Jump to content

Wrexham A.F.C.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wrexham
Full nameWrexham Association Football Club
Nickname(s)The Red Dragons, The Robins, The Town
Short nameWrexham AFC
CPD Wrecsam (Welsh)
FoundedOctober 1864; 160 years ago (October 1864)[1]
StadiumRacecourse Ground
Capacity13,341[2]
OwnersWrexham Holdings LLC
(Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney)
ManagerPhil Parkinson
LeagueEFL League One
2023–24EFL League Two, 2nd of 24 (promoted)
Websitewrexhamafc.co.uk
Current season

Wrexham Association Football Club (Welsh: Clwb Pêl-droed Wrecsam[3]) is a professional association football club based in Wrexham, Wales. Formed in 1864,[4] it is the oldest club in Wales and the third-oldest professional association football team in the world.[5] They compete in EFL League One, the third level of the English football league system.

The Welsh team initially participated in friendlies and cup competitions and first entered a league by joining The Combination in 1890. The team spent 13 seasons in the Combination and two seasons in the Welsh Senior League, winning four Combination titles and two Welsh Senior League titles. It entered the Birmingham & District League in 1905, where it would remain until becoming an inaugural member of the Football League's Third Division North in 1921. It spent 37 years in the Northern section until it was placed in the re-organized Third Division in 1958 and then relegated two years later. Wrexham was promoted out of the Fourth Division in 1961–62, only to be relegated again two years later. Another promotion followed in 1969–70, and it reached the Second Division for the first time after winning the Third Division title in 1977–78. Two successive relegations saw it back in the fourth tier by 1983, and it saw no further promotion until 1992–93. Relegated once more in 2002, it gained immediate promotion in 2002–03, before worsening financial problems resulted in another relegation and then administration in December 2004. It took 18 months for the club to exit administration and the club's decline on the pitch continued, as it dropped out of the Football League in 2008. Wrexham subsequently had five unsuccessful play-off campaigns in the fifth tier of the English football league system, before being promoted as champions of the 2022–23 National League to EFL League Two. On 13 April 2024, the club secured a second consecutive promotion to EFL League One.

Wrexham's honours include winning the Welsh Cup a record 23 times, the Football League Trophy in 2005 at the Millennium Stadium and the FA Trophy in 2013 at Wembley Stadium. The club is also the record winner of the short-lived FAW Premier Cup, winning it five times out of the 11 years of its tenure, participating against fellow Welsh clubs such as Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County. However, their biggest rivalries are with English clubs Chester, Shrewsbury Town, and Tranmere Rovers, with games between the clubs known as the cross-border derby.[6] In 1992, Wrexham upset the reigning English Champions Arsenal in the FA Cup. They also scored a 1–0 victory over FC Porto in 1984 in the European Cup Winners' Cup. Wrexham was eligible for the European Cup Winners' Cup due to winning the Welsh Cup; their first European tie was against FC Zürich of Switzerland in 1972 and their last was played in Romania against Petrolul Ploiești in 1995. Wrexham's home stadium, the Racecourse Ground, is the world's oldest international stadium that still continues to host international games.[7] The record attendance at the ground was set in 1957 when the club hosted a match against Manchester United in front of 34,445 spectators.[8]

The 2020 purchase of the club by Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds and American actor Rob McElhenney and the attendant publicity from the docuseries Welcome to Wrexham had a significant impact on the club's visibility, leading to its acquiring a new global fanbase with no precedent for a team who were then in the fifth division.[9]

History

[edit]

1864–1905: A club of pioneers

[edit]
The Turf Hotel, the building in which the club was founded in 1864

The club was formed in October 1864 by members of the Wrexham Cricket Club who wanted a sporting activity for the winter months. This makes them (after Sheffield, Cray, Hallam, and Notts County) the fifth oldest association football team, the third oldest professional club and the oldest in Wales.[10] Their first game was played on 22 October 1864 at the Denbighshire County Cricket Ground (The Racecourse) against the Prince of Wales Fire Brigade.[11]

As the rules of football were still somewhat fluid at the time, early matches featured teams with up to 17 players on each side (16 players when playing the Provincial Insurance Office and Chester College, 15 players against the Volunteer Fire Brigade). In these early years, Wrexham were leaders of the campaign to restrict teams to having just 11 players on the pitch at any one time.[12] In 1876, the newly formed Football Association of Wales saw Wales play their first international match, against Scotland at The West of Scotland Cricket Club, Partick, featuring Edwin Cross and Alfred Davies as the first of many Wrexham F.C. players to play for Wales.[13]

Wrexham side that won the Welsh Cup in 1878

In the 1877–78 season, the FAW inaugurated the Welsh Cup competition, to run on similar lines to the English FA Cup. The first Welsh Cup final was played at Acton Park. Wrexham got to the final of the inaugural competition, where they defeated Druids F.C. 1–0, with James Davies being credited with the goal.[14][15] Because of a lack of money at the fledgling FAW, Wrexham did not receive their trophy until the next year. For their first decade, Wrexham mostly played friendly matches against both Welsh and English opposition, with the Welsh Cup providing most of their competitive football, Wrexham winning it again in 1883.[16]

1883 also saw Wrexham's first appearance in the FA Cup, when after receiving a bye to the second round of the competition they were defeated 3–4 at home by Oswestry. Crowd trouble at the game led to the club being expelled from the Football Association, leading to the club being reformed in 1884 as Wrexham Olympic. Olympic was dropped from this club's name in 1888.[17] Thanks to a dispute with their landlords, who had raised the rent of the Racecourse Ground to £10 a year, Wrexham played their home games in the 1881–82 and 1882–83 seasons at Rhosddu Recreation Ground (changing the club's name to Wrexham Athletic for one season), before moving back to the Racecourse Ground for the 1883–84 season, where the club have played their home games ever since.[18]

In 1890 Wrexham joined The Combination league, playing their first game against Gorton Villa on 6 September 1890, with Arthur Lea scoring Wrexham's only goal in a 5–1 defeat. Lea played for the club despite only having one arm[19] as did playing colleague James Roberts. Wrexham finished the season second from bottom in eighth place in the first season.[citation needed] Wrexham played in the Combination for four years before a rapid increase in costs resulted in the club joining the Welsh League in the 1894–95 season. Wrexham won the Welsh League both years that they were in it, but they then decided to return to the Combination League in 1896, as despite the reduced support they received, the savings made on their traveling expenses outweighed the reduction in gate revenue.[citation needed]

1905–1968: Into the Football League

[edit]
Chart of yearly table positions of Wrexham in the English football league system

The club remained in the Combination League until 1905, by which time they had managed to win the league four times. After several unsuccessful attempts, Wrexham was finally elected to the Birmingham and District League in time for the beginning of the 1905–06 season. Wrexham's first-ever match in this league was at home against Kidderminster Harriers at the Racecourse, and two thousand spectators witnessed Wrexham win the match 2–1. Wrexham finished sixth in their first season in this league.[citation needed] During their time in the Birmingham and District League, Wrexham won the Welsh Cup six times, in 1908–09, 1909–10, 1910–11, 1913–14, 1914–15, and 1920–21. They also reached the First Round proper of the FA Cup for a second time in the 1908–09 season before losing a replay 1–2 to Exeter City after extra time.[citation needed]

In 1921 Wrexham was elected to the newly formed Third Division North of the Football League. Their first League game was against Hartlepools United at the Racecourse in front of 8,000 spectators. Playing in blue shirts, Wrexham were defeated 0–2. The week after this defeat Wrexham travelled north to play Hartlepools and managed to get their revenge by beating them 1–0 in a hard-earned victory.[citation needed] It was during this particular season that Wrexham achieved many "firsts" in the club's history, such as when Ted Regan scored the club's first ever Football League hat-trick, and also Brian Simpson became the first Wrexham player to be sent off in a Football League game, against Southport in January 1922. Charlie Hewitt was the club's first-ever manager during this period.[citation needed]

In the 1926–27 season the club got past the first round of the FA Cup only to be knocked out by Rhyl. The following season Wrexham fought their way to the fourth round before they lost 0–1 to Birmingham City. A record 32 league goals from Albert Mays helped Wrexham to get to third position in the division in the 1928–29 season. Later in that season Tommy Bamford made his first appearance for the club. He went on to score 201 League and Cup goals for the club during his time at the Racecourse. During the 1929–30 season the club recorded their best-ever league win to date when they defeated Rochdale 8–0.[citation needed] Wrexham enjoyed their best-ever Third Division North season in 1932–33, when they finished runners-up to Hull City and won 18 of their 21 home games during the course of the season. This was the first season that the club appeared in their now-familiar red and white strip for the first time for the short-lived 1939–40 season.[citation needed]

During the Second World War years, when long cross-county trips were impossible due to the war, Wrexham played in the Regional League West against local teams from Merseyside and Manchester, amongst others in the northwest region. Wrexham's position as a barracks town meant that the team could secure the services of many famous guest players such as Stanley Matthews, Stan Cullis, and others.[citation needed] In the first post-war season Wrexham equaled their best-ever position when they again finished third in the Third Division North. In the summer of 1949, the club made its first-ever tour abroad when it played three games against the British army in Germany.[citation needed] The club reached the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1956–57 where they played Manchester United's Busby Babes in front of a crowd of 34,445 people at the Racecourse, which still remains a club record. The 5–0 defeat did not spoil the occasion for the large home crowd, and later that season Wrexham managed to win the Welsh Cup for the first time in 26 years.[citation needed]

