KEVIN RATCLIFFE has hailed the open communication between Wrexham’s new owners and supporters which he believes can lead to success at the football club.

Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds completed their takeover last month and the duo have kept fans up-to-date with developments at The Racecourse.

Former Wales international Ratcliffe has welcomed the transparency and nothing-to-hide approach shown by the actors since it emerged that they were interested in taking control of the Reds.

“All that is coming out at the moment is good things,” said Ratcliffe, who has been watching Wrexham this season is his role as a BBC Wales co-commentator.

“The good thing that I have seen about them is that when you have seen American owners come in and take over a football club, everything is undercover as if there is another motive behind it.

“But these two have been open about it and I think that has really helped the situation.

“You are always a bit sceptical but they are not hiding away from the fact that it is a business deal and as long as it is good for the football club, and the club profit from it and they go forward with it, I can only see good things.”

Ratcliffe is no stranger to working under foreign owners.

The ex-Everton centre-back was manager of Chester when businessman Terry Smith became owner at The Deva Stadium but his ‘American Dream’ turned into a nightmare for the Blues.

That is poles apart from what Ratcliffe can see developing at arch rivals Wrexham.

“He wanted to interfere too much about something that he knew absolutely nothing about,” said Ratcliffe.

“I still don’t think people knew what the motive was.

“Trying to do great things on a shoestring budget - absolutely impossible - where as these two at Wrexham have been backing the football club and manager with money and bonuses.

“That is a good thing and positive things are coming out of the football club.

“One thing they have got to try and do now is push on.”

Things are looking up behind the scenes but Wrexham are hoping to get things right on the pitch.

The Reds are spending a 13th season in non-league with Dean Keates’ side currently fifth in the table.

Ratcliffe believes extra investment for players as a result of the takeover will boost Wrexham’s promotion prospects.

“When there is money about, everybody thinks it is like an open door for everybody and everything goes up,” said Ratcliffe.

“Players want a little bit more money when they come to the club, especially because it is Wrexham, and it is bringing in the right players.

“It is alright going out and having money to buy players but you have got to bring in the right players.

“Your scouting system has got to be up to scratch and over the last few years, that has gone away.

“The recruitment here used to be really good and over the last few years you can’t say it has been good because Wrexham are still in the National League.

“The team should be improving every year but I don’t see that it has improved that much but this influx of cash with the new owners coming in, maybe they can bring in a little bit more quality.”

Wrexham are the longest serving team in the fifth tier but Ratcliffe believes the Reds are destined for bigger and better things once they get back in the Football League.

“That is quite remarkable when you see where this club has been and where it is now,” said Ratcliffe.

“It is a shadow so it needs to climb out of this division and make yourselves known in the lower leagues, and hopefully then get promotion again.”