Wrexham A.F.C.: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Association football club in Wrexham, Wales}} |
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{{about|the Welsh men's football club|the affiliated women's football club|Wrexham A.F.C. Women|the football club based in Wroxham, Norfolk, England|Wroxham F.C.}} |
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{{Use British English|date=August 2013}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} |
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{{Infobox football club |
{{Infobox football club |
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| clubname = Wrexham |
| clubname = Wrexham |
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| image = |
| image = Wrexham A.F.C. Logo.svg |
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| upright = 0.7 |
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| fullname = Wrexham Football Club |
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| fullname = Wrexham Association Football Club |
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| nickname = ''The Red Dragons''<br>''The Robins'' |
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| short name = Wrexham AFC<br />{{native name|cy|CPD Wrecsam}} |
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| Active = 1872-2011<ref name="Wrexham history"/> |
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| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|October 1864}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Randall|first1=Liam|title=Wrexham FC Fans To Vote To Accept 1864 Date Change|url=http://www.wrexham.com/sport/wrexham-fc-fans-vote-1864-date-change-8993.html|website=Wrexham.com|access-date=28 June 2012|archive-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820144306/http://www.wrexham.com/sport/wrexham-fc-fans-vote-1864-date-change-8993.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| ground = [[Racecourse Ground]], [[Wrexham]] |
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| nickname = The Red Dragons, The Robins, The Town |
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| capacity = 15,500 (10,500 seated) |
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| owntitle = Owners |
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| chairman = Ian Roberts |
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| owner = Wrexham Holdings LLC<br />([[Ryan Reynolds]] and [[Rob McElhenney]]) |
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| manager = [[Dean Saunders]] |
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| manager = [[Phil Parkinson]] |
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| capacity = 13,341<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=Wrexham_AFC |number=1832445835327815861 |title=Your support this afternoon has been immense}}</ref> |
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| season = [[2010–11 Football Conference|2010–11]] |
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| league = {{English football updater|Wrexham}} |
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| position = Conference National, 4th (of 24) |
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| current = 2024–25 Wrexham A.F.C. season |
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| stadium = [[Racecourse Ground]] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Wrexham Football Club''' ({{lang-cy|Clwb Pêl-droed Wrecsam}}, nicknamed ''The Red Dragons'', or more traditionally, ''The Robins'', their previous nickname) were a professional [[Association football|football]] team based in [[Wrexham]], north-east [[Wales]], who played in the [[English football pyramid]]. Founded in 1872, they were one of the oldest surviving football clubs in the UK and were the oldest professional club in Wales. They most recently played in the [[Conference National]] following their relegation from [[Football League Two]] at the end of the [[2007–08 in English football|2007–08]] season, after 87 years of consecutive membership. The fifth tier of the English football league system, also known as the Conference National, is the lowest level of competition that Wrexham played in since they were first elected to the football league in 1921. Wrexham's home stadium, [[The Racecourse Ground]], was the world's oldest international stadium that still continues to host international games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/wrexham-fc/2008/06/18/guinness-cheers-racecourse-with-official-record-55578-21092141/|title=Guinness cheers Racecourse with official record|publisher=[[Liverpool Daily Post|Daily Post North Wales]]|date=2008–06–18|accessdate=2010–09–22}}</ref> |
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'''Wrexham Association Football Club''' is a professional [[association football]] club based in [[Wrexham]], Wales. Formed in 1864,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Randall|first1=Liam|title=Wrexham FC Fans To Vote To Accept 1864 Date Change|url=http://www.wrexham.com/sport/wrexham-fc-fans-vote-1864-date-change-8993.html|website=Wrexham.com|access-date=14 October 2014|archive-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820144306/http://www.wrexham.com/sport/wrexham-fc-fans-vote-1864-date-change-8993.html|url-status=live}}</ref> it is the [[Oldest football clubs|oldest club in Wales]] and the [[Oldest football clubs|third-oldest professional association football team in the world]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Peter|title=Wrexham AFC History|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/|access-date=21 December 2015|archive-date=15 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215212034/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> They compete in [[EFL League One]], the third level of the [[English football league system]]. |
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== History == |
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===1873 - 1905=== |
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[[Image:Wrexham Turf03.jpg|thumb|right|The Turf Hotel, the building in which the club was founded in 1873]] |
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The club was formed by members of the Wrexham Cricket Club, who wanted a sporting activity for the winter months, on 28 September 1872 during a meeting held at the [[Turf Hotel]] in Wrexham (this is despite the club's modern badge stating they were formed in 1873). |
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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 [[Denbighshire League|Welsh Senior League]], winning four Combination titles and two Welsh Senior League titles. It entered the [[West Midlands (Regional) League|Birmingham & District League]] in 1905, where it would remain until becoming an inaugural member of the Football League's [[Football League Third Division North|Third Division North]] in 1921. It spent 37 years in the Northern section until it was placed in the re-organized [[Football League Third Division|Third Division]] in 1958 and then relegated two years later. Wrexham was promoted out of the [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] in 1961–62, only to be relegated again two years later. Another promotion followed in 1969–70, and it reached the [[Football League Second Division|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 (British football)|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]]. |
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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 [[University of Chester|Chester College]], 15 players against the Volunteer [[Firefighter|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. The club's first match against an outside team was a 12–a-side game against past and present members of Grove Park School played at Wrexham Cricket Ground, which Wrexham won 2–0 on 19 October 1872. |
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Wrexham's honours include winning the [[Welsh Cup]] a record 23 times, the [[EFL Trophy|Football League Trophy]] in [[2005 Football League Trophy final|2005]] at the [[Millennium Stadium]] and the [[FA Trophy]] in [[2013 FA Trophy Final|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 F.C.|Cardiff City]], [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] and [[Newport County A.F.C.|Newport County]]. However, their biggest rivalries are with English clubs [[Chester F.C.|Chester]], [[Shrewsbury Town]], and [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]], with games between the clubs known as the [[cross-border derby]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Thomas |date=2022-01-05 |title=We asked Wrexham fans who the club's main rivals were - here's what you said |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/asked-wrexham-afc-fans-who-22643375 |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=North Wales Live |language=en}}</ref> In 1992, Wrexham [[Wrexham A.F.C. 2–1 Arsenal F.C.|upset the reigning English Champions]] [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in the FA Cup. They also scored a 1–0 victory over [[FC Porto]] in 1984 in the [[1984–85 European Cup Winners' Cup|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 [[FC Petrolul Ploiești|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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bagnall|first1=Steve|title=Guinness cheers Racecourse with official record|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/guinness-cheers-racecourse-official-record-2830321|website=Daily Post Wales|date=17 June 2008|access-date=18 June 2008|archive-date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705093829/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/guinness-cheers-racecourse-official-record-2830321|url-status=live}}</ref> The record attendance at the ground was set in 1957 when the club hosted a match against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in front of 34,445 spectators.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-manchester-united-26-january-1957-210986/|title=Wrexham v Manchester United, 26 January 1957|website=11v11.com|access-date=10 April 2014|archive-date=29 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129044907/http://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-manchester-united-26-january-1957-210986/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In [[1876 in association football|1876]], the newly formed [[Football Association of Wales]] saw [[Wales national football team|Wales]] play their [[Scotland v Wales (1876)|first international match]], against [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] at [[Hamilton Crescent|The West of Scotland Cricket Club]], [[Partick]], featuring [[Edwin Cross]] and [[Alfred Davies (footballer)|Alfred Davies]] as the first of many Wrexham A.F.C. players to play for Wales.<ref name="Wrexham history">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/History/0,,10311~1062217,00.html|title=The History Of Wales' Oldest Team |date=19 July 2009|publisher=Wrexham AFC|accessdate=17 February 2010}}</ref> |
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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.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url= https://www.soccerscene.com.au/wrexham-afc-the-fastest-growing-club-in-the-world/ |title= Wrexham AFC: The fastest growing club in the world |last= Scudder |first= Jake |date= September 26, 2022 |access-date= April 23, 2023 |website= Soccer Scene.com |archive-date= November 20, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221120215111/https://www.soccerscene.com.au/wrexham-afc-the-fastest-growing-club-in-the-world/ |url-status= live}}</ref> |
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In the [[1877–78 in English football|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|Acton Park]]. Wrexham got to the final of the inaugural competition, where they defeated [[NEWI Cefn Druids F.C.|Druids F.C.]] 1–0, with [[James Davies (footballer)|James Davies]] being credited with the goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/heritage/welsh_football/1877_1879.htm#y1877_2|title=1877 Welsh Cup Action |work=The Story of Welsh Football: 1877–1879 |publisher=www.wrexham.gov.uk|accessdate=24 February 2010}}</ref><ref name = "Whos Who">{{cite book |title=Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players |last1=Davies |first1=Gareth |last2=Garland |first2=Ian |year=1991 |publisher=Bridge Books |isbn=1-8724-2411-2|page=38}}</ref> 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. |
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==History== |
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[[1883 in association football|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 Town F.C.|Oswestry]]. Crowd trouble at the game led to the club being disbanded, although a new club, ''Wrexham Olympic'', was formed a month later and which reverted to the original name after three years. |
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===1864–1905: A club of pioneers=== |
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[[File:Wrexham Turf03.jpg|thumb|The [[Turf Hotel]], the building in which the club was founded in 1864]] |
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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 F.C.|Sheffield]], [[Cray Wanderers F.C.|Cray]], [[Hallam F.C.|Hallam]], and [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]]) the fifth oldest association football team, the third oldest professional club and the oldest in Wales.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-17121602|title=Wrexham football club could be older than thought|work=BBC News|date=21 February 2012|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309012445/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-17121602|url-status=live}}</ref> Their first game was played on 22 October 1864 at the Denbighshire County Cricket Ground (The Racecourse) against the Prince of Wales Fire Brigade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrexham.com/sport/wrexham-fc-fans-vote-1864-date-change-8993.html|title=Wrexham FC Fans To Vote To Accept 1864 Date Change|website=Wrexham.com|access-date=29 October 2021|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029001849/https://www.wrexham.com/sport/wrexham-fc-fans-vote-1864-date-change-8993.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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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. |
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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 [[University of Chester|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/|title=History|website=Wrexhamafc.co.uk|access-date=17 January 2014|archive-date=15 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215212034/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1876, the newly formed [[Football Association of Wales]] saw [[Wales national football team|Wales]] play their [[1876 Scotland v Wales football match|first international match]], against [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] at [[Hamilton Crescent|The West of Scotland Cricket Club]], [[Partick]], featuring [[Edwin Cross]] and [[Alfred Davies (footballer)|Alfred Davies]] as the first of many Wrexham F.C. players to play for Wales.<ref name="Wrexham history">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/History/0,,10311~1062217,00.html|title=The History of Wales' Oldest Team|date=19 July 2009|publisher=Wrexham AFC|access-date=17 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090824184610/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/History/0%2C%2C10311~1062217%2C00.html|archive-date=24 August 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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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<ref>{{cite book |title=Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players |last1=Davies |first1=Gareth |last2=Garland |first2=Ian |year=1991 |publisher=Bridge Books |isbn=1-8724-2411-2|page=125}}</ref> as did playing colleague James Roberts. Wrexham finished the season second from bottom in eighth place in the first season. |
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[[File:Wrexham-1877-78.jpg|left|thumb|Wrexham side that won the Welsh Cup in 1878]] |
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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, as despite the reduced support they received, the savings made on their travelling expenses outweighed the reduction in gate revenue. |
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In the 1877–78 season, the FAW inaugurated the [[Welsh Cup]] competition, to run on similar lines to the English [[FA Cup]]. The first [[1877–78 Welsh Cup|Welsh Cup final]] was played at [[Acton Park, Wrexham|Acton Park]]. Wrexham got to the final of the inaugural competition, where they defeated [[Druids F.C.]] 1–0, with [[James Davies (footballer, born 1845)|James Davies]] being credited with the goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/heritage/welsh_football/1877_1879.htm#y1877_2|title=1877 Welsh Cup Action|website=Wrexham.gov.uk|access-date=24 February 2010|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502150850/http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/heritage/welsh_football/1877_1879.htm#y1877_2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name = "Whos Who">{{cite book |title=Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players |last1=Davies |first1=Gareth |last2=Garland |first2=Ian |year=1991 |publisher=Bridge Books |isbn=1-872424-11-2|page=38}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WELSH CUP FINAL 1882/83|url=https://www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk/welshcup_final_detail.php?id=6|url-status=live|access-date=2020-06-25|website=www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625200219/https://www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk/welshcup_final_detail.php?id=6 |archive-date=2020-06-25 }}</ref> |
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=== 1905 - 1960 === |
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The club then remained in the Combination league until 1905, by which time they had managed to win the league four times. After several unsuccessful attempts Wrexham were 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 F.C.|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. |
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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 Town F.C.|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wrexham AFC – our story|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/facts/|website=Wrexham AFC|access-date=9 December 2016|quote=1884 Football Association expels Wrexham for crowd trouble. A month later fans re-form the club as Wrexham Olympic.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204021301/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/facts/|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://johnmills.wales/wrexham-afc-beginnings/ |title=Wrexham AFC - Beginnings |publisher=BeyondIt Consultancy Limited |work=www.johnmills.wales |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> |
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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 F.C.|Exeter City]] after extra time. |
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In 1890 Wrexham joined [[The Combination]] league, playing their first game against Gorton Villa on 6 September 1890, with [[Arthur Lea (footballer)|Arthur Lea]] scoring Wrexham's only goal in a 5–1 defeat. Lea played for the club despite only having one arm<ref>{{cite book |title=Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players |last1=Davies |first1=Gareth |last2=Garland |first2=Ian |year=1991 |publisher=Bridge Books |isbn=1-872424-11-2|page=125}}</ref> as did playing colleague James Roberts. Wrexham finished the season second from bottom in eighth place in the first season.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} Wrexham played in the Combination for four years before a rapid increase in costs resulted in the club joining the [[Welsh Senior League|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|date=June 2023}} |
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In 1921 Wrexham were elected to the newly formed [[Football League Third Division North|Third Division North]] of [[the Football League]]. Their first League game was against [[Hartlepool United F.C.|Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool and managed to get their revenge by beating them 1–0 in a hard-earned victory. |
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===1905–1968: Into the Football League=== |
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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 [[hat-trick]], and also Brian Simpson became the first Wrexham player to be sent off in a League game when he was ordered from the field of play against [[Southport F.C.|Southport]] in January 1922. Charlie Hewitt was the club's first ever manager during this period. |
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[[File:Wrexham AFC League Performance.svg|thumb|Yearly table positions of Wrexham in the English football league system]] |
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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 F.C.|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|date=June 2023}} 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 F.C.|Exeter City]] after extra time.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} |
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In the 1926–27 season the club got past the first round of the FA Cup only to be knocked out by [[Rhyl F.C.|Rhyl]]. The following season Wrexham fought their way to the fourth round before they lost 0–1 to [[Birmingham City F.C.|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. And 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 A.F.C.|Rochdale]] 8–0. |
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In 1921 Wrexham was elected to the newly formed [[Football League Third Division North|Third Division North]] of [[the Football League]]. Their first League game was against [[Hartlepool United F.C.|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|date=June 2023}} 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 F.C.|Southport]] in January 1922. Charlie Hewitt was the club's first-ever manager during this period.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} |
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Wrexham enjoyed their best ever Third Division North season in 1932–33, when they finished runners-up to [[Hull City A.F.C.|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. |
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In the 1926–27 season the club got past the first round of the FA Cup only to be knocked out by [[Rhyl F.C.|Rhyl]]. The following season Wrexham fought their way to the fourth round before they lost 0–1 to [[Birmingham City F.C.|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 A.F.C.|Rochdale]] 8–0.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} Wrexham enjoyed their best-ever Third Division North season in 1932–33, when they finished runners-up to [[Hull City A.F.C.|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|date=June 2023}} |
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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 north west 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]] and [[Stan Cullis]]. |
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In the first post-war season Wrexham |
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|date=June 2023}} 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|date=June 2023}} The club reached the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1956–57 where they played [[Manchester United F.C.|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|date=June 2023}} |
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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 (English footballer)|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 F.C.|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|date=June 2023}} |
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The club reached the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1956–57 where they played [[Manchester United F.C.|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. |
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=== 1968–1982: The glory years === |
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John Neal was appointed manager of Wrexham in 1968, succeeding [[Alvan Williams]] who had brought Neal to the club as his assistant.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} 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|date=June 2023}} With Welsh clubs now able to qualify for the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|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|date=June 2023}} |
