Mac wants to 'earn' place in Wrexham history

They lined up by the door, as if waiting for a royal visit.

Staff at the new Football Museum of Wales looked on proudly as a special visitor came to check on progress prior to the grand opening later this year.

Of course, there is nothing regal about Rob Mac – the actor turned football club owner – but try telling the Wrexham public that.

It is a fleeting visit for the 49-year-old TV star, who has made time in between filming the latest series of his acclaimed ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ show. He is flying back to the United States the same evening.

But when it comes to the people of Wrexham, a smiling Mac is more than happy to oblige.

With no bodyguards or security personnel, this was a very personal visit for a man who is keen to immerse himself in the history of Wrexham AFC, the club he – along with Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds – has helped transform from National League regulars to one which is knocking on the door of the Premier League.

You only have to visit this north Wales city to see the impact he and Reynolds’ investment has made on the area.

International tourists pack the famous Turf pub, where the club was founded.

A mock Hollywood-style ‘Wrexham’ sign adorns a hillside on the way into the city.

Young fans wear Wrexham shirts in the streets – when in the past they may have sported those of nearby giants Liverpool and Manchester United. Wrexham, as a place, is thriving.

The installation of the new museum fits perfectly in this city on the move.

As for Wrexham AFC, they are moving too. Already achieving an unprecedented three successive promotions under manager Phil Parkinson – a man Mac personally pitched his ambitious project to.

Like most things Mac puts his effort in to, it has gone pretty well. The Premier League is the next target, if not next season then soon.

And it is a story surely destined to be documented in the museum one day.

“Wow, this is incredible,” says Mac, upon entering the foyer of the new facility, which doubles up as a museum of Wrexham’s journey from a town to a city – as well as a celebration of all things Welsh football.

It is certainly eye-catching. Visitors are initially greeted by a giant video screen showcasing some of the legends of Welsh football, from John Charles to Gareth Bale, Jayne Ludlow to Jess Fishlock, not to mention all the triumphs and disappointments along the way for this proud football nation.

But while new technology impresses, there is a feeling of local tradition too. The brick work on show, for example, is left over from the building’s former use as a police station – all in keeping with this idea of having reverence for what came before but also celebrating what is to come.

“It’s absolutely mind blowing what people can see here,” said Louise Preece, marketing manager of the museum.

“It’s a merger of Wrexham’s history and the history of Wales football, from grass roots to professional clubs across Wales. Everyone has worked so hard.”

As a sports fanatic and history enthusiast, this is right up Mac’s alley.

His attention is immediately drawn to an interactive video screen where fans can enjoy past goals of Wales’ international teams and vote for their favourite.

He spots the Cae Ras ground, Wrexham’s home, which – thanks in large part to Mac and Reynolds – is undergoing a £90m restortation with the potential of more than 7,000 extra seats and new hospitality facilities.

The goal he is watching is Mark Hughes – a famous son of Wrexham – scoring a volley for Wales against Spain in a 3-0 win in 1985.

“Boom,” shouts Mac as he votes on screen.

“That’s not even close, that’s winning.”

Of course Mac is hoping to see many more magic moments at the Cae Ras in person but also on screen as part of the Emmy-award winning documentary series, ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ which has been renewed for another three seasons.

Latest figures show the club’s revenue rose by almost a quarter to £33.3m, more than half of which is accounted for through worldwide interest. The documenting of Rob and Ryan’s lofty ambition has been the driving force behind that interest.

But there is no back-slapping from Mac.

“We have to have a section [at the museum] at some point,” he says.

“We’ll have a section here, but we’ll have to have earned it.”

Those behind the new museum certainly feel that they have. That is why they have a job for Rob.

An old rattle – a traditional wooden noise maker commonly used by supporters at games in the immediate post-war years – is to be displayed in a glass cabinet.

Mac has the honour of placing it there.

He asks the curator about its origin: “Was this passed down through the family?

It was, in fact, a donation from a family of a longtime Wrexham fan who has since passed away.

With a beaming smile, Mac displays the item with care.

Maybe it will be used again when Wrexham reach the Premier League?

For Mac, that is a case of when and not if.

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