Paul Mullin Reveals How Rob McElhenney Lured Him to Wrexham and How Lofty Target Has Already Been Achieved
By [Your Name], July 1, 2025
In a heartwarming and candid revelation, Wrexham’s star striker Paul Mullin has opened up about how Hollywood actor and Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney convinced him to drop down the football pyramid and join a then-fifth-tier side, a move that has since transformed both Mullin’s career and Wrexham’s fortunes. In an exclusive interview, Mullin detailed the charm, vision, and ambition that lured him to the Racecourse Ground, and how a seemingly lofty goal he set for himself at the time has already been accomplished.
The story of Paul Mullin’s journey to Wrexham is nothing short of remarkable — a tale of belief, persuasion, and success, culminating in one of the most inspiring football stories in recent British memory.
The Unexpected Call
When Mullin left Cambridge United in the summer of 2021 after a record-breaking season in League Two, most expected the prolific striker to land at a League One or Championship club. His 32 goals in the 2020–21 season had earned him the League Two Golden Boot, and he was one of the most sought-after strikers outside the top two tiers.
So when Wrexham AFC — a non-league side at the time — announced the signing of Mullin, the football world was stunned.
“It came out of nowhere,” Mullin admitted. “I’d just had the best season of my life. I was getting calls from League One sides, even some interest from the Championship. But then Rob [McElhenney] got in touch. At first, I thought it was a joke.”
McElhenney, best known for co-creating and starring in the hit series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, had recently taken over Wrexham AFC with fellow actor Ryan Reynolds in a headline-grabbing deal. What followed was a documentary (Welcome to Wrexham), an ambitious multi-year plan for promotion, and a new vision for a club long left behind by the footballing elite.
A Pitch Like No Other
“Rob didn’t talk like a club owner,” Mullin continued. “He spoke like a fan. He didn’t try to sell me a contract — he sold me a story. He told me about Wrexham, the town, the fans, and what it meant to him personally. He said, ‘We want to make history here, and we want you to be part of that.’ I’d never had a conversation like that with anyone in football.”
Mullin revealed that the personal touch from McElhenney, including late-night video calls, personalized messages, and even conversations with his family, were instrumental in his decision.
“He spoke to my mum. He asked her about how I grew up and what drove me. What kind of football owner does that? Rob and Ryan weren’t just throwing money around. They cared.”
McElhenney’s pitch was simple: help bring Wrexham back to the Football League and become a legend in a town that lives and breathes football.
The Lofty Target: “Get Wrexham Back Where They Belong”
When Mullin signed for Wrexham in July 2021, he set himself a personal goal that many considered overly ambitious at the time.
“I said to myself, ‘We’re going to get promoted out of the National League within two years.’ That was the dream. Some people called it crazy, but that was the target I set.”
In 2023, after a dramatic and record-breaking National League campaign, Wrexham finally sealed promotion back to the Football League for the first time in 15 years. Mullin was, unsurprisingly, at the heart of it, scoring 38 goals in all competitions and becoming a cult hero in North Wales.
“When we won promotion, it wasn’t just a football victory. It felt like we’d achieved something bigger — for the club, for the town, for everyone who had believed in us. That was the lofty goal. And we did it.”
Mullin’s Rise and the Club’s Transformation
Since arriving at Wrexham, Mullin has scored more than 100 goals, won multiple Player of the Season awards, and helped the club secure back-to-back promotions — most recently achieving a second successive promotion to League One in 2024.
Wrexham, once a forgotten club languishing in non-league obscurity, is now a rising force in English football. Average attendance at the Racecourse Ground has tripled, merchandise sales have skyrocketed, and the club’s global popularity — fueled by the FX/Disney+ documentary — continues to soar.
“None of this happens without Rob and Ryan,” Mullin said. “They changed the game. But they didn’t do it alone — they brought in the right people, and they trusted the players.”
Mullin credits the management team, including manager Phil Parkinson and sporting director Shaun Harvey, for building a structure that allowed him and others to thrive.
Life Beyond the Pitch
Off the field, Mullin has become more than just a footballer. He is now one of the central figures of the Welcome to Wrexham series, with fans around the world following his journey. From sharing stories about his son, Albi — who has autism — to becoming a symbol of working-class perseverance, Mullin’s personal story has resonated with millions.
“I didn’t expect to be in a documentary,” he laughed. “But if sharing my story helps people, then that’s a bonus. My son Albi is my world. Everything I do, I do for him. The support I’ve had from fans all over the world has been incredible.”
Mullin has used his platform to advocate for autism awareness and recently launched a foundation supporting children with additional needs in Wrexham and beyond.
What’s Next?
With League One now in the rear-view mirror, Wrexham are eyeing the Championship — and perhaps even the Premier League in the years ahead. The club’s infrastructure continues to improve, with a new training facility under construction and stadium renovations planned.
For Mullin, the goal remains simple: keep scoring, keep dreaming.
“When I joined Wrexham, people thought I was crazy. Now look where we are. If we can make it to the Championship, it’ll be another dream come true. And who’s to say the Premier League is out of reach someday?”
Rob McElhenney Responds
In response to Mullin’s recent interview, Rob McElhenney posted a heartfelt message on social media:
“Paul Mullin is the heart of this football club. We believed in him, and he believed in us. We’re just getting started.”
The admiration is clearly mutual. For Mullin, McElhenney is not just an owner — he’s a friend, a mentor, and someone who changed his life.
“I owe a lot to Rob,” Mullin said. “He believed in me when no one else did. And now we’ve achieved something special together.”
Conclusion
Paul Mullin’s journey from League Two Golden Boot winner to non-league gamble and now Wrexham icon is the stuff of fairy tales. But behind the goals and glory lies a story of trust, belief, and ambition — embodied in the conversation between a Hollywood star and a hard-working striker.
Wrexham’s rise is no fluke. It’s the product of smart investment, passionate leadership, and players like Mullin who dared to dream.
As the Red Dragons gear up for their next campaign in League One, one thing is certain — with Paul Mullin leading the charge and Rob McElhenney cheering from the stands, anything is possible.