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1960 saw the club were relegated for the first time in their history, and they dropped into the newly created Fourth Division. But their performances did improve following the appointment of [[Ken Barnes (footballer)|Ken Barnes]] as player-manager. He led Wrexham straight back to promotion to the third division in his first season in charge and oversaw the 10–1 trouncing of [[Hartlepool United F.C.|Hartlepool United]], which is still the club's record league victory. Two years after their promotion, Wrexham were relegated to the Fourth Division again, and in 1966 they finished rock-bottom at 92nd in the Football League after an extremely disappointing season. |
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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 F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]], [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]], [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] and Southampton, their cup run finally came to an end with a loss to first division side [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] at [[Turf Moor]], with 15,000 Wrexham fans present to watch the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=2144|title=Match details, Wrexham AFC archive|access-date=9 March 2023|archive-date=9 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309015101/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=2144|url-status=live}}</ref> Also that season Wrexham just missed out on the promotion spots, finishing in 4th place at the end of the season.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} |
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=== 1970–1982 === |
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With Welsh clubs now able to qualify for the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|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]]. |
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[[File:Alan Hill (Wrexham 1973-1983).jpg|thumb|Defender [[Alan Hill (footballer, born 1955)|Alan Hill]] played over 250 games for Wrexham between 1973 and 1983.]] |
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The 1972–73 season saw the completion of the new Yale stand, with the ability to hold a capacity of up to 5,500, including the terrace helped to comprise the bottom tier of the stand. |
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1975–76 saw [[John Neal (footballer, born 1932)|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 Fotboll|Djurgårdens IF]] 3–2 on aggregate. They then managed to knock out the Polish side [[Stal Rzeszów (football)|Stal Rzeszow]] 3–1 on aggregate. Wrexham played Belgian champions [[R.S.C. Anderlecht|Anderlecht]] in the quarter-finals and narrowly lost 2–1 to the eventual winners of the competition.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} 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 F.C.|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|date=June 2023}} |
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The 1973–74 season saw Wrexham change their badge from the [[Maelor]] crest to a brand new badge that had a lot 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 present 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 F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]], [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]], [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] and Southampton, their cup run finally came to end against first division side [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] at [[Turf Moor]], with just over 20,000 Wrexham fans present to watch the match. Also that season Wrexham just missed out on the promotion spots, finishing in 4th place at the end of the season. |
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[[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|date=June 2023}} 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|date=June 2023}} 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 F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] in another cup run, the highlight of the season.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} |
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1975–76 saw [[John Neal (footballer)|John Neal]]'s starlets again shock the football world by reaching the quarter finals of the European cup-winners cup after another sparkling cup run and multiple defeats of higher quality opponents. In the first round Wrexham beat Swedish team [[Djurgårdens IF Fotboll|Djurgårdens IF]] 3–2 on aggregate. They then managed to knock out Polish side [[Stal Rzeszow]] 3–1 on aggregate. Wrexham played Belgian giants and champions [[R.S.C. Anderlecht|Anderlecht]] in the quarter finals and narrowly lost 2–1 to the eventual winners of the competition. |
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=== 1982–1991: Decline === |
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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 F.C.|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, required just three points to reach their goal, and unbelievably they missed out after a poor run of form. |
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The summer of 1982 saw [[Bobby Roberts (footballer)|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 (footballer born 1955)|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|date=June 2023}} |
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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|date=June 2023}} |
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[[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, and Wrexham went on to win the Third Division Championship that year. |
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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|date=June 2023}} |
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In the 1978–79 season Wrexham made it to the fourth round of the FA Cup where they narrowly 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 [[Glen Hoddle]] in their team, and Wrexham were unfortunate to get knocked out. |
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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 F.C.|Scunthorpe United]] in the semi-final 5–1 on aggregate, but narrowly lost to [[Leyton Orient F.C.|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|date=June 2023}} |
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Following Arfon Griffiths resignation from the manager's position in 1981, his assistant [[Mel Sutton]] was put in charge, with the memorable third round FA Cup win over Brian Clough's [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]], in another cup run, the highlight of the season. |
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He was replaced, initially on a temporary basis, by [[Brian Flynn (footballer)|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|date=June 2023}} 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|date=June 2023}} |
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=== 1982–1992 === |
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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 Carrdus, [[Ian Edwards (footballer)|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 again 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. |
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=== 1991–2001: Giant killers === |
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The 1984–85 season saw Wrexham take on Portuguese giants [[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 with Wrexham advancing on away goals. The second round draw was to pair Wrexham with Italian giants [[AS Roma]], managed by [[Sven Goran 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 were rock-bottom of the entire Football League. |
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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 F.C.|Telford United]] and [[Winsford United F.C.|Winsford United]], they were drawn to play the previous season's First Division champions [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]. Wrexham produced one of their most memorable nights to [[Wrexham A.F.C. 2–1 Arsenal F.C.|beat the ''Gunners'' 2–1]] after being behind, with a thunderous [[Mickey Thomas (footballer)|Mickey Thomas]] free kick and a [[Steve Watkin (footballer)|Steve Watkin]] goal. They lost in the next round to [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] 1–0 in a replay<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=2218 |title=West Ham United 0 Wrexham 1 |access-date=8 August 2024 |website=The Wrexham AFC Archive |language=en}}</ref> after the first game had finished 2–2. |
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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 F.C.|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|date=June 2023}} 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 F.C.|Stockport County]] and Rotherham United, they faced Premier League side [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]] at the Racecourse, with Wrexham running out 2–1 winners thanks to goals from [[Gary Bennett (footballer born 1962)|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|date=June 2023}} |
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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. |
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The 1995–96 season once again saw Wrexham in European action, with their opposition this time coming in the form of Romanian team [[FC Petrolul Ploiești|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|date=June 2023}} 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 F.C.|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 [[Boleyn Ground|Upton Park]] ended in a shock 1–0 win to Wrexham as [[Kevin Russell (footballer)|Kevin Russell]] scored in the dying minutes to send Wrexham into the fourth round.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Ham fear FA censure over pitch invasion |first=Mark |last=Pierson |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-west-ham-fear-fa-censure-over-pitch-invasion-1285373.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-west-ham-fear-fa-censure-over-pitch-invasion-1285373.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Independent |date=27 January 1997 |access-date=7 April 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After also beating [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]] and Birmingham City in the following rounds, they played [[Chesterfield F.C.|Chesterfield]] in an all-Division-2 FA Cup quarter-final, Wrexham narrowly losing to the Spireites 1–0.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} |
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Following the [[Bradford City stadium fire]] in May 1985, legislation on ground safety at all football grounds was brought in 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 F.C.|Scunthorpe United]] in the semi-final 5–1 on aggregate, but narrowly lost to [[Leyton Orient F.C.|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. |
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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.<ref name="wrexham.com">{{cite news |title=FAW & University unveil £4m investment to develop Colliers Park into National Development Centre |url=https://www.wrexham.com/news/faw-university-unveil-4m-investment-to-develop-colliers-park-into-national-development-centre-144196.html |website=Wrexham.com |date=5 February 2018 |access-date=8 August 2024}}</ref> The 1999–2000 season saw Wrexham again beat a top-flight team in the FA Cup, this time in the shape of [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]. The final score of the match was 2–1, with the second-half goals coming from [[Robin Gibson (footballer)|Robin Gibson]] and [[Darren Ferguson]] after being behind the Premiership outfit. Wrexham went on to win the [[FAW Premier Cup]] in May 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=FAW Premier Cup Season 2000-01 |url=http://www.wfda.co.uk/faw_premcup_details.php?season=4 |website=wfda.co.uk |publisher=Welsh Football Data Archive |access-date=31 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110024105/http://www.wfda.co.uk/faw_premcup_details.php?season=4 |archive-date=10 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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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 Setori, [[Eddie Youds]] and [[Alan Kennedy]] which saw the team finish in twenty-first place, therefore avoiding relegation. |
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=== 2001–2008: Administration and the slide into non-League football=== |
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The 1990–91 season it was announced there would be no relegation to the [[Conference National]] as a team had already voluntarily left the league. That season Wrexham were to finish in ninety-second place. Wrexham were knocked-out of the European Cup Winners' Cup in the quarter-finals by Manchester United 5–0 on aggregate, who eventually went on to win the trophy. |
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[[File:The Racecourse Ground - geograph.org.uk - 60742.jpg|thumb|Match at the Racecourse in 2004]] |
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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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/05/wrexham |title=Wrexham's ordeal exposes home truths |author=David Conn |work=The Guardian |date=5 April 2006 |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007123553/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/05/wrexham |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Timeline: Crisis at Wrexham FC|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/4022209.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=19 November 2004|archive-date=10 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010065803/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/4022209.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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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 F.C.|Telford United]] and [[Winsford United F.C.|Winsford United]] they were drawn to play the previous season's First Division champions and giants [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]. Wrexham produced one of their most memorable nights to beat the Gunners 2–1 after being behind, with a thunderous [[Mickey Thomas (footballer)|Mickey Thomas]] free kick and a Steve Watkin goal. They lost in the next round to [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] 1–0 in a replay after the first game had finished 2–2. |
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The club's fans developed an affinity with the fans of fellow football league club [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2012/jan/11/wrexham-fa-cup-supporters-trust |title=Wrexham hoping FA Cup run can complete Dragons' rise from the ashes |author=David Conn |work=The Guardian |date=11 January 2012 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930215318/https://www.theguardian.com/football/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2012/jan/11/wrexham-fa-cup-supporters-trust |url-status=live }}</ref> On 3 December 2004 the club was placed in [[Administration (insolvency)|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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/wrexham-relegated-x670vjshb5d |title=Wrexham relegated |work=The Times |date=4 May 2005 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930215318/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/wrexham-relegated-x670vjshb5d |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== 1993 - 2001 === |
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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 travelled to [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] requiring a win to gain promotion to the next tier of the 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. |
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[[File:Ryan Valentine scores.jpg|thumb|5 May 2007: Ryan Valentine scores the goal against Boston that keeps Wrexham in the Football League|left]] |
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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 F.C.|Stockport County]] and Rotherham United, they faced Premier League side [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]] at the Racecourse, with Wrexham running out 2–1 winners thanks to goals from [[Gary Bennett (footballer born 1962)|Gary Bennett]] and [[Kieron Durkan]]. In the next round, Wrexham were drawn away to Manchester United and despite taking the lead at [[Old Trafford]], United went on to win 5–2. |
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Despite their financial troubles, Wrexham went on to win the 2004–05 [[Football League Trophy]] by defeating [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] 2–0 after extra time, in Wrexham's first appearance at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in [[Cardiff]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4423417.stm |title=Southend United 0–2 Wrexham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 April 2005 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=2 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802140614/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4423417.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The winning goals were scored by [[Juan Ugarte]] and [[Darren Ferguson]] as Wrexham ran out winners in front of nearly 20,000 Wrexham fans.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wrexham-fcs-2005-ldv-vans-9180440 |title=Wrexham FC'S 2005 LDV Vans win |author=Rob Griffiths |publisher=Daily Post |date=4 May 2015 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930215340/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wrexham-fcs-2005-ldv-vans-9180440 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 F.C.|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 F.C.|Milton Keynes Dons]]' 51 – a net points tally of 53 after deduction, which had condemned them to relegation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/league-1-table/2004 |title=League One Table & Standings |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930215319/https://www.skysports.com/league-1-table/2004 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The 1995–96 season once again saw Wrexham in European action, with their opposition this time coming in the form of Romanian team [[Petrolul Ploiesti]]; 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. |
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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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/victory-battle-wrexham-fc-2904569 |title=Victory in battle for Wrexham FC |publisher=North Wales Live |date=21 October 2005 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930215328/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/victory-battle-wrexham-fc-2904569 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/4802966.stm |title=Ex-chairman loses Racecourse bid |publisher=BBC News |date=14 March 2006 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930215318/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/4802966.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dickens-in-wrexham-buy-out-2897734 |title=Dickens in Wrexham buy-out |publisher=North Wales Live |date=30 April 2006 |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007123604/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dickens-in-wrexham-buy-out-2897734 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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|date=September 2022}} |
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The 1996–97 season saw Wrexham set off on another amazing run in the FA Cup and beating more top flight opposition. Following wins at [[Colwyn Bay F.C.|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 after a well earned draw. The replay at [[Boleyn Ground|Upton Park]] ended in a shock 1–0 win to Wrexham as [[Kevin Russell (footballer)|Kevin Russell]] scored in the dying minutes to send Wrexham in to the fourth round. After also beating [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]] and Birmingham City in the following rounds, they played [[Chesterfield F.C.|Chesterfield]] in an all-Division-2 FA Cup quarter final, Wrexham narrowly losing to the Spireites 1–0. |
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[[File:Wrexham 3 Boston 1.jpg|thumb|5 May 2007: Scoreboard showing the final score of game that kept Wrexham in the Football League and condemned Boston United to the Conference]] |
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June 1997 was the date for the official opening of Colliers Park, which was Wrexham's new training ground and was situated just outside of [[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. |
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The 2006–07 season started well for Wrexham, as they went 8 games unbeaten.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/throwback-thursday-shrewsbury-town-0-11207218 |title=Throwback Thursday: Shrewsbury Town 0 Wrexham AFC 1 |author=Rob Griffiths |publisher=Daily Post |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930215329/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/throwback-thursday-shrewsbury-town-0-11207218 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the club would then struggle with [[Denis Smith (footballer, born 1947)|Denis Smith]] eventually being sacked in January 2007 with Wrexham in the bottom half of the division and after a poor run of results.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/enwiki/w/wrexham/6253233.stm |title=Smith and Russell depart Wrexham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 January 2007 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930215320/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/enwiki/w/wrexham/6253233.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was replaced by coach [[Brian Carey]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/enwiki/w/wrexham/6256927.stm |title=Carey to lead Dragons for season |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 January 2007 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=10 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210102135/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/enwiki/w/wrexham/6256927.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Wrexham finished 19th in [[Football League Two|League Two]] with 51 points<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/league-2-table/2006 |title=League Two Table & Standings |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930220822/https://www.skysports.com/league-2-table/2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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|date=September 2022}} 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 F.C.|Boston United]] at home which sent their opponents down to the [[Conference Premier]] and ensured that Wrexham would stay in the [[Football League]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/6602943.stm |title=Boston lose Football League spot |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 May 2007 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=11 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911161434/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6602943.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The 1999–2000 season saw Wrexham again beat a top flight team in the FA Cup, this time in the shape of [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]. The final score of the match was 2–1, with the second half goals coming from [[Robin Gibson (footballer)|Robin Gibson]] and [[Darren Ferguson]] after being behind to the Premiership outfit. Wrexham went on to win the [[FAW Premier Cup]] in May 2001. |
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Expectations were high for the 2007–08 season, with fans expecting a promotion push.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} However, the season started badly with the club in 24th by November 2007.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} Brian Carey was eventually sacked, and on 15 November 2007, [[Brian Little (footballer)|Brian Little]] was named as Wrexham's new manager and the replacement to Carey, who took the role of assistant manager.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/league-two/2007-2008/_sto1380942/story.shtml |title=Brian Little appointed Wrexham boss |publisher=Eurosport |date=15 November 2007 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206000644/https://www.eurosport.com/football/league-two/2007-2008/_sto1380942/story.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/league-two/2007-2008/wrexham-stun-dons_sto1449905/story.shtml |title=Wrexham stun Dons |publisher=Eursport |date=19 January 2008 |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206001957/https://www.eurosport.com/football/league-two/2007-2008/wrexham-stun-dons_sto1449905/story.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} Wrexham went six matches unbeaten before some poor form which saw defeats against some fellow strugglers.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} Wrexham were finally relegated to non-League following a 2–0 defeat away at [[Hereford United F.C.|Hereford United]], ending the club's 87-year stay in the Football League.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7357790.stm |title=Wrexham go out of Football League |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2008 |access-date=29 September 2022 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926055205/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7357790.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== 2001–2010 === |