1960 saw the club relegated to a lower tier for the first time in their history, and they dropped into the newly created Fourth Division. But their performances improved following the appointment of Ken Barnes as player-manager. He led Wrexham to promotion to the third division in his first season in charge and oversaw the 10–1 trouncing of Hartlepool United, which is still the club's record league victory. Two years after their promotion, Wrexham was relegated to the Fourth Division again, and in 1966 they finished rock-bottom at 92nd in the Football League after an extremely disappointing season.[citation needed]

1968–1982: The glory years

[edit]

John Neal was appointed manager of Wrexham in 1968, succeeding Alvan Williams who had brought Neal to the club as his assistant.[citation needed] He guided the club to a 9th place finish in 1969, before leading Wrexham to their second Football League promotion in 1970 with a second place finish and promotion to the Third Division.[citation needed] With Welsh clubs now able to qualify for the European Cup Winners' Cup by winning the Welsh Cup, Wrexham played their inaugural match in Europe against Swiss side FC Zurich in Switzerland on 13 September 1972, the game finishing 1–1. In the return leg, Wrexham won 2–1, advancing to the second round with a 3–2 win on aggregate. The second round drew Wrexham against Yugoslav side Hajduk Split. Over the course of two games, the score finished 3–3 on aggregate with Wrexham matching their more illustrious opponents, but they were knocked out of the competition due to the away goals rule.[citation needed]

The 1972–73 season saw the completion of the new Yale stand, with a capacity of up to 5,500. Including the terrace helped to comprise the bottom tier of the stand. The 1973–74 season saw Wrexham change their badge from the Maelor crest to a brand new badge that had much more resemblance to the Welsh roots of the club, with three feathers on the top of the badge and two dragons, one on either side of the badge and facing inwards. This is still the badge for today's team. This season also saw Wrexham reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in another cup run. After victories over Shrewsbury Town, Rotherham United, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Southampton, their cup run finally came to an end with a loss to first division side Burnley at Turf Moor, with 15,000 Wrexham fans present to watch the match.[20] Also that season Wrexham just missed out on the promotion spots, finishing in 4th place at the end of the season.[citation needed]

Defender Alan Hill played over 250 games for Wrexham between 1973 and 1983

1975–76 saw John Neal's starlets captained by Eddie May, again shocking the football world by reaching the quarter-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup after another sparkling cup run and defeats of several higher quality opponents. In the first round, Wrexham beat Swedish team Djurgårdens IF 3–2 on aggregate. They then managed to knock out the Polish side Stal Rzeszow 3–1 on aggregate. Wrexham played Belgian champions Anderlecht in the quarter-finals and narrowly lost 2–1 to the eventual winners of the competition.[citation needed] The 1976–77 season saw Wrexham again beat First Division opposition in both Cup competitions as they went on another cup run, defeating Tottenham Hotspur in the Football League Cup and Sunderland in the FA Cup. However, the league season was a traumatic one as the club, on the verge of promotion to the second division with only four matches left to play, needing just three points to reach their goal, missed out after a poor run.[citation needed]

Arfon Griffiths took over as player-manager for the 1977–78 season. They reached both the League and FA Cup quarter-finals that season, and Wrexham finally clinched promotion to the second division when they beat Rotherham United 7–1 at a packed Racecourse, Wrexham went on to win the Third Division Championship that year.[citation needed] In the 1978–79 season Wrexham made it to the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they lost to Tottenham Hotspur 3–2 in the replay after the first game finished 3–3. The Spurs team had stars amongst their ranks such as Ossie Ardiles, Ricky Villa, and Glenn Hoddle, and Wrexham were bested in getting knocked out.[citation needed] Following Arfon Griffiths' resignation from the manager's position in 1981, his assistant Mel Sutton was put in charge, with a third-round FA Cup win over Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest in another cup run, the highlight of the season.[citation needed]

1982–1991: Decline

[edit]

The summer of 1982 saw Bobby Roberts appointed the club's new manager. Relegation meant the club had dire financial problems, resulting in the sale of many of the club's experienced and talented players. Frank Carrodus, Ian Edwards, Mick Vinter and Wayne Cegieski had already left during the summer, Steve Fox, Joey Jones, Dixie McNeil and Billy Ronson soon followed. Wrexham were again relegated to the Fourth Division after plummeting from apparent mid-table security. The club's slide continued into the following season, and only goal difference prevented Wrexham from being forced to apply for re-election to the League.[citation needed]

The 1984–85 season saw Wrexham take on FC Porto in European competition. Wrexham won the home leg with a 1–0 victory, but in the second leg, Porto showed their class and were 3–0 up after 38 minutes. However, Wrexham pulled goals back and the game finished 4–3, making it 4–4 on aggregate with Wrexham advancing on away goals. The second round draw was to pair Wrexham with Italian side AS Roma, managed by Sven-Göran Eriksson. Wrexham lost 3–0 on aggregate over the two legs. Their league performance was even more dire than the previous year, and by the time Bobby Roberts was finally removed from his post, Wrexham was rock-bottom of the entire Football League.[citation needed]

Former Racecourse favourite Dixie McNeil was appointed caretaker manager, and immediately inspired a revival that saw Wrexham win 7 of their last 10 matches and comfortably finish clear of having to apply for re-election, which earned him the job on a permanent basis that summer. His first season in charge saw the team finish mid-table position in an average season, he led the team to a Welsh Cup final win over Kidderminster Harriers. 1986 saw Wrexham make a return to European football with a first-round draw against Maltese side FC Zurrieq, whom they beat 7–0 on aggregate to earn a second-round tie against Real Zaragoza which they drew 2–2 with on aggregate but they went out on away goals.[citation needed]

Following the Bradford City stadium fire in May 1985, legislation on ground safety at all football grounds was brought into effect. This eventually led to the closure of the Mold Road stand because it did not reach the necessary safety standards. Led by Dixie McNeil, Wrexham reached the Fourth Division play-offs in 1989, having finished seventh in the league. Wrexham beat Scunthorpe United in the semi-final 5–1 on aggregate, but narrowly lost to Leyton Orient 2–1 in the final. After Wrexham started the next season with just 3 wins from 13 league games, Dixie McNeil resigned before his inevitable sacking.[citation needed]

He was replaced, initially on a temporary basis, by Brian Flynn, but his appointment was made permanent a month later. However the club continued to struggle domestically, and Flynn was forced to make three important signings in Mark Sertori, Eddie Youds and Alan Kennedy which saw the team finish in twenty-first place, therefore avoiding relegation.[citation needed] At the start of the 1990–91 season it was announced there would be no relegation to the Conference Premier as a team had already voluntarily left the league. That season Wrexham finished in ninety-second place. Wrexham were knocked out of the European Cup Winners' Cup in the second round by Manchester United 5–0 on aggregate, who eventually went on to win the trophy.[citation needed]

1991–2001: Giant killers

[edit]

The 1991–92 season saw Wrexham still in a poor financial state, as they continued to struggle on the field. With the club knocked out of the League Cup and struggling in the league, it was left to the FA Cup to keep the season alive. Having beaten Telford United and Winsford United, they were drawn to play the previous season's First Division champions Arsenal. Wrexham produced one of their most memorable nights to beat the Gunners 2–1 after being behind, with a thunderous Mickey Thomas free kick and a Steve Watkin goal. They lost in the next round to West Ham United 1–0 in a replay[21] after the first game had finished 2–2.

In an attempt to change the fortunes of the club after several seasons in the doldrums at the bottom of the football league pyramid, the 1992–93 season saw Wrexham manager Brian Flynn make a shrewd signing when he enlisted the services of Gary Bennett, who soon settled and helped Wrexham into the promotion race. Wrexham's season came to a head on 27 April 1993 when with two games left they traveled to Northampton Town requiring a win to gain promotion to the next tier of English football. The game ended with a 2–0 victory to Wrexham and the 5,500 travelling "Reds" supporters there were jubilant when promotion had finally been achieved.[citation needed] The 1994–95 season would see Wrexham achieve more success in cup competitions, this time going on a run through the FA Cup. Having beaten Stockport County and Rotherham United, they faced Premier League side Ipswich Town at the Racecourse, with Wrexham running out 2–1 winners thanks to goals from Gary Bennett and Kieron Durkan. In the next round, Wrexham was drawn away to Manchester United and despite taking the lead at Old Trafford, United went on to win 5–2.[citation needed]

