Wrexham and Notts County shared one of the great sporting rivalries of 2023, and Red Dragons co-owner Rob McElhenney has relished his relationship with one Magpies fan account in particular. The clubs were locked in an epic unprecedented National League title race, with Wrexham snatching glory in the final weeks of the season.
It was Ben Foster’s incredible stoppage-time penalty save in a thrilling 3-2 victory over their rivals at The Racecourse Ground late in the season that made the difference, with Wrexham edging the title by four points. Notts County’s pain was short-lived, with Luke Williams’ team claiming promotion to League Two via the playoffs, and the teams are in the hunt for back-to-back promotions midway through this season.
The title battle made for a great storyline for the second season of the Welcome To Wrexham documentary series, which chronicles the club’s fortune under Hollywood owners McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. But there was one scene in particular which centred on the documentary’s producer’s interaction with social media account @NottsCountyZone.
The filmmakers wanted to get an opposing view from County fans in the midst of the title race, but they were given a brutal response, which McElhenney read allowed for the cameras. “F*** you. Shove your s**** documentary up your arse,” the Magpies fan replied, leaving the Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia creator in stitches.
McElhenney and Reynolds have made clear they have no ill feeling towards Notts County despite the fierce rivalry formed last season on the pitch. The pair attended the National League play-off final at Wembley as Notts County beat Chesterfield on penalties to reach the EFL.
And it is clear Philadelphia native McElhenney still has a soft spot for the person or people behind the NottsCountyZone account, despite the brutal message. Responding to a tweet of the League Two table with 25 games played and Notts County in fifth place, four points adrift of Wrexham in third, the fan account talked up their team’s chances of being promoted, earning a cheeky reply from the American.
“This continues to be one of my favourite accounts,” he joked. “No matter how many times you tell me to f*** off I’ll still be a fan. In fact, my respect will only deepen with every eviscerating comment or aggressive silence. “One day I hope to meet you @NottsCountyZone. Until then I’ll be here shoving my s**** documentary up my arse. Happy New Year to you and yours!!!!”
Wrexham beat Notts County 2-0 in their first meeting this season in League Two thanks to goals from Elliot Lee and Ollie Palmer. They meet again on February 17 at The Racecourse Ground in a game that is sure to be influential in both teams’ hopes of clinching successive promotions.