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===2008–2020: The non-League years=== |
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[[Image:Ryan Valentine scores.jpg|thumb|left|5 May 2007: Ryan Valentine scores the goal against Boston that keeps Wrexham in the Football League]][[Image:Wrexham 3 Boston 1.jpg|thumb|5 May 2007: Scoreboard showing the final score of game that kept Wrexham in the Football League and condemned Boston United to the Conference]] 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{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} – the saga involved the sale of the Racecourse Ground to a separate company owned by Hamilton immediately after he became the club's chairman. In the summer of 2004 Hamilton gave the club a year's notice to quit the ground. |
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The [[2008–09 Football Conference|2008–09]] season started well, with a 5–0 home victory against [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7541435.stm |title=Wrexham 5-0 Stevenage Borough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2008 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423071628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7541435.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 F.C.|Rushden and Diamonds]], and fans calling for his dismissal, Little left Wrexham by mutual consent.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brian-little-leaves-wrexham-2155307 |title=Brian Little leaves Wrexham |publisher=Wales Online |date=27 September 2008 |access-date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610155525/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brian-little-leaves-wrexham-2155307 |url-status=live }}</ref> Little was replaced by [[Dean Saunders]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/dean-saunders-starts-win-wrexham-5231486 |title=Dean Saunders starts with a win at Wrexham FC |publisher=Cheshire Live |date=6 October 2008 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706160025/https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/dean-saunders-starts-win-wrexham-5231486 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wrexham's first full season in the Conference Premier ended in a disappointing 10th place.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/NonLeagueTables/Con2008-09.htm |title=2008/09 Blue Square table |publisher=footballsite |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816224935/https://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/NonLeagueTables/Con2008-09.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, [[2009–10 Football Conference|2009–10]], ended in a similar fashion with Wrexham finishing in 11th position, well off the pace of the promotion battle.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/competitions/vanarama-national-league/table/2009 |title=Blue Square 2009/10 |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816230434/https://www.skysports.com/football/competitions/vanarama-national-league/table/2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[File:Chris Maxwell Wrexham FC at Wembley 2013 03.jpg|left|thumb|Wrexham at [[Wembley Stadium]] in 2013]] |
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The club's fans developed an affinity with the fans of fellow football league club [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|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. |
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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]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-12663355 |title=Wrexham's Supporters Trust backs rival takeover bid |publisher=BBC News |date=7 March 2011 |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816224932/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-12663355 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wrexham's MP and AM indicated that they would prefer Wrexham Supporters' Trust to secure the bid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.supporters-direct.org/news/item.asp?n=12301&cat=sd_eng|title=Welcome – Supporters Direct|website=Supporters-direct.org|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414211310/http://www.supporters-direct.org/news/item.asp?n=12301&cat=sd_eng|archive-date=14 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-13101239 |title=Wrexham FC winding-up petition over £200,000 HMRC debt |publisher=BBC News |date=15 April 2011 |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816224934/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-13101239 |url-status=live }}</ref> The team finished the [[2010–11 Football Conference|2010–11]] season in 4th place, qualifying for a playoff spot, but were beaten 5–1 on aggregate by [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]] in the semi-final.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17915296 |title=Wrexham boss Andy Morrell focuses on Luton play-off wins |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2012 |access-date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610155515/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17915296 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 3 December 2004 the club was placed in [[Administration (insolvency)|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. |
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During the [[2011–12 Football Conference|2011–12]] season, Wrexham were invited back into the [[Welsh Cup]] after 16 years, entering at the third round stage.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/big-three-allowed-back-welsh-1841056 |title=Big three allowed back in Welsh Cup |publisher=Wales Online |date=21 April 2011 |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816224932/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/big-three-allowed-back-welsh-1841056 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-wrexham-fc-can-learn-9205807 |title=What Wrexham FC can learn from the past seven Conference champions |publisher=Daily Post |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810144514/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-wrexham-fc-can-learn-9205807 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wrexham lost in the play-offs to Luton Town again.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17890877 |title=Wrexham 2-1 Luton Town (2-3 on agg) |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 May 2012 |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703145509/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17890877 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wrexham earned themselves places in both the [[2013 FA Trophy Final|FA Trophy final]] and the [[2013 Conference Premier play-off Final|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 F.C.|Grimsby Town]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21882684 |title=FA Trophy final: Grimsby Town 1-1 Wrexham (1-4 on pens) |author=Aled Williams |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 March 2013 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912090443/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21882684 |url-status=live }}</ref> A 5–2 aggregate win over [[Kidderminster Harriers F.C.|Kidderminster Harriers]] in the two-legged play-off semi-final saw Wrexham through to the [[2013 Conference Premier play-off Final|final]] versus [[Newport County A.F.C.|Newport County]], the first play-off final to feature two Welsh teams; Newport defeated Wrexham 2–0.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22335600 |title=Newport County 2-0 Wrexham |author=Dewi Hughes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 May 2013 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=18 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418194213/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22335600 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Despite their financial troubles, Wrexham went on to win the 2004–05 [[Football League Trophy]] by defeating [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] 2–0 after extra time, in Wrexham's first appearance at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in [[Cardiff]]. It was Southend's second consecutive defeat in the Football League Trophy final. The winning goals were scored by [[Juan Ugarte]] and [[Darren Ferguson]] as Wrexham ran out winners in front of over 20,000 Wrexham fans. |
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In June 2013, members of Wrexham Supporters Trust voted on whether they should change the club's name back to Wrexham AFC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-06-11 |title=Fans vote on changing Reds' name back to Wrexham AFC |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15944706.fans-vote-on-changing-reds-name-back-to-wrexham-afc/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=The Leader |language=en}}</ref> As a result, the name was changed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Club |url=https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/club/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=The Wrexham Insider |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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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 F.C.|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 F.C.|Milton Keynes Dons]]' 51 - a net points tally of 53 after deduction, which had condemned them to relegation. |
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In February 2014, Andy Morrell stepped down as manager.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26323079 |title=Andy Morrell quits as Wrexham manager |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2014 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706160027/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26323079 |url-status=live }}</ref> Billy Barr was appointed as interim manager before being replaced a few weeks later by [[Kevin Wilkin]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/update/2014-03-20/kevin-wilkin-is-appointed-new-wrexham-manager/ |title=Kevin Wilkin is appointed new Wrexham manager |publisher=ITV |date=20 March 2014 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706160025/https://www.itv.com/news/wales/update/2014-03-20/kevin-wilkin-is-appointed-new-wrexham-manager/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Wrexham finished the [[2013–14 Football Conference|2013–14]] season in 17th place.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/competitions/vanarama-national-league/table/2013 |title=National League Table & Standings - 2013/14 |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706161702/https://www.skysports.com/football/competitions/vanarama-national-league/table/2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[2018–19 National League|2018–19]], Wrexham finished in 4th place but lost the play-off quarter-final to [[Eastleigh F.C.|Eastleigh]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48083767 |title=Wrexham 0-1 Eatleigh |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2019 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=28 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228055318/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48083767 |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[2019–20 National League|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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/18981102.wrexham-afc-review-year/ |title=Wrexham AFC review of the year |publisher=Leader Live |date=1 January 2021 |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816224933/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/18981102.wrexham-afc-review-year/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://european-football-statistics.co.uk/attnclub/nonleague/wrex.htm |title=Wrexham AFC |publisher=EFS |access-date=16 August 2022 |archive-date=19 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319230235/http://european-football-statistics.co.uk/attnclub/nonleague/wrex.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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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. 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. 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. Had the club still been in Administration by the 3 June then Wrexham would have automatically been expelled from the League because of their financial situation. |
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===2020–present: New owners, return to EFL=== |
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''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". |
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{{main|2021–22 Wrexham A.F.C. season|2022–23 Wrexham A.F.C. season|2023–24 Wrexham A.F.C. season|2024–25 Wrexham A.F.C. season}} |
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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<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/31660/done-deal-ryan-reynolds-and-rob-mcelhenney-acquire-wrexham-afc/ |title=DONE DEAL: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquire Wrexham AFC |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[The Non-League Paper]] |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116140059/https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/31660/done-deal-ryan-reynolds-and-rob-mcelhenney-acquire-wrexham-afc/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54956962 |title=Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney: Hollywood stars to take over Wrexham |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=16 November 2020 |work=[[BBC Sport]] |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116074550/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54956962 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 [[FIFA (video game series)|series]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-09-11-the-saga-of-wrexham-in-fifa-22-just-took-a-weird-turn|title=The saga of Wrexham in FIFA 22 just took a weird turn|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=13 September 2021|access-date=14 September 2021|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105154352/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-09-11-the-saga-of-wrexham-in-fifa-22-just-took-a-weird-turn|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2021–22 Wrexham A.F.C. season|2021–22]], Wrexham finished 2nd before losing the play-off semi-final 5–4 to [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] after extra time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61560268 |title=Wrexham 4–5 Grimsby Town |author=Aled Williams |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=20 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020142301/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61560268 |url-status=live }}</ref> Wrexham also reached the [[2022 FA Trophy final]] which they lost 1–0 to [[Bromley F.C.|Bromley]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61512965 |title=FA Trophy final: Wrexham 0–1 Bromley |author=Aled Williams |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2022 |access-date=12 June 2022 |archive-date=30 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530065218/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61512965 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Following the takeover, a docuseries called ''[[Welcome to Wrexham]]'' was announced to be in production for [[FX Networks|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-welcome-wrexham-football-club-documentary-153138330.html |title=Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announce 'Welcome to Wrexham' football club documentary |website=Yahoo! News |last=Martin |first=Kerry |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=26 July 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=20 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620061241/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-welcome-wrexham-football-club-documentary-153138330.html }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Welcome To Wrexham" Disney+ UK/Ireland Release Date Announced |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/welcome-to-wrexham-disney-uk-ireland-release-date-announced/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |language=en-us |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705034827/https://whatsondisneyplus.com/welcome-to-wrexham-disney-uk-ireland-release-date-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.metacritic.com/tv/welcome-to-wrexham/critic-reviews| title = Welcome to Wrexham critic reviews| date = August 23, 2022| access-date = August 23, 2022| website = metacritic.com| archive-date = 23 August 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220823093256/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/welcome-to-wrexham/critic-reviews| url-status = live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/americans-whove-fallen-love-wrexham-26750554 |title= The Americans who've fallen in love with Wrexham amid Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Hollywood story |last=Portillo |first=Sam |date= April 22, 2023 |access-date= April 23, 2023 |website= [[Media Wales|Wales Online]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/22/football/wrexham-promotion-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-spt-intl/index.html |title= Wrexham secures promotion in front of jubilant owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney |last1=Lewis |first1=Aimee |last2=Foster |first2=Matt |date= April 23, 2023 |access-date= April 23, 2023 |website= [[CNN]] |archive-date= April 23, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230423071459/https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/22/football/wrexham-promotion-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-spt-intl/index.html |url-status= live}}</ref> The club's fortunes began to attract dedicated coverage from global sporting media that would not typically be afforded teams outside the Premier League.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://nation.cymru/sport/are-wrexham-now-a-bigger-club-than-celtic-and-rangers/ |title= Are Wrexham now a bigger club than Celtic and Rangers? |date= March 9, 2023 |access-date= April 23, 2023 |website= [[Nation.Cymru]] |archive-date= March 11, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230311201556/https://nation.cymru/sport/are-wrexham-now-a-bigger-club-than-celtic-and-rangers/ |url-status= live}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/mar/08/can-mls-grow-its-fanbase-by-doing-a-wrexham |title= Can MLS grow its fanbase by 'doing a Wrexham'? |last= Ruthven |first= Graham |date= March 8, 2023 |access-date= April 23, 2023 |newspaper= [[The Guardian]] |archive-date= April 23, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230423052741/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/mar/08/can-mls-grow-its-fanbase-by-doing-a-wrexham/ |url-status= live}}</ref> |
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The 2006–07 season started well for Wrexham, as they went 8 games unbeaten, with included a 4–1 away win against Championship side [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] and were in the play-off places after the addition of numerous new faces. Unfortunately they were beaten in a shock 5–0 defeat at [[Accrington Stanley F.C.|Accrington Stanley]] on 13 September 2006, then followed by a 5–2 defeat at Stockport County. Both of these teams were struggling at the foot of the table when these defeats happened, and Wrexham never fully recovered from them. This would begin the start of a long relegation battle for Wrexham. [[Denis Smith (footballer)|Denis Smith]] was sacked along with his assistant Kevin Russell on 11 January 2007 with Wrexham in the bottom half of the division and after a poor run of results and was replaced by coach [[Brian Carey]]. Wrexham finished 19th in [[Football League Two]] and on 51 points 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 ever derby match at Gay Meadow. 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 F.C.|Boston United]] at home which sent their opponents down to the [[Conference National]] and ensured that Wrexham would stay in the [[Football League]]. |
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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 F.C.|Coventry City]] in an upset in the third round, and eventually being knocked out by [[Sheffield United F.C.|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interest in Wrexham-Sheff Utd FA Cup game peaks on ESPN |url=https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/interest-in-wrexham-sheff-utd-fa-cup-game-peaks-on-espn-20230201-WST-417989.html |website=World Soccer Talk |date=February 2023 |access-date=9 February 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209143633/https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/interest-in-wrexham-sheff-utd-fa-cup-game-peaks-on-espn-20230201-WST-417989.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Wrexham vied with [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] throughout the season to lead the league, trading the first spot back and forth, and both setting new [[National League (division)|National League]] records for wins, goals, and goal difference, while 20+ points ahead of the third place team by the end of the season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/wrexham-record-points-total-national-league-ryan-reynolds-club/o2ykd5iqmk7eocter8htidyn|title=Wrexham record points total in National League: Ryan Reynolds club claims record league haul|date=18 April 2023|website=www.sportingnews.com|access-date=19 April 2023|archive-date=19 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419090022/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/wrexham-record-points-total-national-league-ryan-reynolds-club/o2ykd5iqmk7eocter8htidyn|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 F.C.|Boreham Wood]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/honour-of-my-life-hollywood-duos-emotional-response-after-wrexham-afc-promoted/news-story/4554e63f451b0839d2ae5333371ca3c0 |title='Honour of my life': Hollywood duo's emotional response after Wrexham AFC promoted |work=Fox Sports |date=23 April 2023 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-21 |title=Wrexham: Welsh side win promotion to EFL with Hollywood actors watching |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/65349586 |access-date=2023-04-22 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422185435/https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/65349586 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-29 |title=Wrexham's week as champions: Drunken dancing, late-night pizza and a Ferris wheel ride |language=en-GB |work=The Athletic |url=https://theathletic.com/4449432/2023/04/29/wrexhams-week-as-champions/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |archive-date=8 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508024839/https://theathletic.com/4449432/2023/04/29/wrexhams-week-as-champions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66345968 |title=Wrexham eliminated from $1 million TST in round of 16 |author=Pablo Maurer and Felipe Cardenas |publisher=NYTimes |date=3 June 2024 |access-date=31 July 2024}}</ref> On 5 August 2023, Wrexham played their first Football League match in 15 years, losing at home to [[MK Dons]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66345968 |title=Wrexham's EFL return spoiled by MK Dons |author=Aled Williams |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 August 2023 |access-date=28 August 2023}}</ref> |
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Expectations were high for the 2007–08 season, as there had been the signings of players such as [[Anthony Williams (footballer)|Anthony Williams]], [[Richard Hope]], [[Michael Proctor]], [[Silvio Spann]] and [[Eifion Williams]] and a push for promotion was expected by the fans after the disappointment of last season. But the season started badly, with only three wins and 10 points by the middle of November and Wrexham rooted to the bottom of the table. |
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Wrexham AFC's income increased to over £10 million in the year ending in June 2023.<ref>[https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-owed-millions-by-wrexham-1235564530/ 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</ref> |