The 1995–96 season once again saw Wrexham in European action, with their opposition this time coming in the form of Romanian team Petrolul Ploiești; the home leg ended in a 0–0 draw but Wrexham lost 1–0 in the away leg, with the Romanians scoring the only goal of the match, and Wrexham were subsequently knocked out of the tournament.[citation needed] The 1996–97 season saw Wrexham set off on another strong run in the FA Cup and beat more top-flight opposition. Following wins at Colwyn Bay and Scunthorpe United, they were drawn to play West Ham United at home, the game ending in a 1–1 draw on a snow-covered pitch. The replay at Upton Park ended in a shock 1–0 win to Wrexham as Kevin Russell scored in the dying minutes to send Wrexham into the fourth round.[22] After also beating Peterborough United and Birmingham City in the following rounds, they played Chesterfield in an all-Division-2 FA Cup quarter-final, Wrexham narrowly losing to the Spireites 1–0.[citation needed]

June 1997 was the date for the official opening of Colliers Park, which was Wrexham's new training ground and was situated just outside Gresford on Chester Road. It was built at a cost of £750,000 and is widely regarded to be one of the best training grounds outside of the top flight. It has been used for training by many visiting teams that play at a higher standard over the years, such as Barcelona.[23] The 1999–2000 season saw Wrexham again beat a top-flight team in the FA Cup, this time in the shape of Middlesbrough. The final score of the match was 2–1, with the second-half goals coming from Robin Gibson and Darren Ferguson after being behind the Premiership outfit. Wrexham went on to win the FAW Premier Cup in May 2001.[24]

2001–2008: Administration and the slide into non-League football

[edit]
Match at the Racecourse in 2004

At the start of the 21st century, the club was dogged with many problems off the pitch, including then chairman Alex Hamilton, attempting to get the club evicted from the stadium so that he could use and sell it for his own development purposes – the saga involved the sale of the Racecourse Ground to a separate company owned by Hamilton immediately after he became the club's chairman.[25] The club was included in FIFA Football 2004 for the first time and remained playable up to FIFA 08. In the summer of 2004, Hamilton gave the club a year's notice to quit the ground.[26]

The club's fans developed an affinity with the fans of fellow football league club Brighton & Hove Albion, who themselves had managed to successfully depose their chairman and keep control of their stadium after he had sold the ground for development purposes in almost the same circumstances.[27] On 3 December 2004 the club was placed in financial administration by the High Court in Manchester as the club owed £2,600,000, including £800,000 which was owed to the Inland Revenue in unpaid taxes. Wrexham became the first League club to suffer a ten-point deduction under the new rule for being placed in administration, dropping them from the middle of the League One table to the relegation zone after the point deduction, and subsequently condemned Wrexham to relegation.[28]

5 May 2007: Ryan Valentine scores the goal against Boston that keeps Wrexham in the Football League

Despite their financial troubles, Wrexham went on to win the 2004–05 Football League Trophy by defeating Southend United 2–0 after extra time, in Wrexham's first appearance at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.[29] The winning goals were scored by Juan Ugarte and Darren Ferguson as Wrexham ran out winners in front of nearly 20,000 Wrexham fans.[30] Wrexham still retained an outside chance of escaping the drop in the 2004–05 season following an end-of-season winning streak; however, their faint hopes of staying up were ended with a 2–1 home loss to Brentford on 3 May 2005. The 10-point deduction proved decisive in determining Wrexham's fate, as the club finished with 43 points compared to 20th-placed Milton Keynes Dons' 51 – a net points tally of 53 after deduction, which had condemned them to relegation.[31]

In October 2005, Birmingham High Court decided that Alex Hamilton's company CrucialMove had improperly acquired the freehold of the ground and the decision went against him.[32] Hamilton then took this to the Appeal Court in London and it ruled on 14 March 2006 that the stadium must remain in the hands of the club's administrators.[33] On 30 April 2006 the administrators reached an agreement with local car dealer Neville Dickens, subject to agreement by the shareholders and creditors (which was achieved on 30 May), for Dickens to take over control of the club and all its assets.[34] Had the club still been in administration by 3 June then Wrexham would have automatically been expelled from the League because of their financial situation. Wrexham Football Club (2006) Ltd is the name of the "phoenix" company that took over the assets of the old Wrexham Association Football Club Limited – technically, the club is no longer known as Wrexham Association Football Club due to the takeover of the club by Neville Dickens and Geoff Moss and their associates; this is reflected on new merchandise, although most fans will still refer to it as "Wrexham AFC".[citation needed]

5 May 2007: Scoreboard showing the final score of game that kept Wrexham in the Football League and condemned Boston United to the Conference

The 2006–07 season started well for Wrexham, as they went 8 games unbeaten.[35] However, the club would then struggle with Denis Smith eventually being sacked in January 2007 with Wrexham in the bottom half of the division and after a poor run of results.[36] He was replaced by coach Brian Carey.[37] Wrexham finished 19th in League Two with 51 points[38] after an impressive late run of form which saw them win 4 out of their last 5 games, which included defeating local rivals Shrewsbury in the last derby match at Gay Meadow.[citation needed] Wrexham's league status was saved on the last day of the season with a vital 3–1 victory on 5 May 2007 over Boston United at home which sent their opponents down to the Conference Premier and ensured that Wrexham would stay in the Football League.[39]

Expectations were high for the 2007–08 season, with fans expecting a promotion push.[citation needed] However, the season started badly with the club in 24th by November 2007.[citation needed] Brian Carey was eventually sacked, and on 15 November 2007, Brian Little was named as Wrexham's new manager and the replacement to Carey, who took the role of assistant manager.[40] After a promising start to his reign, Wrexham experienced a run of seven straight league defeats, prompting the club to bring in eleven new players during the January transfer window.[41][citation needed] Wrexham went six matches unbeaten before some poor form which saw defeats against some fellow strugglers.[citation needed] Wrexham were finally relegated to non-League following a 2–0 defeat away at Hereford United, ending the club's 87-year stay in the Football League.[42]

2008–2020: The non-League years

[edit]

The 2008–09 season started well, with a 5–0 home victory against Stevenage Borough.[43] However a run of poor results followed, with Wrexham being left in the mid-table battle, only four points above the relegation zone and only keeping two clean sheets all season. Following a 3–0 home defeat against Rushden and Diamonds, and fans calling for his dismissal, Little left Wrexham by mutual consent.[44] Little was replaced by Dean Saunders.[45] Wrexham's first full season in the Conference Premier ended in a disappointing 10th place.[46] The following year, 2009–10, ended in a similar fashion with Wrexham finishing in 11th position, well off the pace of the promotion battle.[47]

Wrexham at Wembley Stadium in 2013

In March 2011, the ownership of the club became subject to two bids: one from Wrexham Supporters' Trust and another from local businesswoman Stephanie Booth.[48] Wrexham's MP and AM indicated that they would prefer Wrexham Supporters' Trust to secure the bid.[49] A third bid later came in, but after WST and Booth came to an agreement, their bid was then re-accepted. In April 2011, the club was served with a winding-up order from HMRC, with an unpaid tax bill of just under £200,000.[50] The team finished the 2010–11 season in 4th place, qualifying for a playoff spot, but were beaten 5–1 on aggregate by Luton Town in the semi-final.[51]

During the 2011–12 season, Wrexham were invited back into the Welsh Cup after 16 years, entering at the third round stage.[52] New manager Andy Morrell guided Wrexham to a record tally of 98 points but this was not enough to gain automatic promotion, as they ended the season only 5 points adrift of Fleetwood Town, who gained the only automatic place.[53] Wrexham lost in the play-offs to Luton Town again.[54] Wrexham earned themselves places in both the FA Trophy final and the Conference Premier play-off final, their first two appearances at Wembley Stadium in the club's 150-year history to date, and within five weeks of one another. In the FA Trophy final, Wrexham won on penalties after a 1–1 draw with Grimsby Town.[55] A 5–2 aggregate win over Kidderminster Harriers in the two-legged play-off semi-final saw Wrexham through to the final versus Newport County, the first play-off final to feature two Welsh teams; Newport defeated Wrexham 2–0.[56]

In June 2013, members of Wrexham Supporters Trust voted on whether they should change the club's name back to Wrexham AFC.[57] As a result, the name was changed.[58]

In February 2014, Andy Morrell stepped down as manager.[59] Billy Barr was appointed as interim manager before being replaced a few weeks later by Kevin Wilkin.[60] Wrexham finished the 2013–14 season in 17th place.[61] In 2018–19, Wrexham finished in 4th place but lost the play-off quarter-final to Eastleigh.[62] In 2019–20, the club finished 19th on points per game after the season was ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lowest position in the club's 150-year history.[63][64]

2020–present: New owners, return to EFL

[edit]

In November 2020, Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds and American actor Rob McElhenney, through their RR McReynolds Company LLC, bought the club. The deal received the backing of 98.6% of the 2,000 members of the Wrexham Supporters Trust that voted[65][66] and was completed in February 2021. They were included in FIFA 22 as part of the "Rest of World" section, becoming the first non-league team to be featured in the series.[67] In 2021–22, Wrexham finished 2nd before losing the play-off semi-final 5–4 to Grimsby Town after extra time.[68] Wrexham also reached the 2022 FA Trophy final which they lost 1–0 to Bromley.[69]

