2026-07-18 09:32:18
Harry Redknapp believes that US celebrities are investing in English football clubs for “the publicity”.
The former football manager that getting involved at a football club – just as Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have done at Wrexham – is an easy way “to grow your own profile and connect with people”.
Redknapp told FourFourTwo magazine: “I think that with the various American actors coming in, it’s obviously a bit about the publicity for them.
“Football clubs have such large fanbases, so it’s a simple way to grow your own profile and connect with people. Maybe there was a big element of that with the Wrexham guys, but if you talk to the people at Wrexham, what a thing it’s been for them – the whole town, they love those lads, so it’s been good for their image.”
The former Tottenham boss added: “It’s not just actors now, either, you’ve got other people coming in and sticking their names to English clubs. Tom Brady being involved at Birmingham has got to be good.
“They have the backing, the American owners and the money, and they’ve got Tom Brady’s name. It’s fantastic for the fans – something to get excited about after some dark days.
“Birmingham will be in the Premier League in a couple of years.”
Redknapp also hailed Reynolds and McElhenney for keeping faith in Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, which has resulted in a historic three consecutive promotions for the Welsh club.
He said: “Absolutely incredible – what a story. I went to Wrexham when they were in the old Fourth Division, and they were struggling – no players, no money. Now it’s amazing, the place is jumping.
“And what a job the manager has done, by the way. Phil Parkinson has been terrific. He shows what a manager can do when the owners trust you, stick by you, even when things look sticky, and allow you to make the calls.
“He deserves all the credit in the world, and those owners do too for their patience and impact.”
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