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In the [[2023–24 in English football|2023–24]] season, Wrexham secured a second successive promotion, taking the club to [[EFL League One]], the third tier of the English football system<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-13 |title=Ryan Reynolds celebrates 'ride of our lives' as Wrexham gains promotion to English 3rd division |url=https://apnews.com/article/wrexham-promotion-reynolds-26ffd83ae51bd40568f83c021f8257ab |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Wrexham hit Rovers for six to seal promotion |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68724064 |access-date=2024-04-13 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> and ultimately finished second behind [[Stockport County F.C.]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cannon goal gives Wrexham late win over Stockport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68862557 |access-date=2024-04-27 |work=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref> 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<ref>{{Cite news |title= An update from Academy Manager Andy Lowe |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/march/academy--an-update-from-academy-manager-andy-lowe/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |work=WrexhamAfc |language=en-GB}}</ref> and operate an Under-18 side. [[Club Necaxa]]'s backers purchased 5% of Wrexham AFC in April 2024<ref>{{Cite news |title= Wrexham Adds Club Necaxa Backers in Reciprocal Soccer Investment |url=https://www.sportico.com/business/team-sales/2024/necaxa-backers-invest-wrexham-reynolds-mcelhenney-1234776933/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |work=Sportico |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|title=ACADEMY NEWS Wrexham AFC granted EFL Category 3 Academy Licence |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/july/17/academy-news-efl-category-3-licence/|access-date=2024-07-17|work=WrexhamAfc|language=en-GB}}</ref> The football club joined the [[European Club Association]] in August 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |title=CLUB NEWS Wrexham AFC join European Club Association|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/august/05/club-news---wrexham-afc-join-european-club-association/|date=5 August 2023|access-date=2024-08-05|work=WrexhamAfc|language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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Brian Carey was eventually sacked after Wrexham crashed out of the FA Cup in the First Round following a 4–1 defeat against Peterborough United. On 6 November 2007 Wrexham Football Club released a statement saying that the club were looking for an "experienced senior manager" to work alongside the current Racecourse staff. On 15 November 2007, [[Brian Little (footballer)|Brian Little]] was named as Wrexham's new manager and the replacement to Brian Carey, who took the role of assistant manager. |
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The [[2024–25 EFL League One|2024–25]] season began with the first League One match in 19 years and with the 5000th recorded league match for the club,<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=Wrexham_AFC |number=1822350157993701801 |title=Goals from Max Cleworth, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher earned victory over Wycombe Wanderers in our 5000th recorded league match}}</ref> winning at home 3–2 to [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]]. The [[Welch Allyn|Allyn]] family of Skaneateles, New York was announced as a new minority investor in the club in October 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |title=CLUB STATEMENT Wrexham AFC welcome Allyn Family as Minority Investors|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/october/30/club-statement-wrexham-afc-welcome-allyn-family/|date=30 October 2024|access-date=2024-10-30|work=WrexhamAfc|language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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After a promising start to his reign, a run of 7 straight league defeats and a 4–2 defeat in the FAW Premier Cup at the hands of [[Llanelli A.F.C.|Llanelli]], forced Little to ring the changes and brought in 11 players in the January transfer window to attempt to change Wrexham's fortunes. In terms of the backstage staff, he brought in former Port Vale boss [[Martin Foyle]] as first-team coach and several members of staff were told that they had no future at The Racecourse. With the new players introduced Wrexham went a run of six matches unbeaten, which included victories against promotion candidates [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] and [[Milton Keynes Dons F.C.|Milton Keynes Dons]] and a 0–0 draw against Peterborough United. However, in the final months of the season many of Little's new players had become injured and Wrexham suffered several defeats against fellow strugglers in the league and were also defeated 3–0 in a derby match against Shrewsbury Town. Wrexham were finally relegated following a 2–0 defeat away at [[Hereford United F.C.|Hereford United]], ending the club's 87 year stay in the Football League. |
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== Sponsorship == |
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The 2008–2009 season started well, with a 5–0 home victory against [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]], 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 F.C.|Rushden and Diamonds]], and fans calling for his dismissal, Little left Wrexham by mutual consent. Since then, [[Dean Saunders]] has taken over the management of Wrexham, with his first game against [[Forest Green Rovers F.C.|Forest Green Rovers]] ending in a victory. Wrexham's first full season in the Conference National ended in a disappointing 10th place. The following year, 2009–10, ended in a similar fashion with Wrexham finishing in 11th position, well off the pace of the promotion battle. |
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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, Inc.|Nike]] home shirt as this was the club's first ever recorded home shirt.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bagnall |first1=Steve |title=Wrexham FC's 150th anniversary shirt sells out - with some fans left disappointed |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-fcs-150th-anniversary-shirt-7763359 |access-date=7 February 2021 |work=Daily Post |date=13 September 2014 |archive-date=28 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528025058/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-fcs-150th-anniversary-shirt-7763359 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Macron (sportswear)|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|date=June 2023}} |
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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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Greene King brewery ends Wrexham FC sponsorship deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-15096367 |access-date=7 February 2021 |publisher=BBC News |date=28 September 2011 |archive-date=29 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529042754/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-15096367 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2021/july/new-pagenew-shirt--club-delighted-to-reveal-new-home-shirt-for-202122-season/|title=NEW SHIRT | CLUB DELIGHTED TO REVEAL NEW HOME SHIRT FOR 2021/22 SEASON|website=wrexhamafc.co.uk|access-date=19 April 2023|archive-date=19 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419172510/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2021/july/new-pagenew-shirt--club-delighted-to-reveal-new-home-shirt-for-202122-season/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=Blake Lively's company named as Wrexham's training kit sponsor for next season |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23544662.blake-livelys-company-betty-buzz-named-sponsor-wrexhams-kit/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=The Leader |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== 2011 === |
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[[File:Wrexham FC shop - geograph.org.uk - 1393374.jpg|thumb|The old Wrexham club shop]] |
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In March 2011 the ownership of the club became subject to 2 bids: one from Wrexham Supporters' Trust and another from local businesswoman [[Stephanie Booth]]. Wrexham's MP and AM indicate that they would prefer Wrexham Supporters' Trust to secure the bid.<ref>[http://www.supporters-direct.org/news/item.asp?n=12301&cat=sd_eng SUPPORTERS DIRECT REPORT ON WREXHAM TAKEOVER BACKED BY TOWN AM AND MP - Supporters Direct]</ref> A third bid later came in, but after WST and Booth came to an agreement, their bid was then reaccepted. |
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===Kit manufacturers and sponsors=== |
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In April 2011, the club were served with a winding up order from HMRC, with an unpaid tax bill of just under £200k. Despite the ongoing off-field trouble, the team finished the 2010–11 season in an impressive 4th place, securing a play-off spot. |
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:Source:<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Wrexham/Wrexham.htm |title=Wrexham |publisher=Football Historical Kits |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816045846/http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Wrexham/Wrexham.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |
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On the 5 May 2011 Wrexham played their first play-off game against Luton Town at home: unfortunately due to poor defending in the first half, Wrexham were 3–0 down in the first half and could not get any goals in the second half leaving a difficult task for the second leg at Kenilworth Road. |
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[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9475718.stm] |
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! style="background-color:#b90013; color:white; border:3px ##;" scope="col"|Period |
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! style="background-color:#b90013; color:white; border:3px ##;" scope="col"|Brand |
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On the 10 May 2011 Wrexham played their second play-off game: Wrexham went 1–0 up after Andy Mangan scored in the 8th minute but Gareth Taylor later missed a penalty, and Luton went on to win 5–1 on aggregate. Over 800 Wrexham fans were present at a packed Kenilworth Road. |
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! style="background-color:#b90013; color:white; border:3px ##;" scope="col"|Shirt Sponsor {{smaller|(chest)}} |
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! style="background-color:#b90013; color:white; border:3px ##;" scope="col"|Shirt Sponsor {{smaller|(back)}} |
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On August 9th 2011, Wrexham Supporters Trust in partnership with Glyndwr University, took control of the football club thus ending recent uncertainties about the future of the club. |
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! style="background-color:#b90013; color:white; border:3px ##;" scope="col"|Shirt Sponsor {{smaller|(sleeve)}} |
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|- |
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== Stadium == |
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| 1984–85 ||[[Patrick (sportswear company)|Patrick]]|| Crosville Buses |
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[[Image:Wrexham FC.jpg|thumb|right|The Mold Road Stand and Kop]] |
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| rowspan="17" {{n/a|none}} |
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| rowspan="17" {{n/a|none}} |
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|- |
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| 1985–87 || Winning Ways || rowspan="5" | [[Marston's]] |
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|- |
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| 1987–88 ||[[Hi-Tec Sports]] |
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|- |
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| 1988–89 ||[[Admiral Sportswear]] |
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|- |
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| 1989–91 || Spall |
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|- |
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| 1991–92 || rowspan="2" | EN-S |
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|- |
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| 1992–98 || rowspan="2" | [[Wrexham Lager]] |
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|- |
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| 1998–2002 || Super League |
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|- |
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| 2002–04 || rowspan="3" |Vandanel || Gap Personnel |
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|- |
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| 2004–06 || Just Go |
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|- |
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| 2006–08 || rowspan="2" | Lease Direct |
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|- |
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| 2008–11 ||[[Umbro]] |
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|- |
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| 2011–12 ||[[Puma (brand)|Puma]] || rowspan="4" |[[Glyndŵr University]] |
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|- |
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| 2012–14 ||[[Adidas]] |
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|- |
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| 2014–15 ||[[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] |
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|- |
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| 2015–16 ||[[Adidas]] |
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|- |
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| 2016–21 || rowspan="5" |[[Macron (sportswear)|Macron]]||[[Ifor Williams Trailers]] |
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|- |
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| 2021–22 || rowspan="2" |[[TikTok]]|| rowspan="2" |[[Expedia]]||[[Aviation American Gin]] |
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|- |
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| 2022–23 ||[[Vistaprint]] |
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|- |
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| 2023–2024 || rowspan="2" |[[United Airlines]]||[[Vistaprint]]|| rowspan="2" |[[HP Inc.]] |
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|- |
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| 2024–Present ||[[Meta Quest]] |
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|- |
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|} |
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==Stadium== |
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{{Main|Racecourse Ground}} |
{{Main|Racecourse Ground}} |
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[[File:Sainsbury Stand.jpg|left|thumb|[[Racecourse Ground|The Racecourse Ground]]]] |
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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]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/the-racecourse-ground/ |title=The Racecourse Ground |publisher=Wrexham AFC |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007000016/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/the-racecourse-ground/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2011 Wrexham University purchased the stadium and the club training facilities in [[Gresford]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-14387541 |title=Glyndwr University to buy Wrexham's Racecourse stadium |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2011 |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007123552/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-14387541 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://glyndwr.ac.uk/news/articles/glyndwr-university-completes-sale-of-racecourse-ground-stadium-to-wrexham-afc/ |title=Glyndwr University is pleased to confirm that the transfer of the Racecourse Ground stadium freehold to Wrexham AFC has been completed. |publisher=Glyndwr University |date=29 June 2022 |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007123555/https://glyndwr.ac.uk/news/articles/glyndwr-university-completes-sale-of-racecourse-ground-stadium-to-wrexham-afc/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The capacity is 10,500, which made it one of the largest stadiums in the National League.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-welcome-171042416.html |title=Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's 'Welcome to Wrexham': Watch First Trailer for FX, Disney+ Welsh Soccer Club Series |author=Naman Ramachandran |publisher=Yahoo Finance |date=20 July 2022 |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007123553/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-welcome-171042416.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2022, Wrexham AFC purchased the Racecourse Ground freehold from the university and are planning renovations to the stadium.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexham.com/news/great-day-as-wrexham-football-club-acquires-freehold-of-racecourse-stadium-from-glyndwr-university-220940.html |title="Great day" as Wrexham Football Club acquires freehold of Racecourse Stadium from Glyndwr University |date=29 June 2022 |website=Wrexham.com |access-date=8 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007181610/https://www.wrexham.com/news/great-day-as-wrexham-football-club-acquires-freehold-of-racecourse-stadium-from-glyndwr-university-220940.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The maximum capacity as of the 2024/25 season is 13,341 due to an expanded temporary Kop.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=Wrexham_AFC |number=1832445835327815861 |title=Your support this afternoon has been immense }}</ref> |
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The Racecourse is situated on the Mold Road, which is the main road heading into Wrexham, and is opposite the residential area of Maesgwyn, next to [[Glyndŵr University]]; both organizations share a very good relationship. |
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==Support== |
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According to the Guinness book of records, the Racecourse Ground (Welsh: Y Cae Râs) is the oldest international football stadium in the world that is still in use. It was the venue when Wales famously beat England 4–1 in the Home Nations Tournament. The Wrexham first team play their home fixtures in all competitions at the Racecourse. The Racecourse presently has a capacity of approximately 10,500 all-seated, making it the second largest stadium in the [[Conference National]], behind [[Darlington F.C.]]. Construction of the proposed new Kop stand is yet to commence, but it shall significantly further increase the capacity of the stadium. |
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[[File:Wrexham FC.jpg|thumb|A sold out Kop End and Mold Road Stand]]In August 2011, Wrexham were faced with being expelled from the [[Football Conference]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-14399890|title=Leagues bosses in Wrexham talks|date=4 August 2011|website=BBC|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129023144/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-14399890|url-status=live}}</ref> fans rallied and raised £127,000 in one day<ref>{{cite news |title=The UK's greatest football grounds |url=https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/the-uks-greatest-football-grounds |access-date=28 August 2020 |work=Reader's Digest |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921160312/https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/the-uks-greatest-football-grounds |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-15068449|title=Wrexham FC takeover deal is done|date=26 September 2011|website=BBC|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=17 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217135924/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-15068449|url-status=live}}</ref> [[List of fan-owned sports teams#Wales|Fan ownership]] of Wrexham was finally ratified on 12 December 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15969901|title=Supporters' Trust seals Wrexham takeover|date=12 December 2011|website=BBC|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-date=17 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217141846/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15969901|url-status=live}}</ref> As of May 2015 the WST had 4,129 adult members and joint-owners of the club.<ref name="wst.org.uk">{{cite web|url=http://wst.org.uk/www3/|title=Home|website=Wst.org.uk|access-date=24 February 2014|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107191835/http://wst.org.uk/www3/|url-status=live}}</ref> As well as the city of [[Wrexham]], support is drawn from the surrounding towns and villages of the [[Wrexham County Borough|district]], such as [[Gwersyllt]] and [[Rhosllannerchrugog|Rhos]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/wrexhamfc/news/gwersyllt-district-reds-quiz-night-joy-671022.html |title=Gwersyllt & District Reds Quiz Night Joy! |website=Wrexham FC Unofficial Website |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224831/http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/wrexhamfc/news/gwersyllt-district-reds-quiz-night-joy-671022.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rhos-and-district-reds.weebly.com/|title=RHOS AND DISTRICT REDS Wrexham afc|website=RHOS AND DISTRICT REDS Wrexham afc|access-date=9 February 2023|archive-date=9 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209143709/https://rhos-and-district-reds.weebly.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Flintshire]] towns of [[Mold, Flintshire|Mold]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moldreds.co.uk/ |title=Mold & District Reds – Home |website=Moldreds.co.uk |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200454/http://www.moldreds.co.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Buckley, Flintshire|Buckley]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.buckleyreds.co.uk/index.html |title=£800 Cheque Presentation |website=buckleyreds.co.uk |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042639/http://www.buckleyreds.co.uk/index.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Holywell, Flintshire|Holywell]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onttss.co.uk/wrexhamfans.htm|title=Wrexham Football Club - Supporters Clubs|website=Onttss.co.uk|access-date=11 December 2018|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128201534/http://onttss.co.uk/wrexhamfans.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Deeside]]. For the [[2013 FA Trophy final]] coaches of Wrexham fans came from many [[North Wales]] towns including; [[Bala, Gwynedd|Bala]], [[Bangor, Gwynedd|Bangor]], [[Caernarfon]], [[Colwyn Bay]], [[Denbigh]], [[Flint, Flintshire|Flint]], [[Llandudno]], [[Prestatyn]], [[Rhyl]] and [[Ruthin]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/fatf-commercial-announcement-12.02.28-686751.aspx?pageView=full#anchored |title=Latest Club News |website=wrexhamafc.co.uk |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711191230/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/fatf-commercial-announcement-12.02.28-686751.aspx?pageView=full#anchored |archive-date=11 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, many Wrexham fans reside in [[Shropshire]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/shreds-agm-2014-14.05.20-1566461.aspx |title=News - Wrexham FC |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711191105/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/shreds-agm-2014-14.05.20-1566461.aspx |archive-date=11 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Exiled supporters clubs can be found in [[South Wales]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/south-wales-reds-quiz-14.03.11-1411899.aspx |title=News - Wrexham FC|access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711192140/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/south-wales-reds-quiz-14.03.11-1411899.aspx |archive-date=11 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Manchester]] and [[London]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/fans/supporters-club/|title=Supporters Clubs|website=Wrexhamafc.co.uk|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=18 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618210803/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/fans/supporters-club/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref name="11v11.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-middlesbrough-11-december-1999-677/|title=Wrexham v Middlesbrough, 11 December 1999|website=11v11.com|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525195903/http://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-middlesbrough-11-december-1999-677/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6602943.stm|title=Boston lose Football League spot|date=5 May 2007|website=BBC|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=11 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911161434/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6602943.