Following the takeover, a docuseries called Welcome to Wrexham was announced to be in production for FX with Boardwalk Pictures. The series debuted on 24 August 2022 on FX and Hulu in the United States, followed by a release on Disney+ in the United Kingdom and Ireland the next day.[70][71][72] The acquisition by Reynolds and McElhenney and the attendant publicity from Welcome to Wrexham had a significant impact on the club's visibility, leading to its acquiring a new global fanbase with no precedent for a team in the fifth tier.[9][73][74] The club's fortunes began to attract dedicated coverage from global sporting media that would not typically be afforded teams outside the Premier League.[75] This, in turn, inspired a debate about the potential replicability of this strategy for other lesser-known clubs and leagues, with The Guardian remarking that "everybody wants to ‘do a Wrexham’, but not everybody can."[76]

During the 2022–23 season, the team progressed to the fourth round in the 2022–23 FA Cup, being the only National League team to do so, beating Coventry City in an upset in the third round, and eventually being knocked out by Sheffield United in a replay. The first game against Sheffield United, which ended in a 3–3 draw, was ESPN's most followed football game across its digital platforms.[77] Wrexham vied with Notts County throughout the season to lead the league, trading the first spot back and forth, and both setting new National League records for wins, goals, and goal difference, while 20+ points ahead of the third place team by the end of the season.[78] On 22 April 2023, Wrexham secured winning their first league title in 45 years, and were promoted to the EFL League Two after a 15 year absence, following a 3–1 win against Boreham Wood.[79] The club amassed a tally of 111 points that season, a record for the top five divisions of English league football, beating Notts County to the championship and single automatic promotion spot.[80][81] The team participated in the inaugural The Soccer Tournament in June 2023 where they were eliminated by Conrad and Beasley United in the round of 16.[82] On 5 August 2023, Wrexham played their first Football League match in 15 years, losing at home to MK Dons.[83] Wrexham AFC's income increased to over £10 million in the year ending in June 2023.[84]

In the 2023–24 season, Wrexham secured a second successive promotion, taking the club to EFL League One, the third tier of the English football system[85][86] and ultimately finished second behind Stockport County F.C..[87] Wrexham was awarded Category Four status as an EFL academy from the 2023/24 campaign with the short-term aim to reach Category Three status[88] and operate an Under-18 side. Club Necaxa's backers purchased 5% of Wrexham AFC in April 2024[89] and both owners, in turn, purchased a minority stake in Necaxa. The academy was awarded Category Three status as an EFL academy from the 2024/25 season.[90] The football club joined the European Club Association in August 2024.[91]

The 2024–25 season began with the first League One match in 19 years and with the 5000th recorded league match for the club,[92] winning at home 3-2 to Wycombe Wanderers. The Allyn family of Skaneateles, New York was announced as a new minority investor in the club in October 2024.[93]

Sponsorship

[edit]

Wrexham's home kit is red shirts, white shorts, and white socks. The club has played in a predominantly red kit with white features since the late 1930s. The away kit is white shirts, red shorts, and red socks. In 2014–15, to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary, Wrexham wore a red and black hooped Nike home shirt as this was the club's first ever recorded home shirt.[94] Macron have been the kit supplier of Wrexham AFC since 2016 and helped arrange a pre-season training camp for the first team in pre-season 2017 in Portugal where over 600 supporters traveled over to support the team in a 2–1 win over Louletano. They still visit Portugal each summer.[citation needed]

In April 2011, Wrexham signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Greene King brewery. This was cancelled in September after Wrexham University (then known as Glyndŵr University) bought the Racecourse, as the university had an exclusive deal with another brewery.[95] Starting with the kits for the 2021–22 seasons, the back neck of the shirt has the number "1934" embroidered in, in remembrance of the Gresford disaster.[96] In May 2023, the team's training kit was announced to be sponsored by Betty Buzz, a beverage company owned by Blake Lively, for the 2023–24 season.[97]

The old Wrexham club shop

Kit manufacturers and sponsors

[edit]
Source:[98]
Period Brand Shirt Sponsor (chest) Shirt Sponsor (back) Shirt Sponsor (sleeve)
1984–85 Patrick Crosville Buses none none
1985–87 Winning Ways Marston's
1987–88 Hi-Tec Sports
1988–89 Admiral Sportswear
1989–91 Spall
1991–92 EN-S
1992–98 Wrexham Lager
1998–2002 Super League
2002–04 Vandanel Gap Personnel
2004–06 Just Go
2006–08 Lease Direct
2008–11 Umbro
2011–12 Puma Glyndŵr University
2012–14 Adidas
2014–15 Nike
2015–16 Adidas
2016–21 Macron Ifor Williams Trailers
2021–22 TikTok Expedia Aviation American Gin
2022–23 Vistaprint
2023–2024 United Airlines Vistaprint HP Inc.
2024–Present Meta Quest

Stadium

[edit]
The Racecourse Ground

Since 1864, Wrexham have played their home games at The Racecourse Ground, situated on the Mold Road, which is the main through road heading into Wrexham; it is opposite the residential area of Maesgwyn, situated between Wrexham University and Wrexham General railway station.[99] In August 2011 Wrexham University purchased the stadium and the club training facilities in Gresford,[100] adding their name to the stadium for it to become The Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium (Glyndŵr University was the name of Wrexham University at the time). Subsequently, in 2016, Wrexham Supporters Trust secured a 99-year lease on the ground, and the name reverted to the Racecourse Ground.[101] The capacity is 10,500, which made it one of the largest stadiums in the National League.[102] In June 2022, Wrexham AFC purchased the Racecourse Ground freehold from the university and are planning renovations to the stadium.[103] The maximum capacity as of the 2024/25 season is 13,341 due to an expanded temporary Kop.[104]

Support

[edit]
A sold out Kop End and Mold Road Stand

In August 2011, Wrexham were faced with being expelled from the Football Conference,[105] fans rallied and raised £127,000 in one day[106] to help pay a bond, so they could secure football for the forthcoming season. A month later the Wrexham Supporters' Trust (WST) took over the day-to-day running of the club.[107] Fan ownership of Wrexham was finally ratified on 12 December 2011.[108] As of May 2015 the WST had 4,129 adult members and joint-owners of the club.[109] As well as the city of Wrexham, support is drawn from the surrounding towns and villages of the district, such as Gwersyllt and Rhos,[110][111] the Flintshire towns of Mold,[112] Buckley,[113] Holywell[114] and Deeside. For the 2013 FA Trophy final coaches of Wrexham fans came from many North Wales towns including; Bala, Bangor, Caernarfon, Colwyn Bay, Denbigh, Flint, Llandudno, Prestatyn, Rhyl and Ruthin.[115] Additionally, many Wrexham fans reside in Shropshire.[116]

Exiled supporters clubs can be found in South Wales,[117] Manchester and London.[118] Over the past 15 years, even as a lower-league side, Wrexham have been able to attract gates of 11,000+ for big games at the Racecourse.[119][120] Famous Wrexham fans include Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield,[121] former Royal butler Paul Burrell,[122] actor and television presenter Tim Vincent,[123] actor Llŷr Ifans,[124] actor and comedian Ted Robbins,[125] Sweet guitarist Andy Scott,[126] Lloyd Roberts of rock band Neck Deep,[127] 2012 Olympian weightlifter Gareth Evans,[128] Sky Sports reporter Bryn Law,[129] Rugby World Cup referee Nigel Owens[130] and former footballers Neil Roberts,[131] Robbie Savage[132] and Mark Hughes.[133] The club also has a namesake club in Uganda, Wrexham F.C. Uganda, established in 2009, created by Welsh charity Teams4U.[134][135][136]

Rivalries

[edit]

Wrexham has a fierce rivalry with Chester; the two contest the cross-border derby.[137][138] The clubs are located just 10 miles apart, but are Welsh and English respectively. The first match was held in 1888 with Wrexham running out 3–2 winners at Faulkner Street, the former home of Chester City; the most recent was played in March 2018 with Wrexham winning 2-0 at the Racecourse Ground.[139] Wrexham lead the head-to-head rivalry with 67 wins compared to Chester's 50. Games between the two are classed as "high risk"[140] for the potential of disorder and are generally moved to early kick-offs with a large police presence to prevent it,[141] though arrests do still occur for various offenses surrounding the fans of both clubs.[142][143][144]

Chester vs Wrexham in 1954

Former Chester City player Lee Dixon said of the derby "I'm telling you, Chester versus Wrexham was a real derby! It's difficult to compare if you've not played in each one but there's something special about any derby at any level. I played for Chester v Wrexham and that could get ferocious, it lost nothing in ferocity compared to Arsenal v Spurs".[145] Former Wales and Liverpool striker Ian Rush, who played for both clubs, said in 2013 that the cross-border derby between the two clubs is "as intense as they come" and "It is like Wales v England really, it is incredible".[146]

Wrexham also have a fierce rivalry with Shrewsbury Town[147][148] and Tranmere Rovers due to geographical proximity. The games are often moved to early kick-offs, in accordance with police wishes, to minimize the potential of trouble as has happened between clubs previously. In 2003, 32 hooligans were jailed after a Tranmere v Wrexham match at Prenton Park[149] and trouble was again evident when the two clubs met in a 2013 friendly at the Racecourse Ground.[150] Though not as intense as they once were, due to divisional differences, Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale, as well as fellow Welsh clubs Cardiff City, Newport County,[151] and Swansea City are also classed as rivals.[147][152][153][154] Wrexham is represented by a hooligan firm known as the 'Front Line' that have been involved in major disorder around Britain since the early 1980s.[155]

Recent seasons have also seen rivalries cultivated with both Stockport County and Notts County after Wrexham battled Stockport for the 2021-22 National League title, narrowly missing out in spite of a late season surge that saw Wrexham beat Stockport at home twice in the FA Trophy [156] and League,[157] before battling Notts County for the title in 2022-23 in a season that saw both teams clear the century mark for both goals and points with a 3-2 win on Easter Monday in 2023 for Wrexham, helped by a Ben Foster penalty save in the last minute,[158] proving crucial as Wrexham finished 4 points clear of Notts to win the title and promotion back to the EFL. 2023-24 saw Wrexham win another promotion in 2nd place, just behind Stockport who won the league (although Wrexham beat them 2-1 at home on the final day of the season [159]) to ensure the two would be in League One for the 2024-25 League One season.

