Williams, Ferrell and Little Mix's Jade - A-listers with unlikely football links

Earlier this year Wrexham became the talk of non-league when Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed a takeover of the National League club.

The pair took 100 per cent control of the club from the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST).

They have since unveiled bold plans - targeting the riches of the Premier League as they develop a long-term plan.

But they aren't the first celebrities to get involved with football clubs.

Here we look at just some of the famous names, including musicians and actors, to get involved with clubs lower down the footballing food chain.

What's the most bizarre link-up between a celebrity and a football club? Let us know in the comments

Robbie Williams

The hugely successful singer is a lifelong Port Vale supporter and in 2006 he became a majority stakeholder in the club.

The club were cash-strapped at the time and the former Take That singer invested £250,000.

He said of the involvement with his hometown club: "Back in 2006, I invested in Port Vale when the club came to me needing money.

"I was happy to help the club because it's a big part of my childhood and roots."

Williams has been a guest at games since Carol and Kevin Shanahan became owners in 2019.

Louis Tomlinson

The One Direction superstar is a lifelong fan of the South Yorkshire club.

And in 2014 he was all set for a takeover of his old club. Along with former chairman John Ryan, Tomlinson launched a crowdfunding campaign hoping to attract £2million.

But sadly for Tomlinson the deal collapsed. Despite the pair exchanging contracts on the deal, the Football League said they were not presented with a satisfactory business plan.

Tomlinson did however get to pull on the shirt of his beloved Rovers. He was a 65-minute sub in Doncaster's reserve game against Rotherham. The charity match saw a crowd of more than 4,000 turn up.

Will Ferrell

The American comedian and actor got involved with 'soccer' in 2016 when he purchased a stake in MLS side Los Angeles FC in 2016.

The legendary comedian said: "Everyone from my parents who are in their late 70s to the kids, we have some other family friends who weren't even into soccer and now it's their favorite team."

The club finished top of MLS in their second season, winning the Supporters' Shield.

Stan Collymore

Collymore rose to prominence in the 1990s going on to become a Premier League regular with Liverpool and Aston Villa.

But it was his fine goalscoring form for Southend that propelled him into the limelight. He spent one season at the club, scoring 15 goals in 30 games to preserve their First Division status.

He later said: "I count helping to keep Southend in the First Division in my season there as one of my finest achievements."

Still a firm favourite with the Southend fans, this year has seen Collymore become more involved after seeing the plight of his old club.

He had been working with the club in a volunteer capacity before being named senior football strategist in November. He will work across commercial, media and football areas.

Jade Thirlwall

In November 2020, Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall became a shareholder in her hometown side South Shields.

The pop star also became honorary president of the Northern Premier Division side.

She said at the time: "I'm so grateful to be asked to be the Honorary President of South Shields Football Club.

"I hope through my role I can raise awareness and increase the club's profile, encouraging others to do the same and support our incredible team."

Peter Crouch

The former England striker was recently named as director of football at non-league side Dulwich Hamlet.

Crouch once represented the London outfit during a loan spell in his playing days and is now trying to aid their progression.

He recently revealed how he was baffled about there being "no swearing or fighting" while he watched a game from the stands.

He said: "I loved it that night on the terrace, apart from the no swearing!

"I couldn't understand it… why aren't these people fighting?! It's very pleasant."