Stars assemble to see the new “Hollywood” match between Birmingham and Wrexham

Many might have overlooked a match between Birmingham and Wrexham a few years ago. The game is now a Hollywood production.

Some of the biggest names in sports, movies, and television were present for the League One soccer match on Monday, which drew about 30,000 people to St. Andrew’s Stadium.

This is due to the fact that both teams have recently had significant investments from well-known American owners.

Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have turned around the fortunes of Wrexham since taking over the team in 2021, while NFL star Tom Brady currently holds a minority position in the Blues.

Brady and McElhenney made the trip to Birmingham to witness the match, which the home team ultimately prevailed 3-1.

Stars like David Beckham and his son Romeo were among the celebrities in the stands to support the couple. Who had made fun of one other on social media in the lead-up.

McElhenney once made a video call to co-owner Reynolds.

flipping his phone to allow supporters to see who he was speaking to.

Superstardom undoubtedly added a new dimension to the match and produced a frantic atmosphere with the

Such a prime-time schedule for a third-division match is unusual. But supporters of Birmingham and Wrexham have grown accustomed to the remarkable in recent times.

Before the game began, Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner told Sky Sports.

“This is exactly what we hoped it would be when we acquired the club.

That we could bring this type of enthusiasm and excitement to our matches and truly create an environment where people want to be a part of it.”

“Where people at home can experience that enthusiasm and enjoy it.”

That two League One teams can generate this much excitement says volumes about how appealing English football is.

The actual match lived up to the expectations, as Birmingham pulled off a thrilling comeback after falling behind early on.

Additionally, Krystian Bielik, the host, received a red card, which heightened the tension.

For Wrexham, who had gone undefeated in the league this season prior to Monday, the outcome was somewhat of an unpleasant awakening.

Although the Welsh team is still leading League One. They will likely face challenges from Birmingham.

A team that was only demoted to the third level the previous year and has greater financial resources because of its size.

Having played one fewer game than Wrexham, the Blues are now only one goal behind them in the standings.

The two teams may be vying for promotion when they next play on January 25.

US appeal

There had been some talk that this fixture could be played in the US this year

But the league swiftly shot that idea down.

Although Birmingham City CEO Garry Cook acknowledged that it would be extremely unlikely given the history of English soccer. He said it would be a “wonderful idea” to move the match to the US at some point.

He did not want the recent wave of US owners to make significant changes to the game.

Watt also invested in Burnley. English soccer team, last year.

Watt remarked on X, the platform that was once known as Twitter. “The history, the tradition, the passion is the beauty of the English game.”

These clubs have existed for a much longer time than any of us have. And they will continue to do so long after we are all gone.

Yes, modernize the parts that require it. However, let us not ruin what makes it so wonderful.