Swansea City investor Snoop Dogg has been cautioned over trying to replicate Wrexham’s blueprint
Snoop Dogg has been warned that replicating the Hollywood fairytale of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac at Wrexham might not be as easy as it looks.
The US rap legend, who snapped up a minority stake in Swansea City last July, is finally set to visit south Wales for his first home match against Preston North End later this month. The 54-year-old has arrived with big dreams, pledging to fire the Championship side back to the Premier League and transform the Swans into a “global name.”
But his investment is already being measured against the standard set in the north. Wrexham’s celebrity-fuelled rise has seen them make a meteoric leap from the National League to the Championship via three straight promotions, setting a high bar that some believe will be harder to clear at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Former Premier League midfielder Jeff Hendrick knows exactly what it takes to survive in the upper echelons of the British game. The 79-cap Republic of Ireland international, who recently hung up his boots after a career spanning the top flight and the Championship, believes the superstar arrival is a massive win for the league’s profile, but warns the rapper is in for a shock.
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Speaking to Fruity King, he said: “Publicity-wise, you see clubs and consortiums, including ex-NFL players, artists, and different people, getting involved and trying to buy clubs or be part-owners.
“This is great for English football, as it brings media coverage and hype to certain clubs like Snoop Dogg has. It also attracts players because they will join clubs backed by big-name stars, knowing there will be financial backing. It can only be a positive thing.
“When you look at English football with its relegation and promotion, especially for American people who don’t have that in their country, the highs and lows are a real pull. The financial benefits of reaching the play-offs or the Premier League are massive.
“However, it’s also a wake-up call for those who might have thought they could just put their name to a club, attract players, and move up the leagues, like Wrexham. He’s probably gone in at higher stakes and is getting to see what English football is all about.”
Meanwhile, anticipation is rising for Snoop Dogg’s first visit to Swansea next Tuesday, February 24. As part of the star’s visit, he will appear pitchside before the game to greet supporters.
The four-time Emmy winner also plans to head into the community to meet fans and experience the city first-hand.
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Announcing his visit, he said: “I know it has been a long time coming, but I cannot wait to finally make my first visit to Swansea City and be among all the YJBs for our game against Preston.
“From the moment we talked about me becoming an owner, I have been looking forward to the chance to be with you all at the Swansea.com Stadium. I have heard so many great things about the atmosphere, especially when we play under the lights.
“When I watched the Wrexham game, where we showed we are the capital of Welsh football, the noise in the stadium sounded incredible even from over 5,000 miles away. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”