Wrexham star comes clean on dressing room's brutal treatment of Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman is one of many A-list celebrities to have visited Wrexham since the club was bought by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, but it didn't go down well with the players
Hugh Jackman's visit to Wrexham with Ryan Reynolds didn't go to plan
(Image:)
A former Wrexham captain has revealed how Hollywood heavyweight Hugh Jackman faced a surprisingly cool response from players after a visit to the team's changing room.
The Welsh club has become a magnet for star visits ever since actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over in February 2021. The Racecourse Ground has welcomed many celebrities from Tinseltown, with appearances from Eva Longoria, Channing Tatum and Paul Rudd.
Comedy legend Will Ferrell also raised some laughs when he greeted the squad in February 2023. However, ex-Red Dragons skipper Ben Tozer has now shared how an encounter with Jackman received a less warm reception.
Jackman, who featured alongside Reynolds in last year's Deadpool and Wolverine movie, was present in August 2023 hoping to see Wrexham triumph in their first match back in the EFL for 15 years. Despite the hype around the season opener in League Two, Phil Parkinson's team were beaten 5-3 at home by MK Dons.
Following the disappointing result, the players weren't particularly sociable as Jackman ventured into the dressing room. Tozer, who recently hung up his boots, spoke about some of the star-studded visits while talking to Sky Sports Radio.
He said: "The one where I had to pinch myself was when Will Ferrell walked in the dressing room before a game. I was like, 'I have to shake and bake with that guy,' because of Talladega Nights.
Former Wrexham captain Ben Tozer admitted Jackman didn't get the warmest reception from the players
(Image: Matt Lewis - The FA via Getty Images )
"But unfortunately, when Hugh Jackman came into the dressing room, he got the cold shoulder because we'd lost the game. He walked in and no one was bothered. Everyone was just a bit like, 'Can you get out please? We don't want anyone in here.'"
Jackman, who is a self-proclaimed fan of the club, posted a heartfelt tribute to Wrexham on Instagram in July 2023. He said: "You don't even have to like @vancityreynolds. @wrexham_afc @wrexhamfx is the people, the town, the heart, the show that is balm for the soul."
In the past, Jackman spoke of how he was inspired by Reynolds' acquisition of Wrexham and was nearly convinced to buy a football club himself.
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During an interview on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Jackman said: "I will admit to you that when Ryan [Reynolds] bought that team, I did get more than one offer from rivals of that team for £1 to come in as a co-owner and it did seriously tempt me."
He then jokingly added: "This whole thing of outsiders coming in and buying football teams, it feels a little, I don't know, easy. I have decided to go one step further, I am actually going to try out for the team."
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Although Jackman resisted the temptation to buy a football club, he and Reynolds recently joined forces in a different sporting venture, acquiring the BONDS Flying Roos sailing team in June. The Australian outfit competes in the international SailGP contest, which has also garnered attention from other celebrity backers, such as Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and actress Anne Hathaway.
In a joint statement, Reynolds and Jackman said: "We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure. Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing. He will also be bringing his overly clingy emotional support human along for the ride. Apologies in advance to Australia."
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