the visitors, who then had Daniel Jebbison sent off before Paul Mullin put Wrexham ahead for Egan to equalize late.
Parkinson praised his side for how they reacted after the early setbacks against a side currently second in the Championship.
“Spirit, character, determination and quality are what we are looking for,” Parkinson said.
“We have to keep producing it every minute of every game.
“And I really think that’s going to take us far, the special spirit that we have at this club right now.”
Parkinson is hoping to use the money generated by the club’s FA Cup run to add to Wrexham’s squad before the transfer window closes, although he could bring in players on loan after the deadline.
The Wrexham boss had to count the cost after defenders Jordan Tunnicliffe and Aaron Hayden both suffered injuries early in the game.
Tunnicliffe suffered an ankle ligament injury while Hayden suffered a calf injury.
“I saw Jordan, he went to the hospital and it doesn’t look good,” Parkinson added.
“Aaron, I don’t know, but he also had crutches.
“Of course it’s a blow, I can’t hide it.
“As much as I loved it, deep down inside I thought we were going to have to bring in reinforcements.
“We will think carefully now and make sure that the cup race improves our promotion campaign and does not harm it.
“The money we have generated through this competition will give us resources, if we feel the need, to bring in players.
“We are certainly not going to let the fragility of the team cost us dearly as it did last year.”