Wrex the Dragon

Team mascot

[edit]

Wrex the Dragon is the official team mascot of Wrexham. The mascot, along with the team nickname "The Dragons", was introduced in 2001–02 following a ballot of fans to help increase sponsorship and promote the club's Welsh image whilst also providing a more original nickname as Bristol City, Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town also use the nickname of 'The Robins'. Wrex is occasionally performed by owner Rob McElhenney.

Training ground

[edit]

Wrexham's training ground was the purpose-built Colliers Park, in neighbouring Gresford.[160] When the construction had been completed it was officially opened in June 1997, at a building cost of £750,000.[160] It is widely regarded in British football as one of the best training grounds outside the top flight and one of the best never to have been used by a top-flight team.[161] The England national team, Barcelona, Rangers and the Wales national team have all used it for training purposes.[161][162] Colliers Park continues to be improved; a running hill, as well as all-weather pitches and a small stand have been constructed since the facilities opened in 1997. Colliers Park was bought by Glyndwr University as part of their purchase of the Racecourse Ground assets in 2011.[163] Wrexham's former training ground found a new purpose after about £4 million were invested by the Football Association of Wales to transform it into a National Development Centre in February 2018.[164]

For the beginning of the 2016–17 season, Wrexham moved back to their former training ground at Stansty Park,[165] the home of Welsh National League side Lex Glyndwr, due to the use of Colliers Park becoming financially unsustainable for the club.[166] Wrexham did however retain the use of Colliers Park for Youth and Reserve fixtures. After one season of training at Stansty Park, Wrexham announced their move to a new training ground at 9 Acre field for the beginning of the 2017–18 season based near the city center[167] but also used Stansty Park in 2021.[168] Wrexham still occasionally train at Colliers Park since the takeover and use multiple venues.[169]

Players

[edit]

Squad

[edit]
As of 7 December 2024[170]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK England ENG Arthur Okonkwo
3 DF England ENG Lewis Brunt
4 DF England ENG Max Cleworth
5 DF Republic of Ireland IRL Eoghan O'Connell
6 DF Republic of Ireland IRL Tom O'Connor
7 MF Republic of Ireland IRL James McClean (captain)
8 MF England ENG Andy Cannon
9 FW England ENG Ollie Palmer
10 FW Wales WAL Paul Mullin
11 FW England ENG Jack Marriott
12 MF England ENG George Evans
13 GK England ENG Callum Burton
14 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Anthony Forde
15 MF England ENG George Dobson
17 DF England ENG Luke Bolton
19 DF The Gambia GAM Jacob Mendy
20 MF England ENG Oliver Rathbone
21 GK England ENG Mark Howard
No. Pos. Nation Player
22 FW The Gambia GAM Modou Faal
23 DF England ENG Sebastian Revan
24 DF England ENG Dan Scarr
25 DF England ENG Will Boyle
26 FW Scotland SCO Steven Fletcher
28 FW Iceland ISL Jón Daði Böðvarsson
29 DF England ENG Ryan Barnett
30 MF Scotland SCO James Jones
32 GK England ENG Brad Foster
33 MF Scotland SCO Josh Adam
34 DF England ENG Aaron James
37 MF England ENG Matty James
38 MF England ENG Elliot Lee
41 GK England ENG Liam Hall
42 FW England ENG Callum Edwards
43 FW England ENG James Rainbird
44 DF Wales WAL Harry Dean
45 MF Wales WAL Harry Ashfield

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
16 FW England ENG Billy Waters (on loan at FC Halifax Town until January 2025)
18 FW England ENG Sam Dalby (on loan at Dundee United until end of season)
27 FW England ENG Jake Bickerstaff (on loan at Altrincham until January 13 2025)
No. Pos. Nation Player
31 GK Republic of Ireland IRL Luke McNicholas (on loan at Rochdale until end of season)
MF Wales WAL Jordan Davies (on loan at Grimsby Town until end of season)

Notable former players

[edit]

For all players with a Wikipedia article, see Wrexham A.F.C. players.

For a complete list of players, see List of Wrexham A.F.C. players with 100+ appearances, 25–99 appearances and 1–24 appearances.

Hall of Fame

[edit]

The following are members of the Wrexham A.F.C. Hall of Fame.[171] Entry is not restricted to players; anyone who has made a great contribution to the club in any capacity can be considered.

Name
England Billy Ashcroft
Wales Tommy Bamford
Scotland Tommy Bannan
England Ken Barnes
England Gary Bennett
Wales Horace Blew
Republic of Ireland Brian Carey
England Mark Carrington
Wales Ron Chaloner
WalesCarroll Clark
England Karl Connolly
Wales Dai Davies
Wales Gareth Davies
Trinidad and Tobago Carlos Edwards
Wales Johnny Edwards
Wales Mickey Evans
Wales Brian Flynn
Name
Wales Alan Fox
England Bert Goode
Wales Arfon Griffiths
Wales Pryce Griffiths
Republic of Ireland Phil Hardy
Wales Ron Hewitt
England Alf Jones
Wales Joey Jones
England Albert Kinsey
Trinidad and Tobago Dennis Lawrence
WalesBrian Lloyd
Wales Cliff Lloyd
Wales Andy Marriott
Wales Tommy Matthias
England Eddie May
Scotland Ally McGowan
England Sammy McMillan
Name
England Dixie McNeil
England Andy Morrell
England John Neal
Wales Gareth Owen
Wales Ted Robinson
England Kevin Russell
England Bobby Shinton
England George Showell
England Denis Smith
England Ray Smith
England Mel Sutton
Wales Mickey Thomas
England Billy Tunnicliffe
England Graham Whittle
Wales Mike Williams
Wales Wrexham Supporters Trust

Player of the Year

[edit]

Player records

[edit]

Reserves

[edit]

Between 1988 and 1995 the reserve team of Wrexham played in the Welsh football leagues.[178]

On 2 August 2022, Wrexham announced their participation in the upcoming 2022–23 Central League season.[179]

Seasons

[edit]

Team records

[edit]

European record

[edit]

European Cup Winners' Cup:

Season Competition Round Opponent Home Away Aggregate Ref
1972–73 Cup Winners' Cup First round Switzerland FC Zürich 2–1 1–1 3–2 [191][192]
Second round Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Hajduk Split 3–1 0–2 3–3 [193][194]
1975–76 Cup Winners' Cup First round Sweden Djurgården 2–1 1–1 3–2 [195][196]
Second round Poland Stal Rzeszów 2–0 1–1 3–1 [197][198]
Quarter-final Belgium Anderlecht 1–1 0–1 1–2 [199][200]
1978–79 Cup Winners' Cup First round Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Rijeka 2–0 0–3 2–3 [201][202]
1979–80 Cup Winners' Cup First round East Germany FC Magdeburg 3–2 2–5 5–7 [203][204]
1984–85 Cup Winners' Cup First round Portugal FC Porto 1–0 3–4 4–4 [205]
Second round Italy Roma 0–1 0–2 0–3 [206][207]
1986–87 Cup Winners' Cup First round Malta Żurrieq 4–0 3–0 7–0 [208][209]
Second round Spain Real Zaragoza 2–2 0–0 2–2 [210][211]
1990–91 Cup Winners' Cup First round Denmark Lyngby 0–0 1–0 1–0 [212][213]
Second round England Manchester United 0–2 0–3 0–5 [214][215]
1995–96 Cup Winners' Cup First round Romania Petrolul Ploiești 0–0 0–1 0–1 [216][217]

Club officials

[edit]
As of 19 May 2023[218]

Coaching staff

[edit]
Current Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson joined the club in 2021
Role Name
Manager England Phil Parkinson
Assistant manager England Steve Parkin
First-team coach England David Jones
Goalkeeping coach Northern Ireland Aidan Davison
Head of performance, medicine and sport science Republic of Ireland Kevin Mulholland
First team sports scientist England Owen Jackson
First team strength and conditioning coach England Richard Hill
First team physiotherapist England Jonny Griffiths
First team sports physiotherapists Wales Gemma Bamford
England Ryan Murray
England Ashley Painter
Performance analyst England Kyle Crutchley
Chief scout Wales Andy Kidby
Academy Manager England Andy Lowe
Kitman Wales Iwan Pugh-Jones
Centre of excellence manager Wales Dan Nolan
Youth team coach Wales Cledwyn Ashford
Youth team analyst England Aaron Bennett