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Famous Wrexham fans include Canadian [[astronaut]] [[Chris Hadfield]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/18786116.world-support-wrexham-afc-astronaut-chris-hadfield/ |title=Out of this world support for Wrexham AFC from astronaut Chris Hadfield |last=Nuttall |first=Andrew |work=The Leader |date=11 October 2020 |access-date=26 July 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517014849/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/18786116.world-support-wrexham-afc-astronaut-chris-hadfield/ }}</ref> former Royal butler [[Paul Burrell]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/86062/-i-m-a-celebrity-star-and-former-royal-butler-paul-burrell-back-in-wrexham.aspx |title='I'm a Celebrity' star and former Royal butler Paul Burrell back in Wrexham |date=10 March 2021 |first=Claire |last=Gallagher |website=Leaderlive.co.uk |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311210814/http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/86062/-i-m-a-celebrity-star-and-former-royal-butler-paul-burrell-back-in-wrexham.aspx |archive-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> actor and television presenter [[Tim Vincent]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/91939/tv-s-tim-tips-wrexham-fc-for-promotion.aspx |title=TV's Tim tips Wrexham FC for promotion |date=13 August 2010 |first1=Matt |last1=Jones |first2=Robin |last2=Jones |website=Leaderlive.co.uk |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006145404/http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/91939/tv-s-tim-tips-wrexham-fc-for-promotion.aspx |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> actor [[Llŷr Ifans]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Welton|first1=Blake|title=14 celebrities you may or may not know support Wrexham FC|date=28 January 2015|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wrexham-fc-famous-celebrity-fans-8534043|access-date=21 June 2015|archive-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703073905/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wrexham-fc-famous-celebrity-fans-8534043|url-status=live}}</ref> actor and [[comedian]] [[Ted Robbins]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/109515/reds-don-t-need-me-to-wish-them-luck-says-flynn.aspx |title=Reds don't need me to wish them luck, says Flynn |date=17 January 2012 |first=Phil |last=Robinson |website=Leaderlive.co.uk |access-date=30 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006141717/http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/109515/reds-don-t-need-me-to-wish-them-luck-says-flynn.aspx |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[The Sweet|Sweet]] guitarist [[Andy Scott (guitarist)|Andy Scott]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/6047568.stm|title=Wrexham helped to Sweet success|date=15 October 2006|website=BBC News|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=6 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061106212727/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/6047568.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Neck Deep|Lloyd Roberts]] of rock band [[Neck Deep]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Geraint|title=Town's pop punk band to grace top UK festivals|url=http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/144984/town-s-pop-punk-band-to-grace-top-uk-festivals.aspx|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619221008/http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/144984/town-s-pop-punk-band-to-grace-top-uk-festivals.aspx|archive-date=19 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[2012 Summer Olympics|2012 Olympian]] weightlifter [[Gareth Evans (weightlifter)|Gareth Evans]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/other-sport/weightlifting-gareth-evans-says-owes-2658427|title=Weightlifting: Gareth Evans says he owes his Olympic call-up to Holyhead Weightlifting Club|first=North Wales Daily|last=Post|date=12 June 2012|website=Dailypost.co.uk|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002322/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/other-sport/weightlifting-gareth-evans-says-owes-2658427|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sky Sports]] reporter [[Bryn Law]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://wst.org.uk/www3/index.php/membership1/wst-contacts/24-bryn-law |title=WST Contacts |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630061200/http://wst.org.uk/www3/index.php/membership1/wst-contacts/24-bryn-law |archive-date=30 June 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Rugby World Cup]] [[referee]] [[Nigel Owens]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fifa-must-stamp-down-play-acting-7253186|title=Nigel Owens column: FIFA must stamp down on play-acting at Brazil 2014 or it could filter into rugby too|date=11 June 2014|website=Walesonline.co.uk|access-date=30 September 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006124443/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fifa-must-stamp-down-play-acting-7253186|url-status=live}}</ref> and former [[Association football|footballers]] [[Neil Roberts (Welsh footballer)|Neil Roberts]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/interview-neil-roberts-14.08.27-1879798.aspx |title=News - Wrexham FC |access-date=30 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711193133/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/article/interview-neil-roberts-14.08.27-1879798.aspx |archive-date=11 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Robbie Savage]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14317182|title=Robbie Savage concerned by Wrexham's plight|date=28 July 2011|website=BBC|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-date=4 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804200907/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14317182|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Mark Hughes]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/125287/sparky-backs-wrexham-fc-for-glory.aspx |title=Sparky backs Wrexham FC for glory |date=6 August 2014 |first=Tom |last=Norris |newspaper=The Leader |access-date=25 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203093514/http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/125287/sparky-backs-wrexham-fc-for-glory.aspx |archive-date=3 February 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The club also has a [[namesake]] club in [[Uganda]], Wrexham F.C. Uganda, established in 2009, created by Welsh charity Teams4U.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-64432767|title=How Wrexham's fan base has spread to Uganda|date=29 January 2023|via=www.bbc.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-football-team-uganda--10182625|title=Wrexham AFC has namesake team ... in Uganda!|first=Jez|last=Hemming|date=2 October 2015|website=North Wales Live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23257083.wrexham-afc-represented-uganda/|title=Ugandan football team doing its bit to help put Wrexham AFC on the map|date=22 January 2023|website=The Leader}}</ref> |
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The Racecourse is used by Welsh teams such as [[Bangor City F.C.|Bangor City]] for their qualifying matches in the [[UEFA Cup]] and [[UEFA Champions League]], which they qualify for through the [[Welsh Premier League]] and the [[Welsh Cup]]. It was the venue for the Bangor City vs [[FC Midtjylland]] match in 2008, which resulted in a resounding 6–1 victory for the [[Denmark|Danish]] team. |
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===Rivalries=== |
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The Racecourse is made up of four stands, one of which, the terraced '''Kop''', is closed as it is awaiting demolition following a failed health & safety test in 2008. The Kop stand is located behind the goal at the 'town end' of the ground, and development is planned for a 5,800 all seater stand, with the intention to include a bar & shops and also a retractable stage so that the Racecourse will be able to stage events such as concerts, basketball games, boxing matches and conferences. Behind the Kop there will be multi-story flats which will provide accommodation to the University next door.<ref>[http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10311~1488621,00.html "Blueprint for Racecourse Development"] wrexhamafc.co.uk Retrieved on 1 January 2008</ref> The '''Eric Roberts Stand''', named after a local builder, is located behind the goal nearest to the A483. It was traditionally used by away fans, in-order to implement crowd segregation for football matches; is said by many visiting fans to have one of the best views of action in all of the lower leagues. From the 2008–2009 season, away fans have been allocated 600 seats in the Yale stand, and the Eric Roberts stand has been allocated to the home fans, where it is home to the 12th Man supporters group. It is where the majority of Wrexham fans display their own Wrexham and Welsh Flags, and it is known to be the most atmospheric part of the ground. The '''Yale Stand''' houses the directors box, changing rooms and club offices, and is located behind the dugout. It is seen by many as the family stand and has a capacity of 5,500 which alone holds more fans than Wrexham's rivals Chester City's entire ground. The '''Mold Road Stand''' built in 1999 (formerly Pryce Griffiths Stand), is the most notable stand to most away fans, because of the unusual shape of the cantilever roof. It contains a Nando's sponsored family area. |
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{{Main|Cross-border derby}} |
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Wrexham has a fierce rivalry with [[Chester F.C.|Chester]]; the two contest the [[cross-border derby]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thedaisycutter.co.uk/2012/04/bordering-on-kinship-the-incredible-story-of-chester-and-wrexham/ |title=Bordering On Kinship: The Incredible Story Of Chester And Wrexham |date=14 April 2012 |website=Thedaisycutter.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417062322/https://www.thedaisycutter.co.uk/2012/04/bordering-on-kinship-the-incredible-story-of-chester-and-wrexham/ |archive-date=17 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/wales-v-england-poor-v-rich-its-wrexham-vs-chester|title=Wales v England, poor v "rich" – it's Wrexham vs Chester|date=1 June 2006|website=Fourfourtwo.com|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525232130/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/wales-v-england-poor-v-rich-its-wrexham-vs-chester|url-status=live}}</ref> The clubs are located just 10 miles apart, but are [[Wales|Welsh]] and [[England|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 F.C.|Chester City]]; the most recent was played in March 2018 with Wrexham winning 2–0 at the Racecourse Ground.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43275543 |title=Wrexham 2-0 Chester |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date= 11 March 2018 |access-date=9 June 2024}}</ref> Wrexham lead the head-to-head rivalry with 67 wins compared to Chester's 50. Games between the two are classed as "high risk"<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.onttss.co.uk/wrexhamvchesterderby.htm |title=Wrexham v Chester |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924060631/http://www.onttss.co.uk/wrexhamvchesterderby.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> for the potential of disorder and are generally moved to early kick-offs with a large police presence to prevent it,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/chester-v-wrexham-bubble-match-7156739|title=Chester v Wrexham bubble match cost £40k to police|first=Gary|last=Porter|date=22 May 2014|website=Dailypost.co.uk|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525214104/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/chester-v-wrexham-bubble-match-7156739|url-status=live}}</ref> though arrests do still occur for various offenses surrounding the fans of both clubs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/nineteen-now-arrested-after-wrexham-5910906|title=Nineteen now arrested after Wrexham v Chester game|first=Carmella de|last=Lucia|date=11 September 2013|website=Chesterchronicle.co.uk|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200653/http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/nineteen-now-arrested-after-wrexham-5910906|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/stupidest-football-hooligan-wrexham-yob-3209747|title=Stupidest football hooligan? Yob sprays graffiti at rival ground then puts posing pictures on FACEBOOK|first=Luke|last=Traynor|date=6 March 2014|website=Mirror.co.uk|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215221845/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/stupidest-football-hooligan-wrexham-yob-3209747|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsnorthwales.co.uk/news/133072/yob-jailed-after-throwing-smoke-bombs-at-derby.aspx|title=Yob jailed after throwing smoke bombs at derby|website=Newsnorthwales.co.uk|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525232359/http://www.newsnorthwales.co.uk/news/133072/yob-jailed-after-throwing-smoke-bombs-at-derby.aspx|archive-date=25 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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All of the seats in the stadium are red, the exception being approximately 600 bi-laterally in the upper Yale Stand which are a blue, and the word 'Wrexham' spelt out in white letters in the Mold Road Stand. |
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[[File:Monty Wright for Chester vs Wrexham in 1954.jpg|left|thumb|215x215px|Chester vs Wrexham in 1954]] |
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The Racecourse is not only used for footballing purposes, as the [[Llanelli Scarlets]] and [[Ospreys (rugby team)|Ospreys]] use it to train. [[Crusaders Rugby League]] used the Racecourse Ground for their opening European Super League XV clash against reigning champions [[Leeds Rhinos]] and moved to Wrexham for the 2009–10 season. |
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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 [[North London derby|Arsenal v Spurs]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/lee-dixon-with-arsenals-fragility-its-adebayors-latest-chance-to-put-one-over-his-old-team-2363842.html?action=gallery&ino=4|title=Lee Dixon: With Arsenal's fragility, it's Adebayor's latest chance to|date=1 October 2011|website=The Independent|access-date=2 November 2017|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701110259/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/lee-dixon-with-arsenals-fragility-its-adebayors-latest-chance-to-put-one-over-his-old-team-2363842.html?action=gallery&ino=4|url-status=live}}</ref> Former [[Wales national football team|Wales]] and [[Liverpool F.C.|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".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23895575|title=Ian Rush compares Wrexham v Chester to Wales-England clash|date=30 August 2013|website=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216232121/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23895575|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Training ground== |
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Wrexham also have a fierce rivalry with [[Shrewsbury Town]]<ref name="footballfanscensus.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf |title=Rivalry Uncovered! |access-date=15 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304004344/http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thetwounfortunates.com/unexpected-rivalries-2-shrewsbury-port-vale-and-wrexham/|title=Unexpected Rivalries 2: Shrewsbury, Port Vale and Wrexham|date=25 July 2012|website=Thetwounfortunates.com|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525214026/http://thetwounfortunates.com/unexpected-rivalries-2-shrewsbury-port-vale-and-wrexham/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> 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]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4473253.stm|title=Men jailed over football violence|date=22 April 2005|publisher=[[BBC News]]|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=23 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423071629/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/4473253.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and trouble was again evident when the two clubs met in a 2013 friendly at the [[Racecourse Ground]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/wrexham-2-tranmere-rovers-0-5377638|title=Wrexham 2 Tranmere Rovers 0: Crowd trouble mars pre-season friendly|first=Nick|last=Hilton|date=29 July 2013|website=lIverpoolecho.co.uk|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525214101/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/wrexham-2-tranmere-rovers-0-5377638|url-status=live}}</ref> Though not as intense as they once were, due to divisional differences, [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]] and [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]], as well as fellow Welsh clubs [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]], [[Newport County A.F.C.|Newport County]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67763556|title=The Welsh derby between clubs who are miles apart|work=BBC Sport }}</ref> and [[Swansea City F.C.|Swansea City]] are also classed as rivals.<ref name="footballfanscensus.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://charliestoney.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/the-trouble-with-taffies-welsh-hooligan-by-jeff-joe-cardiff-marsh-without-pictures/ |title=The Trouble with Taffies – Welsh hooligan |date=29 May 2021 |first=Jeff |last=Marsh |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204170123/http://charliestoney.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/the-trouble-with-taffies-welsh-hooligan-by-jeff-joe-cardiff-marsh-without-pictures/ |archive-date=4 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bigclubornot.co.uk/wrexham.htm |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224113654/http://www.bigclubornot.co.uk/wrexham.htm |url-status=dead |title=Archived copy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/best-of-times-worst-of-times-wrexham-afc-vs-newport-county|title=BEST OF TIMES, WORST OF TIMES - Wrexham AFC vs Newport County|date=30 November 2018|website=Wrexham AFC official site|access-date=13 February 2020|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924112135/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/best-of-times-worst-of-times-wrexham-afc-vs-newport-county|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/wales-v-england-poor-v-rich-its-wrexham-vs-chester |title=Wales v England, poor v "rich" – it's Wrexham vs Chester |author=Andy Mitten |publisher=FourFourTwo |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007123553/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/wales-v-england-poor-v-rich-its-wrexham-vs-chester |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Wrexham's current training ground is the purpose-built Colliers Park, which is situated on Chester Road, [[Gresford]], approximately 2 miles from the Racecourse, close to the site of the old [[Gresford Colliery]]. When the construction had been completed it was officially opened in June 1997, at a building cost of £750,000. It is widely regarded in British football to be one of the best training grounds outside of the top flight and one of the best never to have been used by a top flight team. The [[England national football team|England national team]], [[Barcelona]], [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] and the [[Wales national football team|Wales national team]] have all used it for training purposes. 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. |
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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 <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60898507 |title=Wrexham 2-0 Stockport County|date=1 April 2022|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> and League,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61288463 |title=Wrexham 3-0 Stockport County|date=8 May 2022|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> before battling Notts County for the title in [[2022-23 National League|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 (footballer)|Ben Foster]] penalty save in the last minute,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65159591 |title=Wrexham 3-2 Notts County|date=22 April 2023|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> proving crucial as Wrexham finished 4 points clear of Notts to win the title and promotion back to the [[English Football League|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 <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68862557 |title=Wrexham 2-1 Stockport County|date=27 April 2024|website=BBC Sport}}</ref>) to ensure the two would be in League One for the [[2024-25 EFL League One|2024-25 League One]] season. |
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==Honours== |
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===Domestic=== |
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====League==== |
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*'''[[Football League Third Division]]''' - Champions: 1977–78 (third tier) |
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*'''[[Football League Fourth Division]]''' - Runners-Up: 1969–70 (fourth tier) |
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*'''[[Football League Division Three]]''' - Runners-Up: 1992–93 (fourth tier) |
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*'''[[Football League Fourth Division]]''' - Promoted (3rd): 1961–62 (fourth tier) |
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*'''[[Football League Division Three]]''' - Promoted (3rd): 2002–03 (fourth tier) |
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[[File:Wrex.jpg|thumb|Wrex the Dragon|277x277px]] |
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====Cups==== |
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*'''[[Football League Trophy]]''' - Winners: 2004–05 |
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*'''[[Welsh Cup]]''' - Winners: 23 times, runner-up 22 times |
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*'''[[FAW Premier Cup]]''' - Winners: 1996–97, 1997–98, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04 |
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*'''[[FA Cup]] - QF:''' 1973–74, 1977–78, 1996–97'' |
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*'''[[Football League Cup]] - QF:''' 1960–61, 1977–78'' |
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=== |
===Team mascot=== |
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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 F.C.|Bristol City]], [[Swindon Town]] and [[Cheltenham Town]] also use the nickname of 'The Robins'. Wrex is occasionally performed by owner Rob McElhenney. |
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*'''[[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|European Cup Winners' Cup]] - QF:''' 1975–76'' |
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==Training ground== |
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== Player records == |
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Wrexham's training ground was the purpose-built Colliers Park, in neighbouring [[Gresford]].<ref name="auto1">{{cite news |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17920185.opening-colliers-park-boost-football-wrexham-north-wales/ |title=Opening of Colliers Park is boost for football in Wrexham and North Wales |publisher=the Leader |date=23 September 2019 |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810121249/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17920185.opening-colliers-park-boost-football-wrexham-north-wales/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When the construction had been completed it was officially opened in June 1997, at a building cost of £750,000.<ref name="auto1"/> 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.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexham.com/news/football-coming-home-for-wrexham-as-faw-plans-for-colliers-site-move-to-final-stage-148420.html |title=Colliers Park development gets go ahead - reminder site was 'taken off' football club by 'unscrupulous developers' |publisher=Wrexham.com |date=4 May 2018 |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907135127/https://www.wrexham.com/news/football-coming-home-for-wrexham-as-faw-plans-for-colliers-site-move-to-final-stage-148420.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[England national football team|England national team]], [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] and the [[Wales national football team|Wales national team]] have all used it for training purposes.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-afc-quit-colliers-park-11529738 |title=Wrexham AFC quit Colliers Park training ground due to annual costs |author=Gary Porter |publisher=North Wales Live |date=27 June 2016 |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907135135/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-afc-quit-colliers-park-11529738 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-14387541 |title=Glyndwr University to buy Wrexham's Racecourse stadium |publisher=[[BBC]] |date= 3 August 2011 |access-date=7 August 2024}}</ref> 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.<ref name="wrexham.com"/> |
