Ryan Reynolds made a heartfelt tribute to departing Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer, describing his exit as a “gut punch” and joking that his mother would miss her “boyfriend”.
The Hollywood star, who co-owns the Welsh club with fellow actor Rob Mac, took to Instagram to bid farewell to Palmer following his move to League Two side Swindon.
Palmer scored 46 times in 156 appearances for the club and was part of the squad that moved from the National League to the Championship with three successive promotions under their big-name backers.
And Reynolds has not forgotten the 33-year-old’s contribution to the club’s rise.
“Ollie is a big reason we’re in this league today. Not to mention the boundless charisma and charm…he harnessed a lifetime of talent, heart and work-ethic to push @wrexham_afc and the town forward,” he wrote.
“Spending time with Ollie’s incredible family: his wife, Caitlin, amazing kids and his dad, Andy, are forever-memories. Ollie is my friend now and always. The silver lining is @officialstfc is an excellent club and they get to experience that same feeling @robmac and I felt as Ollie steps onto the pitch at The County Ground to push Swindon FC forward and up the pyramid. Thank you, Ollie.”
Reynolds also made it clear his mother Tammy would not welcome the news.
He added: “P.S. for the love of all that’s holy, DO NOT tell my Mom her boyfriend is changing shirts. Tam-Tam is unpredictable.
“Swindon can expect her to storm the pitch to provide fresh orange slices to Ollie without warning.”
