North American News Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s reason for dismissing Dean Keates and what happened to ex-Wrexham manager
The North American duo completed their acquisition of the Red Dragons in February 2021.
At the time, the 2020/21 National League season was in full swing, and the owners decided not to make major changes.
They allowed Wrexham’s existing players and staff to complete the season, giving everyone associated with the club a chance to prove themselves.
However, the season was disappointing, as the Welsh team missed out on a play-off spot by just one point on the final day.
Immediately after the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, major changes were made to the Racecourse Ground.
Dean Keates during Wrexham vs. Rochdale – FA Cup: First Round
Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Wrexham appointed Phil Parkinson as their new manager in the summer of 2021, and have enjoyed considerable success under the former Bradford City player.
They have won three consecutive promotions, which may justify Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s argument for sacking Keates.
At the time, the Hollywood duo released a joint statement, stating that a change of manager would give them the best chance of returning to the EFL as soon as possible.
According to BBC Sport, it read: “We would like to thank Dean, Andy, and Carl for all their efforts on behalf of the club, which were sometimes made under challenging circumstances.
“We are committed to returning the club to the EFL as soon as possible and we believe a change of manager will give us the best chance of achieving this objective.
“Dean, Andy, and Carl will always be welcome at the club.”
Parkinson finished second in the National League the following season and then began a historic run of consecutive promotions.
Meanwhile, Keates has not done much since leaving the Racecourse Ground.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds before Wrexham vs. Boreham Wood – Vanarama National League
Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
After a 21-year playing career, Keates’s tenure as manager was quite short.
His first stint in charge of Wrexham ended in 2018, after which he moved to Walsall.
Keates left Walsall a year later and returned to North Wales for his second and final stint in the dugout.
Interestingly, there is no record of the former Red Dragons boss working as a manager or coach since leaving the Dragons.
Keates does not have any public social media accounts, suggesting he prefers to keep his life after football private.