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*'''Most league goals in a season''' - 44 [[Tommy Bamford]] (1933–34) |
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*'''Most league goals in total''' - 175 [[Tommy Bamford]] (1928–34) |
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*'''Most league appearances''' - 592 [[Arfon Griffiths]] (1959–61, 1962–79) |
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*'''Most capped player''' - [[Joey Jones]], 72 for [[Wales national football team|Wales]] |
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*'''Most caps while at Wrexham''' - [[Dai Davies (footballer born 1948)|Dai Davies]] - 28 for Wales |
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*'''Oldest player''' - [[Billy Lot Jones]] - aged 46 v [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] |
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*'''Youngest player''' - [[Ken Roberts (footballer)|Ken Roberts]] - aged 15 years and 158 days v [[Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C.|Bradford Park Avenue]] |
|||
For the beginning of the 2016–17 season, Wrexham moved back to their former training ground at [[Stansty Park]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15940675.wrexham-afc-set-to-begin-pre-season-training-at-stansty-park/ |title=Wrexham AFC set to begin pre-season training at Stansty Park |publisher=the Leader |date=27 June 2016 |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907135124/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15940675.wrexham-afc-set-to-begin-pre-season-training-at-stansty-park/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the home of [[Welsh National League (Wrexham Area)|Welsh National League]] side [[Lex XI F.C.|Lex Glyndwr]], due to the use of Colliers Park becoming financially unsustainable for the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wrexham AFC quit Colliers Park training ground due to annual costs |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-afc-quit-colliers-park-11529738 |website=Dailypost.co.uk |date=27 Jun 2016 |access-date=8 August 2024}}</ref> 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<ref>{{cite news |title=Wrexham Football Club To Use 9 Acre As Training Ground |url=https://www.wrexham.com/news/wrexham-football-club-to-use-9-acre-as-training-ground-129783.html |website=Wrexham.com |date=12 April 2017 |access-date=8 August 2024}}</ref> but also used Stansty Park in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wrexham Football club 'can still use Nine Acre Field' despite Stansty training move |url=https://www.wrexham.com/news/wrexham-football-club-can-still-use-nine-acre-field-despite-stansty-training-move-202535.html |website=Wrexham.com |date=1 April 2021 |access-date=8 August 2024}}</ref> Wrexham still occasionally train at Colliers Park since the takeover and use multiple venues.<ref>{{cite web |title='Isn't ideal' - Paul Mullin tells Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney exactly what they need to do to make a 'big step forward' |url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/paul-mullin-tells-wrexham-ryan-reynolds-rob-mcelhenney-what-need-big-step-forward/blt701580b7c5a4b4d9#cs701b3ca8901567b0 |author=Chris Burton |website=Goal.com |date=5 December 2023 |access-date=8 August 2024}}</ref> |
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==Team records== |
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*'''Attendance''' - 34,445 v Manchester United, FA cup R4, 26/01/1957 |
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*'''Highest league win''' - 10–1 v Hartlepool United, 03/03/1962 (Notable for the first occasion of 3 hat tricks in a single football league game) |
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*'''Worst league defeat''' - 0–9 v Brentford |
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*'''Biggest cup win''' - 6–0 v Charlton Ath. 05/01/1980 FA Cup R3 |
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*'''Highest transfer received''' - £800,000 for [[Bryan Hughes]], Birmingham City 1997 |
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*'''Highest transfer fee paid''' - £212,000 for [[Joey Jones]], Liverpool 1978 |
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==Players== |
==Players== |
||
:''As of 16 June 2011.''<ref name="Profiles">{{cite web |
|||
| title = Profiles |
|||
| url = http://www.wrexhamafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10311,00.html |
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| publisher = Wrexham F.C. |
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| accessdate = 2008–06–24}}</ref><ref name="Squad Numbers 2010/11">{{cite news |
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| title = Squad Numbers 2010/11 |
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| url = http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10311~2116982,00.html |
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| publisher = Wrexham F.C. |
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| date = 2010–08–10 |
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| accessdate = 2010–08–11}}</ref> |
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=== |
===Squad=== |
||
{{updated|7 December 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/teams/first-team/|title=Men's First Team|publisher=Wrexham A.F.C.|access-date=26 July 2024}}</ref> |
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{{Football squad start}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=2 | nat=England | pos=DF | name=Curtis Obeng}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=3 | nat=England | pos=DF | name=[[Neil Ashton]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=4 | nat=TRI | pos=DF |name=[[Marvin Andrews]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=5 | nat=England | pos=DF | name=[[Chris Blackburn]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=6 | nat=England | pos=MF | name=[[Jay Harris]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=7 | nat=Wales | pos=FW | name=[[Gareth Taylor]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=11 | nat=England | pos=FW | name=[[Andy Morrell]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=12 | nat=England | pos=MF | name=[[Dean Keates]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=15 | nat=Jamaica | pos=DF | name=[[Frank Sinclair]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=16 | nat=England | pos=DF | name=Johnny Hunt}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=17 | nat=Poland | pos=MF | name=Adrian Cieslewicz}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=18 | nat=Wales | pos=MF | name=[[Jamie Tolley]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=20 | nat=England | pos=MF | name=Nathaniel Knight-Percival}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=21 | nat=Wales | pos=GK | name=[[Chris Maxwell (footballer)|Chris Maxwell]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=22 | nat=Ireland | pos=DF | name=Declan Walker}} |
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{{Fs mid}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=23 | nat=England | pos=DF | name=[[Mark Creighton]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=24 | nat=France | pos=FW | name=Mathias Pogba}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=25 | nat=Cameroon | pos=GK | name=[[Joslain Mayebi]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=27 | nat=Wales | pos=MF | name=[[Lee Fowler]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=30 | nat=Nigeria | pos=FW | name=Obi Anoruo}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=32 | nat=Italy | pos=DF | name=Stephen Tomassen}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=33 | nat=England | pos=FW | name=Louis Moss}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=34 | nat=Wales | pos=MF | name=Matt Owen}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=35 | nat=Wales | pos=FW | name=Jack Colbeck}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=36 | nat=Wales | pos=DF | name=Rob Salathiel}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=37 | nat=Wales | pos=DF | name=Anthony Stephens}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=- | nat=England | pos=FW |name=Danny Wright}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=- | nat=England | pos=FW |name=[[Jake Speight]]}} |
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{{Football squad player | no=- | nat=England | pos=DF | name= [[Chris Westwood]]}} |
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{{ |
{{fs start}} |
||
{{Fs player|no=1 |nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=[[Arthur Okonkwo]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=3|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Lewis Brunt]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=4 |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Max Cleworth]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=5 |nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=[[Eoghan O'Connell]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=6 |nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=[[Thomas O'Connor (footballer)|Tom O'Connor]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=7|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=[[James McClean]]|other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=8|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Andy Cannon]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=9 |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Ollie Palmer]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=10|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Paul Mullin]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=11|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Jack Marriott (footballer)|Jack Marriott]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=12|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[George Evans (footballer, born 1994)|George Evans]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=13|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=[[Callum Burton]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=14|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=[[Anthony Forde (footballer)|Anthony Forde]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=15|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[George Dobson (footballer, born 1997)|George Dobson]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=17|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Luke Bolton]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=19|nat=GAM|pos=DF|name=[[Jacob Mendy]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=20|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Oliver Rathbone]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=21|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=[[Mark Howard (footballer, born September 1986)|Mark Howard]]}} |
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{{fs mid}} |
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{{Fs player|no=22|nat=GAM|pos=FW|name=[[Modou Faal]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=23|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Sebastian Revan]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=24|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Dan Scarr]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=25|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Will Boyle]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=26|nat=SCO|pos=FW|name=[[Steven Fletcher (footballer)|Steven Fletcher]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=28|nat=ISL|pos=FW|name=[[Jón Daði Böðvarsson]]}} |
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{{fs player|no=29|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Ryan Barnett]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=30|nat=SCO|pos=MF|name=[[James Jones (footballer, born 1996)|James Jones]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=32|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=[[Brad Foster (footballer)|Brad Foster]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=33|nat=SCO|pos=MF|name=[[Josh Adam]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=34|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Aaron James (footballer, born 2005)|Aaron James]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=37|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Matty James]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=38|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Elliot Lee]]}} |
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{{Fs player|no=41|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Liam Hall}} |
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{{Fs player|no=42|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Callum Edwards}} |
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{{Fs player|no=43|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=James Rainbird}} |
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{{Fs player|no=44|nat=WAL|pos=DF|name=Harry Dean}} |
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{{Fs player|no=45|nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=[[Harry Ashfield]]}} |
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{{Fs end}} |
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===Out on loan=== |
====Out on loan==== |
||
{{ |
{{Fs start}} |
||
{{Fs player|no=16|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Billy Waters (footballer, born 1994)|Billy Waters]]|other=on loan at [[FC Halifax Town]] until January 2025}} |
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{{Fs player|no=18|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Sam Dalby]]|other=on loan at [[Dundee United]] until end of season}} |
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{{Fs player|no=27|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Jake Bickerstaff]]|other=on loan at [[Altrincham F.C.|Altrincham]] until January 13 2025}} |
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{{Fs mid}} |
{{Fs mid}} |
||
{{Fs player|no=31|nat=IRL|pos=GK|name=[[Luke McNicholas]]|other=on loan at [[Rochdale A.F.C.|Rochdale]] until end of season}} |
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{{football squad end}} |
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{{Fs player|no= |nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=[[Jordan Davies (footballer)|Jordan Davies]]|other=on loan at [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] until end of season}} |
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{{Fs end}} |
|||
===Notable former players=== |
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== Coaching staff == |
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''For all players with a Wikipedia article, see [[:Category:Wrexham A.F.C. players|Wrexham A.F.C. players]].'' |
|||
''For a complete list of players, see List of Wrexham A.F.C. players with [[List of Wrexham A.F.C. players|100+ appearances]], [[List of Wrexham A.F.C. players (25–99 appearances)|25–99 appearances]] and [[List of Wrexham A.F.C. players (1–24 appearances)|1–24 appearances]].'' |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Dean Saunders]] - Manager |
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*{{flagicon|IRE}} [[Brian Carey]] - Assistant Manager / First Team Coach |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Joey Jones]] - Coach |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Michael Oakes]] - Goalkeeper Coach |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} Mal Purchase - Fitness coach |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} Ritson Lloyd - Physio |
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====Hall of Fame==== |
|||
== Club officials == |
|||
The following are members of the Wrexham A.F.C. Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/fanzone/hall-of-fame |title=Hall Of Fame |publisher=Wrexham AFC |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809131541/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/fanzone/hall-of-fame |archive-date=9 August 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Entry is not restricted to players; anyone who has made a great contribution to the club in any capacity can be considered. |
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*President: [[Arfon Griffiths]] MBE |
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{| |
|||
*Chairman: Ian Roberts |
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| valign="top" | |
|||
*Chief Executive: |
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{| class="wikitable" |
|||
*Company Secretary: Geoff Moss |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Name |
|||
*Director: |
|||
|- |
|||
*Senior Vice President: Neville Dickens |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Billy Ashcroft]] |
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*Football Secretary & Webmaster: Geraint Parry |
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|- |
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*Sales Manager: |
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|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Tommy Bamford]] |
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*Football in the Community Officers: Jimmy Hunter & Lee Jones |
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|- |
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*Safety Officer: Martin Bradley |
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|''{{flagicon|SCO}}'' [[Tommy Bannan]] |
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*Head Groundsman: Paul Challinor |
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|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ken Barnes (English footballer)|Ken Barnes]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Gary Bennett (footballer, born 1963)|Gary Bennett]] |
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|- |
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|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Horace Blew]] |
|||
|- |
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|''{{flagicon|IRL}}'' [[Brian Carey]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mark Carrington (footballer)|Mark Carrington]] |
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|- |
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|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' Ron Chaloner |
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|- |
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|''{{flagicon|WAL}}''Carroll Clark |
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|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Karl Connolly]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Dai Davies (footballer, born 1948)|Dai Davies]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Gareth Davies (footballer, born 1949)|Gareth Davies]] |
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|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|TRI}}'' [[Carlos Edwards]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' Johnny Edwards |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Mickey Evans (Welsh footballer)|Mickey Evans]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Brian Flynn (footballer)|Brian Flynn]] |
|||
|} |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Name |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Alan Fox (footballer)|Alan Fox]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Bertram Goode|Bert Goode]] |
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|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Arfon Griffiths]] |
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|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' Pryce Griffiths |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|IRL}}'' [[Phil Hardy]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Ron Hewitt (footballer, born 1928)|Ron Hewitt]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Alfred Jones (footballer, born 1900)|Alf Jones]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Joey Jones]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Albert Kinsey]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|TRI}}'' [[Dennis Lawrence]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}''[[Brian Lloyd]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Cliff Lloyd]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Andy Marriott]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Tommy Matthias]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Eddie May]] |
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|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|SCO}}'' [[Ally McGowan]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sammy McMillan]] |
|||
|} |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Name |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dixie McNeil]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Andy Morrell]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[John Neal (footballer, born 1932)|John Neal]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Gareth Owen (footballer, born 1971)|Gareth Owen]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' Ted Robinson |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Kevin Russell (footballer)|Kevin Russell]] |
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|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Bobby Shinton]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[George Showell]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Denis Smith (footballer, born 1947)|Denis Smith]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ray Smith (English footballer, born 1943)|Ray Smith]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mel Sutton]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Mickey Thomas (footballer)|Mickey Thomas]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Billy Tunnicliffe]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Graham Whittle]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' [[Mike Williams (footballer, born 1965)|Mike Williams]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|''{{flagicon|WAL}}'' Wrexham Supporters Trust |
|||
|} |
|||
|} |
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====Player of the Year==== |
|||
== Notable former players == |
|||
{{Main|List of Wrexham A.F.C. records and statistics#Wrexham Player of the Year}} |
|||
:''See also [[:Category:Wrexham F.C. players]] |
|||
====Player records==== |
|||
Players with international caps in '''bold'''. |
|||
*'''Most goals in a season in all competitions:''' [[Tommy Bamford]] – 51 ([[1933–34 in English football|1933–34]])<ref name="wrexhamafc.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/fans/hall_fame/|title=Hall Of Fame|website=Wrexhamafc.co.uk|access-date=10 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416083102/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/fans/hall_fame/|archive-date=16 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
|||
*'''Most League goals in a season:''' [[Tommy Bamford]] – 44 ([[1933–34 in English football|1933–34]], [[Football League Third Division North|Division Three North]])<ref name="wrexhamafc.co.uk"/> |
|||
*'''Most league goals in total:''' Tommy Bamford – 175<ref name="wrexhamafc.co.uk"/> |
|||
*'''Most hat tricks:''' Tommy Bamford – 16<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2021/december/wxmanorak--review-of-2021/#:~:text=Who%20were%20the%20outstanding%20performers%20of%20the%20year%3F&text=Wrexham%20have%20only%20won%20more%20games%20in%206%20years%20of%20our%20history.&text=In%202021%20Wrexham%20scored%20the,since%20joining%20the%20Football%20League. |title=#WXMANORAK Review of 2021 |publisher=Wrexham AFC |date=31 December 2021 |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702055742/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2021/december/wxmanorak--review-of-2021/#:~:text=Who%20were%20the%20outstanding%20performers%20of%20the%20year%3F&text=Wrexham%20have%20only%20won%20more%20games%20in%206%20years%20of%20our%20history.&text=In%202021%20Wrexham%20scored%20the,since%20joining%20the%20Football%20League. |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
*'''Most goals scored in a single game by one player:''' [[Andy Morrell]] – 7 (against [[Merthyr Tydfil F.C.|Merthyr Tydfil]], 16 February 2000)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/team/player-profile/andrew-morrell/11 |title=Wrexham FC Player Profiles: Andy Morrell |access-date=10 April 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140410185528/http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/team/player-profile/andrew-morrell/11 |archive-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
|||
