We just need someone, preferably someone antagonistic to Ryan Reynolds, to buy Chester, **** talk Wales, and really get this show started. Forget MLS, it'll be like wrestling!
Wrexham AFC
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Last: 1 day ago by walton91
Of course MLS has to start somewhere… and they'll undoubtedly get more great storylines as time passes.
I just think they've cut themselves off by many of their structural choices. I must admit that they've also added opportunities for stories that don't exist in soccer elsewhere (such as the MLS playoff), but I think overall, they have a mountain to climb.
And my whole point in saying anything is that it's stupid for MLS fans to be upset at Wrexham.
Above all, sports is an entertainment industry, and two highly talented individuals in another entertainment industry are showing soccer fans worldwide how to tell new stories (and make more money… I don't know how they're structured, but I'd be willing to bet that the overall enterprise of buying a club and making a show about it is already highly lucrative… wouldn't be surprised at all if they've already gotten a return on their investment).
To jj's point earlier - between stuff like this and Ted Lasso, MLS fans should be happy that the sport is getting more attention. It's bound to draw in at least a few more folks to go see their local MLS team.
I just think they've cut themselves off by many of their structural choices. I must admit that they've also added opportunities for stories that don't exist in soccer elsewhere (such as the MLS playoff), but I think overall, they have a mountain to climb.
And my whole point in saying anything is that it's stupid for MLS fans to be upset at Wrexham.
Above all, sports is an entertainment industry, and two highly talented individuals in another entertainment industry are showing soccer fans worldwide how to tell new stories (and make more money… I don't know how they're structured, but I'd be willing to bet that the overall enterprise of buying a club and making a show about it is already highly lucrative… wouldn't be surprised at all if they've already gotten a return on their investment).
To jj's point earlier - between stuff like this and Ted Lasso, MLS fans should be happy that the sport is getting more attention. It's bound to draw in at least a few more folks to go see their local MLS team.
MLS didn't help themselves going behind a paywall.Dre_00 said:
The people who ***** about low quality MLS but then watch Wrexham were never going to watch MLS regardless of the quality.
And I don't buy that there aren't any compelling stories in US soccer because we don't have history or pro/rel. That's just a bunch of garbage. All you need is attention care and talent to tell a story.
Every sport is pretty much behind a paywall except Jeopardy, Wheel, and Price is Right
The replay will be next Tuesday.walton91 said:
Still haven't seen a date for the replay with Sheffield but this was the draw todayThe winner of the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay between Wrexham and Sheffield United will be at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Fifth Round
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) January 30, 2023
🔴⚪ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/2N3IlG6n8W
I think, for me anyway, what is captivating about Wrexham is the whole concept of it being a town's team, and every town having some hope, no matter how small the chance, of getting to play the biggest clubs in the world. Wrexham has 60,000 people so the idea of them going head to head with Tottenham is like the local club from Georgetown, Texas going against the New York Yankees (okay, maybe like the Baltimore Orioles).Dre_00 said:
The people who ***** about low quality MLS but then watch Wrexham were never going to watch MLS regardless of the quality.
And I don't buy that there aren't any compelling stories in US soccer because we don't have history or pro/rel. That's just a bunch of garbage. All you need is attention care and talent to tell a story.
And the people in these small towns, as you know, live and die with their clubs.
So I don't think it is the on field quality that is attracting people to Wrexham AFC, it is the fact that they have seen Paul Mullins on the documentary, and now want to see him in person. It is that they get to see Ryan Reynolds living and dying by every goal.
I have a good base of knowledge of small town English soccer, more than 95% of the viewers of Welcome to Wrexham, and I went into the documentary not expecting much. But it was really well done, and I find myself now interested in what Wrexham are up to, and I want them to get promoted to see how the story advances. It is great drama. The fact their last 2 games in the FA Cup have both been absolutely insane does not hurt the matter. 3-3 last minute draws sell better than 1-0 defeats.
MLS is, to me, very much like every other pro sport in the US, which isn't a bad thing, as the growth and success has been fun to watch. But the storylines aren't like a small, down and out town in Wales all supporting a club and dreaming of returning to their once glorious days.
MLS will never have relegation and promotion, and I am fine with that, but that doesn't mean we cannot also enjoy the efforts of a club to fight their way from non-league football up to face the big boys of English soccer.
