‘I played for Man Utd and Liverpool – Wrexham’s success is quite painful for me'

Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has admitted that Wrexham’s rise has caused him some “pain” as a staunch Chester supporter.

The North Wales club’s fortunes have significantly improved under the ownership of Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after they progressed from relative obscurity in the National League to becoming frontrunners in League One. Their surge in prominence has been accompanied by a growing fanbase and a popular reality TV series produced by Disney.

Owen, whose father Terry played for Wrexham’s fierce rivals Chester during the 1970s, is conflicted by the Red Dragons’ achievements. Despite his Chester allegiance forged through familial and regional ties, he appreciates the positive impact of Wrexham’s success.

The former England star experienced his own fair share of rivalry after moving to United, having carved out a celebrated career at Liverpool. However the 44-year-old recognises the “wonders” Wrexham’s rise is doing for the local area, reports the Mirror.

Owen reflected on his connection to Chester while talking to Genting Casino: “Well I’m a Chester fan of course, my dad played for Chester in the glory years when they got to the League Cup semi-final and got promotion,” said Owen. “My dad speaks so fondly of his time at Chester and I was born in the city, lived in the city and my home sits just outside the city now so Chester is in my heart and soul.”

Wrexham’s fortunes have changed rapidly in a short space of time with the club sealing promotions in successive years. They have also clinched the signings of such stars as Paul Mullin and Ollie Rathbone, and with their newfound limelight, discussions about the club have burgeoned to an international level, attracting followers from as far afield as the United States.

“It pains me in a way to say it, but I think it’s great to see what is happening at Wrexham. The two owners are doing wonders for football in this part of the world,” Owen said. “There are so many fans out in America that wouldn’t have been football fans, wouldn’t have followed football without them. The buzz in the area is quite incredible.”

Owen’s childhood team have encountered turbulent times in their recent past due to financial hurdles and on-field challenges. They now sit fourth in the National League, the very same division where Wrexham once played, and the ex-Newcastle United forward thinks Wrexham’s rise could motivate Chester towards grander achievements.

“I live 15 miles from Wrexham and you can feel the buzz down the road. It’s quite painful as a Chester fan, looking over your fence and seeing success down there, but also I would like to think that gives the motivation for Chester Football Club and the fans to want better and to want more. We’ll see what happens there in the future.”

Although Wrexham’s meteoric rise and fairytale story have charmed the masses, not everyone is enchanted by the hefty financial backing fuelling their success. Owen, however, sees nothing but positives in their approach.

“I’ve got no problems with what Wrexham are doing,” he said.”They’re spending money, they’re investing money into football. The crowds are growing, the stadium is getting bigger and better. I think it’s an incredible story.”