Wrexham players could be fined for failing to observe a key rule, with details of the strict punishment disclosed by former Red Dragons and Man Utd goalkeeper Ben Foster
Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham player can be fined £500 for breaking a key club rule
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Information about a harsh £500 penalty for Wrexham players has come to light after being disclosed by former Red Dragons goalkeeper Ben Foster.
The North Wales club have enjoyed tremendous success under the stewardship of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, achieving three successive promotions from the National League to the Championship. Wrexham have endured a patchy beginning to life in the second tier, accumulating ten points from their first nine fixtures.
It comes after a massive £33million summer transfer splurge, which saw manager Phil Parkinson bring in 13 new signings. Like any side, Wrexham operate a penalty system, with a schedule of fines posted on the dressing room door at the Racecourse Ground to maintain discipline.
Ex-Manchester United and England shot-stopper Foster has now disclosed that the steepest fine on this season's list amounts to £500 - for players who skip the squad's Christmas party.
During a conversation with current player Andy Cannon on 'That Wrexham Podcast', Foster said: "We were in the changing rooms yesterday and we saw the current fines list. One of the fines that's on there is for not turning up for the Christmas do and it's the biggest fine on the list. It's a £500 fine for not turning up to a Christmas do."
Whilst the rationale behind the penalty might appear minor, Cannon explained it features on the list for valid reasons. The midfielder emphasised the unity fostered by squad gatherings, including Wrexham's summer trip to Las Vegas to mark their promotion from League One.
Wrexham's players letting their hair down in Las Vegas after securing promotion to the Championship
Wrexham's players let their hair down in Las Vegas after securing promotion to the Championship
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"I think it's been key," said Cannon. "Some Championship clubs went to Vegas last year as well and I think there were only eight or nine people turning up. Then you're getting every single one of us going.
"On Christmas dos, I think it's the same because it's good to get everyone together. If you're on a Christmas do, you see a different side of people. You'd be surprised how teams can set off on a winning streak after Christmas dos. I've seen it before."
Cannon has enjoyed three fully-funded Las Vegas excursions with Wrexham as recognition from the owners for the squad's recent achievements. The club enjoys considerable recognition across America thanks to the success of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, which has chronicled their rise through the leagues under Reynolds and Mac.
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Revealing details about the VIP treatment the players receive, he said: "You literally get treated like a king over there when you walk in. It's hard to explain unless you're actually there and you're doing it.
"I don't think people understand what it's like. Even if you need a wee, you've got a bouncer or a big security man walking you through [to the toilet]. People are looking at you like, 'who's this?'
"Once you're there and you're getting everything for free and they're putting everything on for you, I think it'd be rude not to give it your best shot. We went on a plane all together this year and it was just us on the plane. We also stayed in the Bellagio in Vegas."
He added: "It's incredible, but I think that's what we've built over the years with the group. It just shows when we're partying together how close everyone is."