I haven't seen the show and don't watch any soccer outside of the USMNT and some World Cup, but the idea and structure of the FA Cup is perhaps the coolest thing in sports.
Thank you for that. It's what I was trying to say but I'm more awkward than eloquent.
JJxvi said:
We just need someone, preferably someone antagonistic to Ryan Reynolds, to buy Chester, **** talk Wales, and really get this show started. Forget MLS, it'll be like wrestling!
Hugh Jackman.
The old Chester City was actually owned by an American for a while.
Terry Smith, early 80s defensive back for the New England Patriots briefly bought Chester City while in administration and named himself manager because the already bankrupt team couldnt afford to hire a manager because the previous manager exercised a secret contract clause nobody knew about that allowed him to resign and claim five years of salary paid immediately.
All very valid points and I agree completely...but I also think you proved my point to a degree. You were gripped by the story telling and that's what pulled you in. There's no reason that MLS couldn't have a soccer story. It's not like a small town foreign club is a requirement for a good story. Or that a league with relegation/promotion is a requirement for a good story.
Look at what Drive to Survive did for F1. It had a tangible massive, direct impact on F1 interest in the US. It's just really hard to believe that a league that has been around 30 years within a sport that has been around for 100 in this country has no compelling story to tell. It's more that no one (or not enough) has taken the time, care, and effort to find them, invest in them, and tell them in a compelling manner.
Look at what Drive to Survive did for F1. It had a tangible massive, direct impact on F1 interest in the US. It's just really hard to believe that a league that has been around 30 years within a sport that has been around for 100 in this country has no compelling story to tell. It's more that no one (or not enough) has taken the time, care, and effort to find them, invest in them, and tell them in a compelling manner.
With MLS' new deal with Apple I'd have to think we'll see more content and shows trying to tell the stories of the MLS
I am sure that MLS has some great stories, in fact, I know they do. But I think the "one team, one town, one dream" idea of relegation/promotion is just really appealing here, because we don't really have anything like it. I watched the documentary on Leeds and there efforts for promotion with Bielsa, and it was great too. We just don't have a story like Leeds of a club that once was a mighty force but has since fallen on bad times, gone down 2 or 3 levels, and is trying to make it back to prominence.Dre_00 said:
All very valid points and I agree completely...but I also think you proved my point to a degree. You were gripped by the story telling and that's what pulled you in. There's no reason that MLS couldn't have a soccer story. It's not like a small town foreign club is a requirement for a good story. Or that a league with relegation/promotion is a requirement for a good story.
Look at what Drive to Survive did for F1. It had a tangible massive, direct impact on F1 interest in the US. It's just really hard to believe that a league that has been around 30 years within a sport that has been around for 100 in this country has no compelling story to tell. It's more that no one (or not enough) has taken the time, care, and effort to find them, invest in them, and tell them in a compelling manner.
The MLS story can be captured and made captivating, I think the most captivating stories in MLS are the ones where the teams and their fans have a history of support (ala Timbers) or a story of a player working their way up through the youth team to prominence at the club. The other problem MLS has its that those great stories of a kid growing up with a team and really developing normally end in the player being sold to a European club.
Capturing the story of a team like Atlanta or Charlotte or even the Dynamo would need to be more human interest, player type stories, because they clubs are largely creations of a marketing team, a wealthy owner and lots of money. I am sure some marketing/documentary genius could put together a great series for MLS, but have not seen it as of yet.
That's a huge problem for the league in general.Quote:
The MLS story can be captured and made captivating, I think the most captivating stories in MLS are the ones where the teams and their fans have a history of support (ala Timbers) or a story of a player working their way up through the youth team to prominence at the club. The other problem MLS has its that those great stories of a kid growing up with a team and really developing normally end in the player being sold to a European club.
Adams, McKennie, the Aaronsons', etc.
And everyone loves Paxton Pomykal type stories.
Or even Nolan Norris, who filmed a commercial at like 13, going in the locker room imagining himself on the team, and then 4 years later signs with them.
MLS is just another American sports league. There is nothing interesting or different about it compared to the other league and add on to that it's soccer and people just aren't interested. If MLS wants to be taken seriously as a soccer league around the world, act like soccer league's around the world. The only thing similar is that we were unoriginal in the naming of the teams.
If you say you hate the state of politics in this nation and you don't get involved in it, you obviously don't hate the state of politics in this nation.
