Birmingham City's bid to play against Wrexham in the US rejected by EFL

Tom Brady had looked to take his Birmingham City side to the US for a league game (Image: GETTY)

Birmingham City's American owners, led by businessman Tom Wagner and NFL star Tom Brady, have been left disappointed after the EFL rejected their request to play a historic home game against Wrexham in the United States.

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The Blues, who were relegated to League One ahead of the new season, had hoped to face fellow North American owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham side across the pond.

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This would have marked the first time an English league match was played outside England or Wales. Despite Wrexham reportedly being open to the idea, the Daily Mail reports that the EFL denied the request.

Reynolds has previously expressed his reluctance to take Wrexham games away from their home fans, but it seems Birmingham's chiefs had no such reservations.

Birmingham City suffered the ignominy of relegation to English football's third-tier last season, a fate sealed despite occupying 5th place when manager John Eustace was dismissed. Wayne Rooney stepped in but was shown the door after a mere 83 days, making way for Tony Mowbray.

Birmingham City co-owner Tom Brady in the stands during the Sky Bet Championship match at St. Andrew's, Birmingham. Picture date: Saturday August 12, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Birmingham. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Image: GETTY) READ MORE Birmingham confirm Tony Mowbray won't return to job as he battles illness

However, illness forced Mowbray to step aside, with Gary Rowett taking the reins for the season's final games, but even he couldn't stave off relegation.

In a surprising move, Birmingham have now appointed Chris Davies as their new head coach. Davies, a newcomer to the role, has spent most of his career as Brendan Rodgers' right-hand man and served as a senior assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur during the 2023/24 season.

Wrexham celebrated back-to-back promotions after securing second place in League Two. They've already made their first summer signing, welcoming back former loanee Arthur Okonkwo on a permanent deal following his departure from Arsenal.

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Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate following promotion to the EFL following the Vanarama National League match at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham. Picture date: Saturday April 22, 2023. PA Photo. See PA Story SOCCER Wrexham. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Image: GETTY) READ MORE Wrexham Olympic Games star planning own Hollywood fairytale after Reynolds impac

Wrexham are tipped to make more high-profile signings, with bookies predicting they'll be play-off contenders alongside Birmingham.

The Red Dragons will once again head stateside for their preseason, including a match in Reynolds' hometown of Vancouver.

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Birmingham City's bid to play against Wrexham in the US rejected by EFL

Birmingham City's bid to play against Wrexham in the US rejected by EFL

Birmingham City's bid to play against Wrexham in the US rejected by EFL

Birmingham City's bid to play against Wrexham in the US rejected by EFL

Birmingham City's bid to play against Wrexham in the US rejected by EFL