Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has revealed that he's been diagnosed with a "host of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities" at the age of 46.
The popular actor, who stars in the long-running comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, continues to play a crucial role in Wrexham's well-documented rise alongside fellow co-owner Ryan Reynolds.
In fact, after a significant cash injection in recent years, the Welsh club finally secured a place in the Football League last season when they earned automatic promotion for the first time in 15 years.
Advert
From struggling to understand the appeal of football beyond playing FIFA with his kids, to helping a club reach the fourth tier of English football, McElhenney has been through the highs and lows of ownership.
Now, ahead of the new campaign, the American actor has found out that he's been diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday night, the 46-year-old urged others who "struggle with similar things" to remember they are "not stupid".
Advert
He wrote: "I was recently diagnosed with a host of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities! At 46! I go through the full diagnosis/prognosis on the @thesunnypodcast (which drops in 2 weeks).
“It’s not something I would normally talk about publicly but I figured there are others who struggle with similar things and I wanted to remind you that you’re not alone.
“You’re not stupid. You’re not ‘bad’. It might feel that way sometimes. But it’s not true.”
Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that affect how the brain functions. They range from mild impairments, allowing those affected to live fairly normal lives, to severe disorders that require lifelong care.
After McElhenney shared the news, many fans shared supportive message to the Wrexham co-owner.
Advert
One said: "So amazing Rob, thank you for sharing and helping thousands who may be struggling," while another wrote: "Love seeing folks talking about their experiences openly and using their platforms to destigmatize disability!"
A third commented: "Amazing to see you talk about this. More people need to come out and talk about this stuff, it helps take away any stigma and gives the support for people to seek the help they may need!”
A fourth said: "Thank you @RMcElhenney for your candor and honesty. I’m sure this will help so many more who are in a similar situation."
A firth added: "As a parent to a small child with developmental delays and other struggles, I needed to see this today."
As mentioned earlier, Reynolds and McElhenney took over previously fan-owned Wrexham Association Football Club in February 2021, hiring Humphrey Ker as Executive Director.
Advert
"It is a special day for the two of us to become the latest stewards in the long and storied history of Wrexham AFC," Reynolds said in a statement.
"Together with the players, the staff, the fans and the local community, we can now pursue our goal to grow the team and return it to the EFL in front of increased attendances, and in an improved stadium, while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham."
He added: "Wrexham AFC is only in a position to thrive because of the incredible efforts of the Wrexham Supporters Trust. Their members are a fitting reflection of the integrity and spirit of the town and they will always have an important role at the club."
Wrexham will play MK Dons in their opening League Two fixture on August 5.
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/The Always Sunny Podcast - Instagram/robmcelhenneyTopics: Wrexham, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, League Two