Board of Directors

[edit]
As of 19 May 2023[219]
Role Name
Co-Chairmen Rob McElhenney
Ryan Reynolds
Executive director Humphrey Ker
Chief Executive Michael Williamson
Chief Business and Communications Officer Rob Faulkner
Advisors to the Board Shaun Harvey
Peter Moore
Les Reed

Honourary

[edit]
Role Name
Club President Dixie McNeil
Vice Presidents Dave Bennett
Dave Griffiths
Spencer Harris
Gavin Jones
Rob Parry
Phil Salmon
Mark Williams

Managerial history

[edit]

Managerial history for Wrexham AFC from 1912 to present.[220]

Manager Years
England Ted Robinson 1912–1924
England Charlie Hewitt 1924–1929
England Jack Baynes 1929–1931
England Ernest Blackburn 1932–1937
Scotland Jimmy Logan 1937–1938
England Tom Morgan 1938–1940
England Tom Williams 1940–1949
Scotland Les McDowall 1949–1950
England Peter Jackson 1950–1954
Wales Cliff Lloyd 1954–1957
Scotland John Love 1957–1959
Wales Cliff Lloyd 1959–1960
Wales Billy Morris 1960–1961
England Ken Barnes 1961–1965
Wales Billy Morris 1965
England Jack Rowley 1966–1967
Wales Alvan Williams 1967–1968
England John Neal 1968–1977
Wales Arfon Griffiths 1977–1981
England Mel Sutton 1981–1982
Scotland Bobby Roberts 1982–1985
 
Manager Years
England Dixie McNeil 1985–1989
Wales Brian Flynn 1989–2001
Wales Joey Jones (caretaker) 2001
England Denis Smith 2001–2007
Republic of Ireland Brian Carey 2007
England Brian Little 2007–2008
Wales Dean Saunders 2008–2011
England Andy Morrell 2011–2014
England Billy Barr (caretaker) 2014
England Kevin Wilkin 2014–2015
England Gary Mills 2015
England Dean Keates 2016–2018
Wales Carl Darlington (caretaker) 2018
Wales Andrew Davies (caretaker) 2018
England Sam Ricketts 2018
England Graham Barrow 2018–2019
England Bryan Hughes 2019
Wales Brian Flynn (caretaker) 2019
England Dean Keates 2019–2021
England Phil Parkinson 2021–present
 

Honours

[edit]

Wrexham AFC's honours include:[221][222]

League

Cup

Literature

[edit]
  • Champions 2022/23 – The Story Of A Record-Breaking Season, Wrexham A.F.C., 2023
  • The Giant Killers; a Wrexham fan's view by Richard Partington, Bridge Books, 2001
  • My Wrexham Story; The Inspirational Autobiography From The Beloved Football Hero by Paul Mullin, Cornerstone, 2023
  • The Racecourse Robins from Adams to Youds: a Who's who of Wrexham Association Football Club, 1921 to 1999 by Peter Jones and Gareth Davies, the authors, 1999
  • Tinseltown: Hollywood and the Beautiful Game - A Match Made In Wrexham by Ian Herbert, Headline, 2023
  • Wrexham; A Complete Record 1872 – 1992 by Peter Jones, Breedon Books, 1992
  • Wrexham AFC (Ultimate Football Heroes) by Paul Harrison, John Blake Publishing, 2024
  • Wrexham FC 1872–1950 by Peter Jones and Gareth Davies, History Press Limited, 2000
  • Wrexham FC 1950–2000 by Peter Jones and Gareth Davies, History Press Limited, 2001
  • Wrexham FC, An A–Z history by Dean Hayes, Sigma, 1998
  • Wrexham Football Club Pen-Portraits by Don Meredith, Don Meredith, 1997
  • Wrexham; The European era by Peter Jones, Desert Island Books, 2002
  • Wrexham; Through The Trap Door by Peter Jones, Desert Island Books, 2008