*'''Most league appearances:''' 592 – [[Arfon Griffiths]] (1959–61, 1962–79)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/20017426.wales-beaten-austria-wrexham-afcs-arfon-griffiths-match-winner-racecourse/ |title=Wales have beaten Austria before and Wrexham AFC's Arfon Griffiths was the match-winner at The Racecourse |publisher=Leader Live |date=24 March 2022 |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628090221/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/20017426.wales-beaten-austria-wrexham-afcs-arfon-griffiths-match-winner-racecourse/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
*'''Most appearances in total:''' 713 - [[Arfon Griffiths]] (1959–61, 1962–79) |
|||
*'''Most capped player:''' 146 - [[Daniel Bennett (footballer)|Daniel Bennett]], Singapore |
|||
*'''Most caps while at Wrexham:''' 49 – [[Dennis Lawrence]], Trinidad & Tobago |
|||
*'''Oldest player:''' [[Bobby Roberts (footballer)|Bobby Roberts]] – 43 years, 88 days (against [[Worcester City F.C.|Worcester City]], 29 October 1983)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/march/wxmanorak--wrexham-v-york-city/ |title=#WXMANORAK Wrexham v York City |publisher=Wrexham AFC |date=26 March 2023 |access-date=22 April 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326125214/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/march/wxmanorak--wrexham-v-york-city/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
*'''Youngest player:''' [[Ken Roberts (footballer, born 1936)|Ken Roberts]] – 15 years, 158 days (against [[Bradford (Park Avenue) A.F.C.|Bradford PA]], 1 September 1951)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55964042 |title=Ken Roberts: Wrexham's record youngest player dies aged 84 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 February 2021 |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626151744/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55964042 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
===Reserves=== |
|||
===Players with over 200 Football League appearances for Wrexham=== |
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Between 1988 and 1995 the reserve team of Wrexham played in the Welsh football leagues.<ref>{{cite web|title=WREXHAM RESERVES|url=http://fchd.info/WREXHAM2.HTM|publisher=Football Club History Database|access-date=13 August 2014|archive-date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814092118/http://fchd.info/WREXHAM2.HTM|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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{| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Arfon Griffiths]]''' 550 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Mickey Evans (Welsh footballer)|Mickey Evans]] 383 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mel Sutton]] 360 |
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* {{flagicon|Ireland}} '''[[Phil Hardy]]''' 346 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Karl Connolly]] 337 |
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* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Darren Ferguson]] 310 |
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* {{flagicon|Ireland}} '''[[Brian Carey]]''' 304 |
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|width="45"| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Gareth Owen (footballer born 1982)|Gareth Owen]] 298 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Brian Tinnion (footballer)|Brian Tinnion]] 279 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Joey Jones]]''' 278 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Mickey Thomas (football)|Mickey Thomas]]''' 264 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Kevin Russell]] 256 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Mark McGregor]] 237 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Ron Hewitt]]''' 231 |
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|width="45"| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Andy Marriott]]''' 225 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Billy Ashcroft]] 219 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Wayne Phillips (footballer)|Wayne Phillips]]''' 219 |
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* {{flagicon|TRI}} '''[[Dennis Lawrence]]''' 203 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Tommy Bamford]] |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Tony Humes]] 202 |
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|width="45"| |
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|} |
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On 2 August 2022, Wrexham announced their participation in the upcoming [[Central League (England)|2022–23 Central League]] season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Club to enter Reserve team into Central League|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2022/august/club-news--club-to-enter-reserve-team-into-central-league/|publisher=Wrexham A.F.C.|access-date=23 September 2022|archive-date=20 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172901/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2022/august/club-news--club-to-enter-reserve-team-into-central-league/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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===Players with over 100 Football League appearances for Wrexham=== |
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{| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Gary Bennett (footballer born 1962)|Gary Bennett]] 136 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Archie Burgon]] 140 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Dai Davies (footballer)|Dai Davies]]''' 144 |
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* {{flagicon|TRI}} '''[[Carlos Edwards]]''' 165 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Brian Flynn]]''' 100 |
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|width="45"| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Barry Horne (footballer)|Barry Horne]]''' 136 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Mark Jones (Welsh footballer)|Mark Jones]]''' 141 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dixie McNeil]] 167 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Eddie Niedzwiecki]]''' 111 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Andy Morrell]] 109 |
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|width="45"| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mel Pejic]] 106 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Neil Roberts (Welsh footballer)|Neil Roberts]]''' 130 |
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* {{flagicon|TRI}} '''[[Hector Sam]]''' 150 |
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* {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Hugh McMahon]] 144 |
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* {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Jim Steel (footballer)|Jim Steel]] 164 |
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* {{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} '''[[Jim Whitley]]''' 140 |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Chris Armstrong (footballer born 1971)|Chris Armstrong]] 119 |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Danny Williams (footballer born 1979)|Danny Williams]] 166 |
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|} |
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==Seasons== |
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===Other Notable former players=== |
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{{main|List of Wrexham A.F.C. seasons}} |
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''Inclusion criteria: Attained international caps, went on to/previously played at a significantly higher level of football or is notable for a specific reason.'' |
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{| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Joe Allen (footballer born 1990)|Joe Allen]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|AUS}} '''[[Danny Allsopp]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|SIN}} '''[[Daniel Bennett (footballer)|Daniel Bennett]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jimmy Case]] |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Andrew Crofts (footballer)|Andrew Crofts]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[John Curtis (footballer born 1978)|John Curtis]] |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Simon Davies (footballer born 1979)|Simon Davies]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Wyn Davies]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Matt Derbyshire]] |
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* {{flagicon|Belgium}} '''[[Ritchie De Laet]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Andy Dibble]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|Trinidad}} '''[[Carlos Edwards]]''' |
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|width="45"| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Steve Evans (footballer born 1979)|Steve Evans]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} '''[[Ben Foster (footballer)|Ben Foster]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|Ghana}} '''[[Christian Gyan]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mike Hooper (footballer)|Mike Hooper]] |
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* {{flagicon|Jamaica}} '''[[Paul Hall (footballer)|Paul Hall]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Bryan Hughes]] |
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* {{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} '''[[Barry Hunter (footballer)|Barry Hunter]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Matt Jansen]] |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Alfred Jones (footballer born 1900)|Alf Jones]] |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Lee Jones (footballer born 1973)|Lee Jones]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} '''[[Alan Kennedy]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} '''[[Chris Killen]]''' |
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|width="45"| |
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|valign="top"| |
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* {{flagicon|Trinidad}} '''[[Dennis Lawrence]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Arthur Lea]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|Faroe Islands}} '''[[Gunnar Nielsen (footballer)|Gunnar Nielsen]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Ian Rush]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|Senegal}} '''[[Lamine Sakho]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} '''[[Danny Sonner]]''' |
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* {{Flagicon|Cameroon}} '''[[Patrick Suffo]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lee Trundle]] |
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* {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Juan Ugarte]] |
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* {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Rolando Ugolini]] |
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* {{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} '''[[Jeff Whitley]]''' |
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* {{flagicon|Ireland}} '''[[Jon Walters]]''' |
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|width="45"| |
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|} |
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== |
==Team records== |
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{{main|List of Wrexham A.F.C. records and statistics}} |
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''The following have been included in the [[PFA Team of the Year]] whilst playing for Wrexham :'' |
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* [[2002–03 in English football|2003]] {{flagicon|TRI}} [[Carlos Edwards]], {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Andy Morrell]] (Third Division) |
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* [[2003–04 in English football|2004]] {{flagicon|TRI}} [[Carlos Edwards]] (Second Division) |
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* [[2005–06 in English football|2006]] {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Mark Jones (Welsh footballer)|Mark Jones]] (League 2) |
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*'''Attendance''' – 34,445 v [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], [[FA Cup]] 4th round, 26 January 1957<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-manchester-united-26-January-1957-210986/|title=Wrexham v Manchester United, 26 January 1957|work=11v11.com|access-date=19 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129044907/http://www.11v11.com/matches/wrexham-v-manchester-united-26-January-1957-210986/|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Managers since joining the league== |
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*'''League attendance''' – 29,261 v [[Chester City F.C.|Chester City]], [[Football League One|Division Three]], 26 December 1936<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chester-city.co.uk/boxing_day_crackers.asp |title=Boxing Day Crackers |publisher=Chester FC |date=26 December 2003 |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=2 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202055126/http://www.chester-city.co.uk/boxing_day_crackers.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ted Robinson (footballer)|Ted Robinson]] (1921–25) |
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*'''Average attendance''' – 11,651, [[1977–78 Football League|1977–78]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://european-football-statistics.co.uk/attnclub/nonleague/wrex.htm |title=England historical attendance and performance - Wrexham AFC |publisher=European Football Statistics |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=19 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319230235/http://european-football-statistics.co.uk/attnclub/nonleague/wrex.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Charlie Hewitt (footballer)|Charlie Hewitt]] (1925–29) |
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*'''Highest league win''' – 10–1 v [[Hartlepool United F.C.|Hartlepools United]], 3 March 1962<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/19132675.jeff-stelling-not-like-day-wrexham-hammered-hartlepool-10-1/ |title=Jeff Stelling would not have liked this |author=Nick Harrison |publisher=Leader Live |date=3 March 2021 |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619151245/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/19132675.jeff-stelling-not-like-day-wrexham-hammered-hartlepool-10-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|Notable for the first occasion of three hat tricks in a single Football League game.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}}} |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jack Baynes]] (1929–31) |
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*'''Worst league defeat''' – 9–0 v [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]], [[Football League One|Division Three]], 15 October 1963{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}} |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ernest Blackburn]] (1932–36) |
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*'''Highest league finish''' - 15th, [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]], [[1978–79 Football League#Second Division|1978-79]] |
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*{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Jimmy Logan (footballer)|Jimmy Logan]] (1937–38) |
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*'''Lowest league finish''' - 17th, [[National League (division)|Conference National]], [[2013–14 Football Conference#Conference Premier|2013-14]] |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Arthur Cowell]] (1938) |
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*'''Biggest cup win''' – 6–0 v [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]], [[1979–80 FA Cup|FA Cup]] 3rd round, 5 January 1980{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}} |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Tom Morgan (footballer)|Tom Morgan]] (1938–40) |
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*'''Most games won in a row''' – 10, 5 April 2003 – 8 May 2003, [[2002–03 Wrexham F.C. season|2002–03]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/records.php |title=All Time Records |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=21 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521185408/https://wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/records.php |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Tom Williams (Welsh footballer)|Tom Williams]] (1940–49) |
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*'''Most league wins in a season''' – 34, [[2022–23 Wrexham A.F.C. season|2022–23]] |
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*{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Les McDowall]] (1949–50) |
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*'''Most goals in a season''' – 115, 2022–23 |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Peter Jackson (footballer born 1905)|Peter Jackson]] (1950–54) |
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*'''Longest unbeaten run''' – 28, October 2022 – 7 April 2023, 2022–23<ref>{{Cite web |title=#WXMANORAK {{!}} Wrexham v Southend United |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/march/wxmanorak--wrexham-v-southend-united/ |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk |language=en-gb |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413153911/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/march/wxmanorak--wrexham-v-southend-united/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-07 |title=Wrexham overtaken in promotion race after loss |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/wrexham/story/4917979/wrexham-overtaken-in-promotion-race-after-loss |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413153908/https://www.espn.com/soccer/wrexham/story/4917979/wrexham-overtaken-in-promotion-race-after-loss |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Cliff Lloyd]] (1954–57) |
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*'''Most consecutive league clean sheets''' – 7, 9 October – 26 November, [[2011–12 Football Conference|2011–12]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15940256.jamal-fyfield-hails-defence-as-wrexham-afc-attempt-to-equal-club-record-at-grimsby-town/ |title=Jamal Fyfield hails defence as Wrexham AFC attempt to equal club record at Grimsby Town |author=Richard Williams |publisher=the Leader |date=23 March 2016 |access-date=11 September 2022 |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911131056/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15940256.jamal-fyfield-hails-defence-as-wrexham-afc-attempt-to-equal-club-record-at-grimsby-town/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[John Love (footballer)|John Love]] (1957–59) |
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*'''Most clean sheets in a season''' – 26, [[1973–74 Football League|1973–74]] and [[2018–19 National League|2018–19]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/17667902.clean-sheet-record-wrexham-afc-something-kevin-roberts-proud/ |title=Clean sheet record at Wrexham AFC is something Kevin Roberts is proud of |author=Richard Williams |publisher=Leader Live |date=28 May 2019 |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619151244/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/17667902.clean-sheet-record-wrexham-afc-something-kevin-roberts-proud/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Billy Morris (footballer)|Billy Morris]] (1960–61) |
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*'''Highest transfer received''' – £800,000 for [[Bryan Hughes]], [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]], 1997<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/16370263.wrexham-afc-money-following-danny-wards-move-leicester/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20quite%20ironic%20that,him%2C%20but%20this%20is%20brilliant. |title=Wrexham AFC are in the money following Danny Ward's move to Leicester City |author=Richard Williams |publisher=the Leader |date=22 July 2018 |access-date=11 September 2022 |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911131104/https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/16370263.wrexham-afc-money-following-danny-wards-move-leicester/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20quite%20ironic%20that,him%2C%20but%20this%20is%20brilliant. |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ken Barnes (footballer)|Ken Barnes]] (1961–65) |
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*'''Highest transfer fee paid''' – £590,000 for [[Modou Faal]], [[West Bromwich Albion]], 2024<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/transfer-news/wrexhams-james-mcclean-reveals-how-much-rob-mcelhenney-and-ryan-reynolds-actually-paid-for-mo-faal/ |title=Wrexham's James McClean reveals how much Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds actually paid for Mo Faal |access-date=23 September 2024 }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Billy Morris (footballer)|Billy Morris]] (1965–66) |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jack Rowley]] (1966–67) |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Alvan Williams]] (1967–68) |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[John Neal (footballer)|John Neal]] (1968–77) |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Arfon Griffiths]] (1977–81) |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mel Sutton]] (1981–82) |
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*{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Bobby Roberts]] (1982–85) |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dixie McNeil]] (1985–89) |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Brian Flynn]] (1989–2001) |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Joey Jones]] (2001) |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Denis Smith (footballer)|Denis Smith]] (2001–2007) |
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*{{flagicon|IRE}} [[Brian Carey]] (Jan 2007–Nov 2007) |
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*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Brian Little (footballer)|Brian Little]] (2007–2008) |
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*{{flagicon|IRE}} [[Brian Carey]] & {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Martin Foyle]] (2008) |
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*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Dean Saunders]] (Oct 2008–Present) |
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===European record=== |
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== Giant Killings == |
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'''[[European Cup Winners' Cup]]:''' |
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{|class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="background:#b90013; color:white" |Season |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Competition |
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! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Round |
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! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Opponent |
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! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Home |
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! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Away |
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! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Aggregate |
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! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Ref |
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|- |
|||
|rowspan=2|[[1972–73 European Cup Winners' Cup|1972–73]] |
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|rowspan=2|Cup Winners' Cup |
|||
|First round |
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|{{flagicon|SUI}} [[FC Zürich]] |
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| style="text-align:center;"|2–1 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|1–1 |
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| style="text-align:center;"|3–2 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=400 |title=Wrexham 2–1 FC Zurich |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628154016/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=400 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1757 |title=FC Zurich 1 Wrexham 1 |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=24 June 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404165531/https://wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1757 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
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|Second round |
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|{{flagicon|YUG}} [[Hajduk Split]] |
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| style="text-align:center;"|3–1 |
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| style="text-align:center;"|0–2 |