Ghost of Andrew Eaton said:
MLS is just another American sports league. There is nothing interesting or different about it.
That's dumb. Are you telling me that there's no interesting stories currently being told in the NBA or NFL?
I think MLS should probably do a Hard Knocks or whatever the EPL show is like that. But maybe thr cost of all that coverage/production doesn't outweigh the potential publicity.
Good points and the flip side is also true…
Every time a Beckham or Rooney makes MLS his retirement gig, it taints the league's reputation greatly… arguably even more so than your examples. I'd much rather watch young up-and-comers than old guys past their prime… but these retirement stories are the ones that make the headlines because the players involved are already outrageously famous.
Edit to preempt a response… yes, stars drop down to lesser leagues all the time. The difference is that when MLS gets a star, they parade him around as if it's a great thing for the league. That's the story they want to tell and they are blind enough to think that's attractive.
No doubt, if Messi ever comes to Miami, he'll get some folks who already love soccer to buy tickets and jerseys… but Joe Merica isn't gonna flip the channel (or get an Apple subscription) to watch someone past their prime. It's not a good story.
Every time a Beckham or Rooney makes MLS his retirement gig, it taints the league's reputation greatly… arguably even more so than your examples. I'd much rather watch young up-and-comers than old guys past their prime… but these retirement stories are the ones that make the headlines because the players involved are already outrageously famous.
Edit to preempt a response… yes, stars drop down to lesser leagues all the time. The difference is that when MLS gets a star, they parade him around as if it's a great thing for the league. That's the story they want to tell and they are blind enough to think that's attractive.
No doubt, if Messi ever comes to Miami, he'll get some folks who already love soccer to buy tickets and jerseys… but Joe Merica isn't gonna flip the channel (or get an Apple subscription) to watch someone past their prime. It's not a good story.
I'm sure there are but the MLS is exactly like those leagues, so why make the switch to a soccer league?ChipFTAC01 said:Ghost of Andrew Eaton said:
MLS is just another American sports league. There is nothing interesting or different about it.
That's dumb. Are you telling me that there's no interesting stories currently being told in the NBA or NFL?
I think MLS should probably do a Hard Knocks or whatever the EPL show is like that. But maybe thr cost of all that coverage/production doesn't outweigh the potential publicity.
If you say you hate the state of politics in this nation and you don't get involved in it, you obviously don't hate the state of politics in this nation.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/wrexham-premier-league-ryan-reynolds-223241277.html
Quote:
Wrexham To The Premier League? Ryan Reynolds Sets 10-Year Goal After Riveting FA Cup Performance
. . .
Ryan Reynolds fans are used to the Canadian actor saying hilarious things (or in the case of his comic book alter ego Deadpool, hilarious and outrageous things), but his recent comments to the British media regarding his soccer club Wrexham, which he co-owns with fellow actor Rob McElhenney, are sure to raise eyebrows among footy fans.
"In 10 years' time, the plan is Premier League," the star said Sunday, according to the Daily Mail. "Why not? No one has ever done anything great in this world thinking, 'Let's go halfway.'"
"We believe we can do that, and we believe we can expand this incredible stadium to something that will support international matches and a Premier League team," the 46-year-old added. "That's the goal, call us crazy if you want."
Those are lofty goals, to be sure, considering the Wales-based Wrexham currently ply their trade in the fifth division of the English football, but Reynolds' enthusiasm can be be easily understood. His Wrexham squad had just played Sheffield United, a full three divisions higher in England's second tier, to a 3-3 stalemate in the FA Cup.
In a heartfelt tribute after conceding a late equalizer at Racecourse Ground in Northeast Wales, team manager Phil Parkinson praised his squad for dauntlessly refusing to give up to a much higher profile team, despite going down a goal and suffering two early injuries on the defensive line.
"I have mixed emotions as you can imagine, but we were outstanding," Parkinson stated. "Character. Heart. Quality, as well. Some of the composure we showed in possession was excellent. I thought we showed real class on the ball."
The club faces a long stretch of eight games in the next four weeks, but that doesn't mean Parkinson hasn't already begun planning on how to use revenue from the FA Cup to help catalyze the club's goals.
"As much I was enjoying it, at the back of my mind, I was thinking that we're going to have to bring in some reinforcements, Parkinson revealed.
"We'll have a good think, and we'll make sure the Cup run enhances our promotion campaign and doesn't detract from it," continued Parkinson. "The money we've generated from this competition will give us resources, if we feel we need to, to bring some players in."