The team plays a significant role in the 1994 book Twenty Two Foreigners in Funny Shorts by Peter Davies, written for the World Cup in the US. It profiles the ongoing and ultimately successful promotion effort.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Notable for the first occasion of three hat tricks in a single Football League game.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Randall, Liam. "Wrexham FC Fans To Vote To Accept 1864 Date Change". Wrexham.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  2. ^ @Wrexham_AFC (7 September 2024). "Your support this afternoon has been immense" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ "Up the Town! – Cefnogwyr CLWB Pêl-droed Wrecsam - Newyddion Cyngor Wrecsam". 18 November 2022.
  4. ^ Randall, Liam. "Wrexham FC Fans To Vote To Accept 1864 Date Change". Wrexham.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  5. ^ Jones, Peter. "Wrexham AFC History". Archived from the original on 15 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  6. ^ Lewis, Thomas (5 January 2022). "We asked Wrexham fans who the club's main rivals were - here's what you said". North Wales Live. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  7. ^ Bagnall, Steve (17 June 2008). "Guinness cheers Racecourse with official record". Daily Post Wales. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 18 June 2008.
  8. ^ "Wrexham v Manchester United, 26 January 1957". 11v11.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  9. ^ a b Scudder, Jake (26 September 2022). "Wrexham AFC: The fastest growing club in the world". Soccer Scene.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  10. ^ "Wrexham football club could be older than thought". BBC News. 21 February 2012. Archived from the original on 9 March 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  11. ^ "Wrexham FC Fans To Vote To Accept 1864 Date Change". Wrexham.com. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  12. ^ "History". Wrexhamafc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 December 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  13. ^ "The History of Wales' Oldest Team". Wrexham AFC. 19 July 2009. Archived from the original on 24 August 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
  14. ^ "1877 Welsh Cup Action". Wrexham.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
  15. ^ Davies, Gareth; Garland, Ian (1991). Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. Bridge Books. p. 38. ISBN 1-872424-11-2.
  16. ^ "WELSH CUP FINAL 1882/83". www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  17. ^ "Wrexham AFC – our story". Wrexham AFC. Archived from the original on 4 December 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016. 1884 Football Association expels Wrexham for crowd trouble. A month later fans re-form the club as Wrexham Olympic.
  18. ^ "Wrexham AFC - Beginnings". www.johnmills.wales. BeyondIt Consultancy Limited. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  19. ^ Davies, Gareth; Garland, Ian (1991). Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players. Bridge Books. p. 125. ISBN 1-872424-11-2.
  20. ^ "Match details, Wrexham AFC archive". Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  21. ^ "West Ham United 0 Wrexham 1". The Wrexham AFC Archive. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  22. ^ Pierson, Mark (27 January 1997). "West Ham fear FA censure over pitch invasion". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
  23. ^ "FAW & University unveil £4m investment to develop Colliers Park into National Development Centre". Wrexham.com. 5 February 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  24. ^ "FAW Premier Cup Season 2000-01". wfda.co.uk. Welsh Football Data Archive. Archived from the original on 10 January 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  25. ^ David Conn (5 April 2006). "Wrexham's ordeal exposes home truths". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  26. ^ "Timeline: Crisis at Wrexham FC". BBC News. 19 November 2004. Archived from the original on 10 October 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  27. ^ David Conn (11 January 2012). "Wrexham hoping FA Cup run can complete Dragons' rise from the ashes". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  28. ^ "Wrexham relegated". The Times. 4 May 2005. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  29. ^ "Southend United 0–2 Wrexham". BBC Sport. 10 April 2005. Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  30. ^ Rob Griffiths (4 May 2015). "Wrexham FC'S 2005 LDV Vans win". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  31. ^ "League One Table & Standings". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  32. ^ "Victory in battle for Wrexham FC". North Wales Live. 21 October 2005. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  33. ^ "Ex-chairman loses Racecourse bid". BBC News. 14 March 2006. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  34. ^ "Dickens in Wrexham buy-out". North Wales Live. 30 April 2006. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  35. ^ Rob Griffiths (21 April 2016). "Throwback Thursday: Shrewsbury Town 0 Wrexham AFC 1". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  36. ^ "Smith and Russell depart Wrexham". BBC Sport. 11 January 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  37. ^ "Carey to lead Dragons for season". BBC Sport. 12 January 2007. Archived from the original on 10 February 2007. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  38. ^ "League Two Table & Standings". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  39. ^ "Boston lose Football League spot". BBC Sport. 5 May 2007. Archived from the original on 11 September 2007. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  40. ^ "Brian Little appointed Wrexham boss". Eurosport. 15 November 2007. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  41. ^ "Wrexham stun Dons". Eursport. 19 January 2008. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  42. ^ "Wrexham go out of Football League". BBC Sport. 22 April 2008. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  43. ^ "Wrexham 5-0 Stevenage Borough". BBC Sport. 9 August 2008. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  44. ^ "Brian Little leaves Wrexham". Wales Online. 27 September 2008. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  45. ^ "Dean Saunders starts with a win at Wrexham FC". Cheshire Live. 6 October 2008. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  46. ^ "2008/09 Blue Square table". footballsite. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  47. ^ "Blue Square 2009/10". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  48. ^ "Wrexham's Supporters Trust backs rival takeover bid". BBC News. 7 March 2011. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  49. ^ "Welcome – Supporters Direct". Supporters-direct.org. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  50. ^ "Wrexham FC winding-up petition over £200,000 HMRC debt". BBC News. 15 April 2011. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  51. ^ "Wrexham boss Andy Morrell focuses on Luton play-off wins". BBC Sport. 2 May 2012. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  52. ^ "Big three allowed back in Welsh Cup". Wales Online. 21 April 2011. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  53. ^ "What Wrexham FC can learn from the past seven Conference champions". Daily Post. 9 May 2015. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  54. ^ "Wrexham 2-1 Luton Town (2-3 on agg)". BBC Sport. 4 May 2012. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  55. ^ Aled Williams (24 March 2013). "FA Trophy final: Grimsby Town 1-1 Wrexham (1-4 on pens)". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 12 September 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  56. ^ Dewi Hughes (5 May 2013). "Newport County 2-0 Wrexham". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 18 April 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  57. ^ "Fans vote on changing Reds' name back to Wrexham AFC". The Leader. 11 June 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  58. ^ "Club". The Wrexham Insider. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  59. ^ "Andy Morrell quits as Wrexham manager". BBC Sport. 24 February 2014. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  60. ^ "Kevin Wilkin is appointed new Wrexham manager". ITV. 20 March 2014. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  61. ^ "National League Table & Standings - 2013/14". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  62. ^ "Wrexham 0-1 Eatleigh". BBC Sport. 2 May 2019. Archived from the original on 28 December 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  63. ^ "Wrexham AFC review of the year". Leader Live. 1 January 2021. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  64. ^ "Wrexham AFC". EFS. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  65. ^ "DONE DEAL: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquire Wrexham AFC". The Non-League Paper. 16 November 2020. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  66. ^ "Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney: Hollywood stars to take over Wrexham". BBC Sport. 16 November 2020. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  67. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (13 September 2021). "The saga of Wrexham in FIFA 22 just took a weird turn". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 5 November 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  68. ^ Aled Williams (28 May 2022). "Wrexham 4–5 Grimsby Town". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  69. ^ Aled Williams (22 May 2022). "FA Trophy final: Wrexham 0–1 Bromley". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 30 May 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  70. ^ Martin, Kerry (19 May 2021). "Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announce 'Welcome to Wrexham' football club documentary". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 20 June 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  71. ^ ""Welcome To Wrexham" Disney+ UK/Ireland Release Date Announced". Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  72. ^ "Welcome to Wrexham critic reviews". metacritic.com. 23 August 2022. Archived from the original on 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
  73. ^ Portillo, Sam (22 April 2023). "The Americans who've fallen in love with Wrexham amid Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Hollywood story". Wales Online. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  74. ^ Lewis, Aimee; Foster, Matt (23 April 2023). "Wrexham secures promotion in front of jubilant owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney". CNN. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  75. ^ "Are Wrexham now a bigger club than Celtic and Rangers?". Nation.Cymru. 9 March 2023. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  76. ^ Ruthven, Graham (8 March 2023). "Can MLS grow its fanbase by 'doing a Wrexham'?". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  77. ^ "Interest in Wrexham-Sheff Utd FA Cup game peaks on ESPN". World Soccer Talk. February 2023. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  78. ^ "Wrexham record points total in National League: Ryan Reynolds club claims record league haul". www.sportingnews.com. 18 April 2023. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  79. ^ "'Honour of my life': Hollywood duo's emotional response after Wrexham AFC promoted". Fox Sports. 23 April 2023.
  80. ^ "Wrexham: Welsh side win promotion to EFL with Hollywood actors watching". BBC Sport. 21 April 2023. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  81. ^ "Wrexham's week as champions: Drunken dancing, late-night pizza and a Ferris wheel ride". The Athletic. 29 April 2023. Archived from the original on 8 May 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  82. ^ Pablo Maurer and Felipe Cardenas (3 June 2024). "Wrexham eliminated from $1 million TST in round of 16". NYTimes. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  83. ^ Aled Williams (5 August 2023). "Wrexham's EFL return spoiled by MK Dons". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  84. ^ Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Bought a U.K. Soccer Club in 2021. It Now Owes Them $11 Million. Robb Report, Abby Montanez, March 30, 2024
  85. ^ "Ryan Reynolds celebrates 'ride of our lives' as Wrexham gains promotion to English 3rd division". AP News. 13 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  86. ^ "Wrexham hit Rovers for six to seal promotion". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  87. ^ "Cannon goal gives Wrexham late win over Stockport". BBC. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  88. ^ "An update from Academy Manager Andy Lowe". WrexhamAfc. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  89. ^ "Wrexham Adds Club Necaxa Backers in Reciprocal Soccer Investment". Sportico. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  90. ^ "ACADEMY NEWS Wrexham AFC granted EFL Category 3 Academy Licence". WrexhamAfc. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  91. ^ "CLUB NEWS Wrexham AFC join European Club Association". WrexhamAfc. 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  92. ^ @Wrexham_AFC (10 August 2024). "Goals from Max Cleworth, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher earned victory over Wycombe Wanderers in our 5000th recorded league match" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  93. ^ "CLUB STATEMENT Wrexham AFC welcome Allyn Family as Minority Investors". WrexhamAfc. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  94. ^ Bagnall, Steve (13 September 2014). "Wrexham FC's 150th anniversary shirt sells out - with some fans left disappointed". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  95. ^ "Greene King brewery ends Wrexham FC sponsorship deal". BBC News. 28 September 2011. Archived from the original on 29 May 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  96. ^ "NEW SHIRT | CLUB DELIGHTED TO REVEAL NEW HOME SHIRT FOR 2021/22 SEASON". wrexhamafc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  97. ^ "Blake Lively's company named as Wrexham's training kit sponsor for next season". The Leader. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  98. ^ "Wrexham". Football Historical Kits. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  99. ^ "The Racecourse Ground". Wrexham AFC. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  100. ^ "Glyndwr University to buy Wrexham's Racecourse stadium". BBC Sport. 3 August 2011. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  101. ^ "Glyndwr University is pleased to confirm that the transfer of the Racecourse Ground stadium freehold to Wrexham AFC has been completed". Glyndwr University. 29 June 2022. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  102. ^ Naman Ramachandran (20 July 2022). "Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's 'Welcome to Wrexham': Watch First Trailer for FX, Disney+ Welsh Soccer Club Series". Yahoo Finance. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  103. ^ ""Great day" as Wrexham Football Club acquires freehold of Racecourse Stadium from Glyndwr University". Wrexham.com. 29 June 2022. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  104. ^ @Wrexham_AFC (7 September 2024). "Your support this afternoon has been immense" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  105. ^ "Leagues bosses in Wrexham talks". Bbc.co.uk. 4 August 2011. Archived from the original on 29 January 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  106. ^ "The UK's greatest football grounds". Reader's Digest. Archived from the original on 21 September 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  107. ^ "Wrexham FC takeover deal is done". Bbc.co.uk. 26 September 2011. Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  108. ^ "Supporters' Trust seals Wrexham takeover". Bbc.co.uk. 12 December 2011. Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  109. ^ "Home". Wst.org.uk. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  110. ^ "Gwersyllt & District Reds Quiz Night Joy!". Wrexham FC Unofficial Website. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  111. ^ "RHOS AND DISTRICT REDS Wrexham afc". RHOS AND DISTRICT REDS Wrexham afc. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  112. ^ "Mold & District Reds – Home". Moldreds.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  113. ^ "£800 Cheque Presentation". buckleyreds.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  114. ^ "Wrexham Football Club - Supporters Clubs". Onttss.co.uk. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  115. ^ "Latest Club News". wrexhamafc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  116. ^ "News - Wrexham FC". Archived from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  117. ^ "News - Wrexham FC". Archived from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  118. ^ "Supporters Clubs". Wrexhamafc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 18 June 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  119. ^ "Wrexham v Middlesbrough, 11 December 1999". 11v11.com. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  120. ^ "Boston lose Football League spot". Bbc.co.uk. 5 May 2007. Archived from the original on 11 September 2007. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  121. ^ Nuttall, Andrew (11 October 2020). "Out of this world support for Wrexham AFC from astronaut Chris Hadfield". The Leader. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  122. ^ Gallagher, Claire (10 March 2021). "'I'm a Celebrity' star and former Royal butler Paul Burrell back in Wrexham". Leaderlive.co.uk. Archived from the original on 11 March 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  123. ^ Jones, Matt; Jones, Robin (13 August 2010). "TV's Tim tips Wrexham FC for promotion". Leaderlive.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  124. ^ Welton, Blake (28 January 2015). "14 celebrities you may or may not know support Wrexham FC". Archived from the original on 3 July 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  125. ^ Robinson, Phil (17 January 2012). "Reds don't need me to wish them luck, says Flynn". Leaderlive.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  126. ^ "Wrexham helped to Sweet success". News.bbc.co.uk. 15 October 2006. Archived from the original on 6 November 2006. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  127. ^ Jones, Geraint. "Town's pop punk band to grace top UK festivals". Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  128. ^ Post, North Wales Daily (12 June 2012). "Weightlifting: Gareth Evans says he owes his Olympic call-up to Holyhead Weightlifting Club". Dailypost.co.uk. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  129. ^ "WST Contacts". Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  130. ^ "Nigel Owens column: FIFA must stamp down on play-acting at Brazil 2014 or it could filter into rugby too". Walesonline.co.uk. 11 June 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  131. ^ "News - Wrexham FC". Archived from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  132. ^ "Robbie Savage concerned by Wrexham's plight". Bbc.co.uk. 28 July 2011. Archived from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  133. ^ Norris, Tom (6 August 2014). "Sparky backs Wrexham FC for glory". The Leader. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  134. ^ "How Wrexham's fan base has spread to Uganda". 29 January 2023 – via www.bbc.com.
  135. ^ Hemming, Jez (2 October 2015). "Wrexham AFC has namesake team ... in Uganda!". North Wales Live.
  136. ^ "Ugandan football team doing its bit to help put Wrexham AFC on the map". The Leader. 22 January 2023.
  137. ^ "Bordering On Kinship: The Incredible Story Of Chester And Wrexham". Thedaisycutter.co.uk. 14 April 2012. Archived from the original on 17 April 2012.
  138. ^ "Wales v England, poor v "rich" – it's Wrexham vs Chester". Fourfourtwo.com. 1 June 2006. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  139. ^ "Wrexham 2-0 Chester". BBC Sport. 11 March 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  140. ^ "Wrexham v Chester". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  141. ^ Porter, Gary (22 May 2014). "Chester v Wrexham bubble match cost £40k to police". Dailypost.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  142. ^ Lucia, Carmella de (11 September 2013). "Nineteen now arrested after Wrexham v Chester game". Chesterchronicle.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  143. ^ Traynor, Luke (6 March 2014). "Stupidest football hooligan? Yob sprays graffiti at rival ground then puts posing pictures on FACEBOOK". Mirror.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
  144. ^ "Yob jailed after throwing smoke bombs at derby". Newsnorthwales.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  145. ^ "Lee Dixon: With Arsenal's fragility, it's Adebayor's latest chance to". Independent.co.uk. 1 October 2011. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  146. ^ "Ian Rush compares Wrexham v Chester to Wales-England clash". BBC Sport. 30 August 2013. Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  147. ^ a b "Rivalry Uncovered!" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2009. Retrieved 15 July 2007.
  148. ^ "Unexpected Rivalries 2: Shrewsbury, Port Vale and Wrexham". Thetwounfortunates.com. 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  149. ^ "Men jailed over football violence". BBC News. 22 April 2005. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  150. ^ Hilton, Nick (29 July 2013). "Wrexham 2 Tranmere Rovers 0: Crowd trouble mars pre-season friendly". lIverpoolecho.co.uk. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  151. ^ "The Welsh derby between clubs who are miles apart". BBC Sport.
  152. ^ Marsh, Jeff (29 May 2021). "The Trouble with Taffies – Welsh hooligan". Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  153. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  154. ^ "BEST OF TIMES, WORST OF TIMES - Wrexham AFC vs Newport County". Wrexham AFC official site. 30 November 2018. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  155. ^ Andy Mitten (16 November 2020). "Wales v England, poor v "rich" – it's Wrexham vs Chester". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  156. ^ "Wrexham 2-0 Stockport County". BBC Sport. 1 April 2022.
  157. ^ "Wrexham 3-0 Stockport County". BBC Sport. 8 May 2022.
  158. ^ "Wrexham 3-2 Notts County". BBC Sport. 22 April 2023.
  159. ^ "Wrexham 2-1 Stockport County". BBC Sport. 27 April 2024.
  160. ^ a b "Opening of Colliers Park is boost for football in Wrexham and North Wales". the Leader. 23 September 2019. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  161. ^ a b "Colliers Park development gets go ahead - reminder site was 'taken off' football club by 'unscrupulous developers'". Wrexham.com. 4 May 2018. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  162. ^ Gary Porter (27 June 2016). "Wrexham AFC quit Colliers Park training ground due to annual costs". North Wales Live. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  163. ^ "Glyndwr University to buy Wrexham's Racecourse stadium". BBC. 3 August 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  164. ^ "FAW & University unveil £4m investment to develop Colliers Park into National Development Centre". Wrexham.com. 5 February 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  165. ^ "Wrexham AFC set to begin pre-season training at Stansty Park". the Leader. 27 June 2016. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  166. ^ "Wrexham AFC quit Colliers Park training ground due to annual costs". Dailypost.co.uk. 27 June 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  167. ^ "Wrexham Football Club To Use 9 Acre As Training Ground". Wrexham.com. 12 April 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  168. ^ "Wrexham Football club 'can still use Nine Acre Field' despite Stansty training move". Wrexham.com. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  169. ^ Chris Burton (5 December 2023). "'Isn't ideal' - Paul Mullin tells Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney exactly what they need to do to make a 'big step forward'". Goal.com. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  170. ^ "Men's First Team". Wrexham A.F.C. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  171. ^ "Hall Of Fame". Wrexham AFC. Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  172. ^ a b c "Hall Of Fame". Wrexhamafc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  173. ^ "#WXMANORAK Review of 2021". Wrexham AFC. 31 December 2021. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  174. ^ "Wrexham FC Player Profiles: Andy Morrell". Archived from the original on 10 April 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  175. ^ "Wales have beaten Austria before and Wrexham AFC's Arfon Griffiths was the match-winner at The Racecourse". Leader Live. 24 March 2022. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  176. ^ "#WXMANORAK Wrexham v York City". Wrexham AFC. 26 March 2023. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  177. ^ "Ken Roberts: Wrexham's record youngest player dies aged 84". BBC Sport. 6 February 2021. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  178. ^ "WREXHAM RESERVES". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  179. ^ "Club to enter Reserve team into Central League". Wrexham A.F.C. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  180. ^ "Wrexham v Manchester United, 26 January 1957". 11v11.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  181. ^ "Boxing Day Crackers". Chester FC. 26 December 2003. Archived from the original on 2 December 2007. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  182. ^ "England historical attendance and performance - Wrexham AFC". European Football Statistics. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  183. ^ Nick Harrison (3 March 2021). "Jeff Stelling would not have liked this". Leader Live. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  184. ^ "All Time Records". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 21 May 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  185. ^ "#WXMANORAK | Wrexham v Southend United". www.wrexhamafc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  186. ^ "Wrexham overtaken in promotion race after loss". ESPN.com. 7 April 2023. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  187. ^ Richard Williams (23 March 2016). "Jamal Fyfield hails defence as Wrexham AFC attempt to equal club record at Grimsby Town". the Leader. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  188. ^ Richard Williams (28 May 2019). "Clean sheet record at Wrexham AFC is something Kevin Roberts is proud of". Leader Live. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  189. ^ Richard Williams (22 July 2018). "Wrexham AFC are in the money following Danny Ward's move to Leicester City". the Leader. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  190. ^ "Wrexham's James McClean reveals how much Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds actually paid for Mo Faal". Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  191. ^ "Wrexham 2–1 FC Zurich". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  192. ^ "FC Zurich 1 Wrexham 1". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  193. ^ "Wrexham 3–1 Hadjuk Split". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  194. ^ "Hadjuk Split 2–0 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  195. ^ "Wrexham 2–1 Djurgarden". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  196. ^ "Djurdarden 1–1 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  197. ^ "Wrexham 2–0 Stal Rzeszów". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  198. ^ "Stal Rzeszów 1–1 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  199. ^ "Wrexham 1–1 Anderlecht". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  200. ^ "Anderlecht 1–0 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  201. ^ "Wrexham 2–0 Rijeka". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  202. ^ "Rijeka 3–0 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  203. ^ "Wrexham 3–2 Magdeburg". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  204. ^ "Magdeburg 2–5 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC Archive. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  205. ^ Barry Horne (3 October 2016). "The night Wrexham AFC stunned Europe by beating Porto". The Daily Post. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  206. ^ "AS Roma 2–0 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  207. ^ "Wrexham 0–1 AS Roma". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  208. ^ "Zurrieq 0–3 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  209. ^ "Wrexham 4–0 Zurrieq". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  210. ^ "Real Zaragoza 0–0 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  211. ^ "Wrexham 2–2 Real Zaragoza (AET)". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  212. ^ "Wrexham 0–0 Lyngby". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  213. ^ "Lyngby 0–1 Wrexham". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  214. ^ "Wrexham 0–2 Manchester United". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  215. ^ "Manchester United 3–0 Wrexham, Cup Winners Cup, 2nd Leg". Mufc info. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  216. ^ "Petrolul Ploiesti 1 Wrexham 0 (1–0 on agg.)". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  217. ^ "Petrolul Ploiesti 1 Wrexham 0 (1–0 on agg.)". Wrexham AFC archive. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  218. ^ "Who's Who". Wrexham AFC. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  219. ^ "Who's Who". Wrexham AFC. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  220. ^ "Wrexham Manager History". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  221. ^ "The oldest professional Football Club in Wales". Wrexham AFC. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  222. ^ "Wrexham football club honours". 11v11. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
[edit]