If the proof's in the pudding, then Wrexham's draw with a Sheffield United club that had won 11 out of their last 13 matches proves that Reynolds and McElhenney just might be onto something, even if that hasn't stopped Reynolds' wife Blake Lively having some fun at his expense. Always in for a good practical joke, especially if directed at Reynolds, she poked fun at her hubs with a series of cheeky Instagram posts.
. . .
"They're playing a team 3 leagues higher. And currently winning. Life makes no sense. If you're not watching this insane @wrexham_afc game right now you're missing out on these vibes," she also wrote.
Reynolds and McElhenney bought the club in 2021 for nearly $2.5 million and have spent the last two years enmeshing themselves in the club's culture.
. . .
After viewing the inspiring David vs. Goliath match, an ecstatic Reynolds lit up Twitter with his excitement.
"When @RMcElhenney and I got into this it all felt so impossible. But impossible is @Wrexham_AFC's favourite colour. That was one of the most exciting things I've EVER seen."
"Thank you each and every Wrexham supporter who came out and aimed your heart at that pitch tonight," continued Reynolds.
Since the game ended in a tie, Wrexham will have a final shot at fulfilling their made-for-film destiny when the two squads face off again Feb. 7. The only thing Hollywood likes more than a true story is a true underdog story.
. . .
Enough money put into Wrexham they can do it.
so you're saying the teams right below the Premier league isn't putting money into their clubs.Chuck Cunningham said:
Enough money put into Wrexham they can do it.
The question will be is can they put enough to rise above those others teams, the higher they go the harder it'll be because those other clubs will have just as much money
BQ_90 said:so you're saying the teams right below the Premier league isn't putting money into their clubs.Chuck Cunningham said:
Enough money put into Wrexham they can do it.
The question will be is can they put enough to rise above those others teams, the higher they go the harder it'll be because those other clubs will have just as much money
Yeah. It costs a **** ton of money to make it.
But keep in mind that because of the show Wrexham is making money the Middlesbrough is not, which makes it easier to spend more money.
ChipFTAC01 said:Ghost of Andrew Eaton said:
MLS is just another American sports league. There is nothing interesting or different about it.
That's dumb. Are you telling me that there's no interesting stories currently being told in the NBA or NFL?
I think MLS should probably do a Hard Knocks or whatever the EPL show is like that. But maybe thr cost of all that coverage/production doesn't outweigh the potential publicity.
Didn't ESPN do a version of Hard Knocks for LAFC a couple years ago?
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I can't find the article now, but I read something recently where Ryan admitted that they're going to have to get outside investment in order to make it. If I recall, he said they'll probably need it to get out of League 1, and most certainly to get out of the Championship.
I bet they're gonna end up launching an IPO that has a minority (but significant) stake in the company. If popularity keeps growing, an IPO will explode and they'll raise a ton of money.
I bet they're gonna end up launching an IPO that has a minority (but significant) stake in the company. If popularity keeps growing, an IPO will explode and they'll raise a ton of money.
This second leg is amazing good.
Will we see a miracle result?
7nine
The first half Wrexham was just in a defensive shell the entire time and not a lot happened for either team. Sheffield had one great chance that was squandered, but other than that breakaway it was attempts from outside the box.Chuck Cunningham said:
This second leg is amazing good.
This second half is much more fun. Wrexham has pretty much dominated this second half outside of that first possession Sheffield had which was poor marking.
Ouch, terrible to give that goal up that late.
Match changed as soon as Mullin went off. Damn, what a run. Wish they would have gone through to the 5th round
FotMob was ahead of my stream. So annoying.
These announcers are trying real hard to end up getting sound bites on the show.
Legal Custodian said:
Ouch, terrible to give that goal up that late.
Both matches. Wrexham just couldn't close either out.
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I wouldn't be all that shocked if they're looking for outside money the second they get promoted into the football league.deadbq03 said:
I can't find the article now, but I read something recently where Ryan admitted that they're going to have to get outside investment in order to make it. If I recall, he said they'll probably need it to get out of League 1, and most certainly to get out of the Championship.
I bet they're gonna end up launching an IPO that has a minority (but significant) stake in the company. If popularity keeps growing, an IPO will explode and they'll raise a ton of money.
Now let’s go win this fucking league
— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) February 7, 2023