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| style="text-align:center;"|3–3 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=401 |title=Wrexham 3–1 Hadjuk Split |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628154014/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=401 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1758 |title=Hadjuk Split 2–0 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628154020/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1758 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
|||
|rowspan=3|[[1975–76 European Cup Winners' Cup|1975–76]] |
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|rowspan=3|Cup Winners' Cup |
|||
|First round |
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|{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Djurgårdens IF Fotboll|Djurgården]] |
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| style="text-align:center;"|2–1 |
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| style="text-align:center;"|1–1 |
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| style="text-align:center;"|3–2 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=402 |title=Wrexham 2–1 Djurgarden |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628154021/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=402 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1759 |title=Djurdarden 1–1 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628154013/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1759 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
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|Second round |
|||
|{{flagicon|POL}} [[Stal Rzeszów (football)|Stal Rzeszów]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|2–0 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|1–1 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|3–1 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=403 |title=Wrexham 2–0 Stal Rzeszów |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628154017/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=403 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1760 |title=Stal Rzeszów 1–1 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628154018/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1760 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
|||
|Quarter-final |
|||
|{{flagicon|BEL}} [[R.S.C. Anderlecht|Anderlecht]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|1–1 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–1 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|1–2 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=404 |title=Wrexham 1–1 Anderlecht |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627170840/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=404 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1761 |title=Anderlecht 1–0 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627170757/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1761 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
|||
||[[1978–79 European Cup Winners' Cup|1978–79]] |
|||
||Cup Winners' Cup |
|||
|First round |
|||
|{{flagicon|YUG}} [[HNK Rijeka|Rijeka]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|2–0 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–3 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|2–3 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=405 |title=Wrexham 2–0 Rijeka |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627170919/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=405 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1762 |title=Rijeka 3–0 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627170838/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1762 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
||[[1979–80 European Cup Winners' Cup|1979–80]] |
|||
||Cup Winners' Cup |
|||
|First round |
|||
|{{flagicon|GDR}} [[1. FC Magdeburg|FC Magdeburg]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|3–2 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|2–5 |
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| style="text-align:center;"|5–7 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=406 |title=Wrexham 3–2 Magdeburg |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627162616/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=406 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1763 |title=Magdeburg 2–5 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC Archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404171045/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1763 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
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|rowspan=2|[[1984–85 European Cup Winners' Cup|1984–85]] |
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|rowspan=2|Cup Winners' Cup |
|||
|First round |
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|{{flagicon|POR}} [[FC Porto]] |
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| style="text-align:center;"|1–0 |
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| style="text-align:center;"|3–4 |
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| style="text-align:center;"|4–4 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/night-wrexham-afc-stunned-europe-11972680 |title=The night Wrexham AFC stunned Europe by beating Porto |author=Barry Horne |publisher=The Daily Post |date=3 October 2016 |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153106/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/night-wrexham-afc-stunned-europe-11972680 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|- |
|||
|Second round |
|||
|{{flagicon|ITA}} [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–1 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–2 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–3 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1765 |title=AS Roma 2–0 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153050/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1765 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=408 |title=Wrexham 0–1 AS Roma |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153052/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=408 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2|[[1986–87 European Cup Winners' Cup|1986–87]] |
|||
|rowspan=2|Cup Winners' Cup |
|||
|First round |
|||
|{{flagicon|Malta}} [[Żurrieq F.C.|Żurrieq]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|4–0 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|3–0 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|7–0 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1766 |title=Zurrieq 0–3 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153123/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1766 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=409 |title=Wrexham 4–0 Zurrieq |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153104/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=409 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|Second round |
|||
|{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Real Zaragoza]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|2–2 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–0 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|2–2 |
|||
|<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1767 |title=Real Zaragoza 0–0 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153104/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1767 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=410 |title=Wrexham 2–2 Real Zaragoza (AET) |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626153117/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=410 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|rowspan=2|[[1990–91 European Cup Winners' Cup|1990–91]] |
|||
|rowspan=2|Cup Winners' Cup |
|||
|First round |
|||
|{{flagicon|DEN}} [[Lyngby Boldklub|Lyngby]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–0 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|1–0 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|1–0 |
|||
| <ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=411 |title=Wrexham 0–0 Lyngby |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625155343/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=411 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1768 |title=Lyngby 0–1 Wrexham |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404165536/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1768 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|Second round |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–2 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–3 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–5 |
|||
| <ref>{{cite news |url=https://wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=412 |title=Wrexham 0–2 Manchester United |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423071629/https://wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=412 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mufcinfo.com/manupag/match_data/match_sql.php?my_match_date=1990-10-23 |title=Manchester United 3–0 Wrexham, Cup Winners Cup, 2nd Leg |publisher=Mufc info |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625155256/https://www.mufcinfo.com/manupag/match_data/match_sql.php?my_match_date=1990-10-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
||[[1995–96 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|1995–96]] |
|||
|Cup Winners' Cup |
|||
|First round |
|||
|{{flagicon|ROM}} [[FC Petrolul Ploiești|Petrolul Ploiești]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–0 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–1 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"|0–1 |
|||
| <ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=413 |title=Petrolul Ploiesti 1 Wrexham 0 (1–0 on agg.) |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625155329/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=413 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1770 |title=Petrolul Ploiesti 1 Wrexham 0 (1–0 on agg.) |publisher=Wrexham AFC archive |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625155258/https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=1770 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|} |
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== Club officials == |
|||
Wrexham has developed a reputation as being one of the biggest giant-killers in professional British football. The Racecourse has been the venue for some of the biggest giant-killings in cup competitions. The most notable of these victories was a 1–0 victory against Portuguese giants [[FC Porto]] at The Racecourse, with the goal coming from [[Jim Steel (footballer)|Jim Steel]], other victories have happened against many top flight teams, such as: |
|||
{{updated|19 May 2023}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/whos-who/ |title=Who's Who |publisher=Wrexham AFC |access-date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615022757/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/whos-who/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Coaching staff === |
|||
*[[Arsenal FC]] 2–1, FA Cup |
|||
{{hatnote|This is about the men's coaching staff for Wrexham A.F.C's men's team. For the Women's coaching staff, see [[Wrexham A.F.C. Women#Women's Coaching Staff]]}} |
|||
*[[Birmingham City FC]] 1–3, FA Cup |
|||
[[File:Phil Parkinson 1.png|thumb|Current Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson joined the club in 2021.]] |
|||
*[[FC Porto]] 1–0, European Cup Winners Cup |
|||
*[[FC Zurich]] 2–1, European Cup Winners Cup |
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*[[Ipswich Town FC]] 2–1, FA Cup |
|||
*[[Middlesbrough FC]] 2–1, FA Cup |
|||
*[[Newcastle United]] 4–1, FA Cup |
|||
*[[Sheffield Wednesday FC]] 1–4, League Cup |
|||
*[[Tottenham Hotspur]] 2–3 League Cup |
|||
*[[West Ham United FC]] 1–0 FA Cup, 1981 and 1997 |
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{| class="wikitable" | |
|||
==Rivals== |
|||
|- |
|||
'''Chester FC:''' Wrexham's main rival was [[Chester City F.C.|Chester City]] and is now [[Chester F.C.]], as the towns are just 12 miles apart on opposite sides of the England-Wales border and it is one of the most competitive derbies in the lower leagues. They met on 74 occasions in the league, Wrexham edging the head-to-head with 36 victories against Chester's 22. Wrexham had not lost to Chester at home in the league since 1977–78, when Chester were the only team to win at the Racecourse in that promotion season, with the match played in front of some 19,000 fans. Games between the two are usually moved to Sunday, with a 12:00 kick off, minimising time for the consumption of alcohol and the risk of the two sets of supporters clashing. The last meeting between the two teams was on 27 September 2009, the match played in front of almost 6,000 fans and ending in a 0–0 draw. The sides are yet to meet since Chester re-formed as a phoenix club, as the clubs are two divisions apart at present and are yet to meet in a cup competition. |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Role |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Name |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Manager |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Phil Parkinson]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Assistant manager |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Steve Parkin]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |First-team coach |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} [[David Jones (footballer, born 1984)|David Jones]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Goalkeeping coach |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|NIR}} [[Aidan Davison]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|Head of performance, medicine and sport science |
|||
|{{Flagicon|IRE}} Kevin Mulholland |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |First team sports scientist |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Owen Jackson |
|||
|- |
|||
|First team strength and conditioning coach |
|||
|{{Flagicon|ENG}} Richard Hill |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |First team physiotherapist |
|||
| algin="left" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Jonny Griffiths |
|||
|- |
|||
| rowspan="3" align="left" |First team sports physiotherapists |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|WAL}} Gemma Bamford |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flagicon|ENG}} Ryan Murray |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flagicon|ENG}} Ashley Painter |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Performance analyst |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Kyle Crutchley |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Chief scout |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|WAL}} Andy Kidby |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Academy Manager |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|ENG}} Andy Lowe |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Kitman |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|WAL}} Iwan Pugh-Jones |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Centre of excellence manager |
|||
| align="left" |{{Flagicon|WAL}} Dan Nolan |
|||
|- |
|||
|Youth team coach |
|||
|{{Flagicon|WAL}} Cledwyn Ashford |
|||
|- |
|||
|Youth team analyst |
|||
|{{Flagicon|ENG}} Aaron Bennett |
|||
|} |
|||
===Board of Directors=== |
|||
'''Shrewsbury Town:''' Wrexham's next nearest rivals are [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]], who are 35 miles to the south. This rivalry is also based upon the English-Welsh divide as well as geographical proximity, as both towns are situated near the England-Wales border. The rivalry intensified when Wrexham were responsible for condemning Shrewsbury to relegation to the [[Conference National]] in the 2002–03 season, following a 2–1 at the [[Gay Meadow]], with goals from [[Andy Morrell]] and a 90th minute winner from [[Lee Jones (footballer born 1973)|Lee Jones]], the result also all but promoted Wrexham to [[npower League One|Division Two]] (now League One). Fixtures between these two teams have also been moved to a 12:00 kick-off on a Sunday to avoid confrontation between the two sets of supporters. In recent seasons, Shrewsbury have had the better results, although Wrexham did win 1–0 in the [[2006–07 in English football|2006–07 season]], and therefore became the last ever team to win at the [[Gay Meadow]], including Shrewsbury, with the goal scored by [[Michael Proctor]]. In the most recent meeting between the two teams, in Wrexham's first visit to the [[New Meadow]], Shrewsbury won 3–0 against an injury-ravaged team, with the goals coming from [[Kevin McIntyre (footballer)|Kevin McIntyre]], [[Darren Moss]] and [[James Constable]] this more or less confirmed Wrexham's fate of relegation to the [[Conference National]], which was finally confirmed after losing 2–0 at [[Hereford United]]. |
|||
{{updated|19 May 2023}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/whos-who/ |title=Who's Who |publisher=Wrexham AFC |access-date=8 March 2022 |archive-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308100652/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/whos-who/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
'''Tranmere Rovers:''' Wrexham also have a long history of rivalry with [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]]. This is due to their proximity (only 22 miles separate the two) and a long history of antagonism between the fans. The last time these two met was in 2006. Merseyside, North Wales and Cheshire police expected trouble after a text message was tracked from one Tranmere fan to another quoting "Wrexham...they're bringing 200 or more can't wait". In all 32 Tranmere Rovers fans were charged with football hooliganism. |
|||
{| class="wikitable" | |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Role |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Name |
|||
|- |
|||
| rowspan="2" |Co-chairmen |
|||
|[[Rob McElhenney]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Ryan Reynolds]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |[[Executive director#United Kingdom (UK)|Executive director]] |
|||
| align="left" |[[Humphrey Ker]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Chief executive officer|Chief Executive]] |
|||
|Michael Williamson |
|||
|- |
|||
|Chief Business and Communications Officer |
|||
|Rob Faulkner |
|||
|- |
|||
| rowspan="3" |Advisors to the Board |
|||
|[[Shaun Harvey]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Peter Moore (businessman)|Peter Moore]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Les Reed (football manager)|Les Reed]] |
|||
|} |
|||
=== Honourary === |
|||
'''Welsh Derbies:''' Derbies with fellow Welsh teams [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] and [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] are rare these days as they are 3 leagues above Wrexham, but they used to be fierce affairs due the North/South Wales divide. However, [[Newport County A.F.C|Newport County]] were promoted to the [[Conference Premier]] for the 2010–11 season hence providing Wrexham with a Welsh derby. |
|||
{| class="wikitable" | |
|||
|- |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Role |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Name |
|||
|- |
|||
|Club President |
|||
|[[Dixie McNeil]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| rowspan="7" |Vice Presidents |
|||
|Dave Bennett |
|||
|- |
|||
| align="left" |Dave Griffiths |
|||
|- |
|||
|Spencer Harris |
|||
|- |
|||
|Gavin Jones |
|||
|- |
|||
|Rob Parry |
|||
|- |
|||
|Phil Salmon |
|||
|- |
|||
|Mark Williams |
|||
|} |
|||
=== Managerial history === |
|||
'''Others:''' Some less significant local derbies that Wrexham share are with [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]], [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]] and more recently [[Altrincham FC]]. Large away followings can also be expected to and from [[Bury F.C.]], [[Rochdale A.F.C.|Rochdale]], [[Stockport County F.C.|Stockport County]] and [[Hereford United F.C.|Hereford United]] because of the geographical proximity between the clubs. |
|||
Managerial history for Wrexham AFC from 1912 to present.''<ref>{{cite web |title=Wrexham Manager History |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=2859&season_id=156&teamTabs=managers |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=Soccerbase}}</ref>'' |
|||
{| |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Manager |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Years |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Ted Robinson |
|||
| align="left" |1912–1924 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Charlie Hewitt (footballer)|Charlie Hewitt]] |
|||
| align="left" |1924–1929 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Jack Baynes |
|||
| align="left" |1929–1931 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ernest Blackburn]] |
|||
| align="left" |1932–1937 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|SCO}} [[James Logan (forward, born 1885)|Jimmy Logan]] |
|||
| align="left" |1937–1938 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Tom Morgan (footballer)|Tom Morgan]] |
|||
| align="left" |1938–1940 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Tom Williams |
|||
| align="left" |1940–1949 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Les McDowall]] |
|||
| align="left" |1949–1950 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Peter Jackson (footballer born 1905)|Peter Jackson]] |
|||
| align="left" |1950–1954 |
|||
|- |
|||
|'''{{flagicon|WAL}}''' [[Cliff Lloyd]] |
|||
| align="left" |1954–1957 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|SCO}} [[John Love (footballer)|John Love]] |
|||
| align="left" |1957–1959 |
|||
|- |
|||
|'''{{flagicon|WAL}}''' [[Cliff Lloyd]] |
|||
| align="left" |1959–1960 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Billy Morris (footballer, born 1918)|Billy Morris]] |
|||
| align="left" |1960–1961 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ken Barnes (English footballer)|Ken Barnes]] |
|||
| align="left" |1961–1965 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Billy Morris (footballer, born 1918)|Billy Morris]] |
|||
| align="left" |1965 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jack Rowley]] |
|||
| align="left" |1966–1967 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Alvan Williams]] |
|||
| align="left" |1967–1968 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[John Neal (footballer, born 1932)|John Neal]] |
|||
| align="left" |1968–1977 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Arfon Griffiths]] |
|||
| align="left" |1977–1981 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mel Sutton]] |
|||
| align="left" |1981–1982 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Bobby Roberts (footballer)|Bobby Roberts]] |
|||
| align="left" |1982–1985 |
|||
|} |
|||
| width="30" | |
|||
| valign="top" | |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Manager |
|||
! style="background:#b90013;color:white" |Years |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dixie McNeil]] |
|||
|1985–1989 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Brian Flynn (footballer)|Brian Flynn]] |
|||
|1989–2001 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Joey Jones]] (caretaker) |
|||
|2001 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Denis Smith (footballer, born 1947)|Denis Smith]] |
|||
| align="left" |2001–2007 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|IRL}} [[Brian Carey]] |
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| align="left" |2007 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Brian Little (footballer)|Brian Little]] |
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| align="left" |2007–2008 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Dean Saunders]] |
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| align="left" |2008–2011 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Andy Morrell]] |
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| align="left" |2011–2014 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Billy Barr (footballer)|Billy Barr]] (caretaker) |
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| align="left" |2014 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Kevin Wilkin]] |
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| align="left" |2014–2015 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Gary Mills (footballer, born 1961)|Gary Mills]] |
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| align="left" |2015 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dean Keates]] |
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| align="left" |2016–2018 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Carl Darlington]] (caretaker) |
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| align="left" |2018 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|WAL}} Andrew Davies (caretaker) |
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| align="left" |2018 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sam Ricketts]] |
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| align="left" |2018 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Graham Barrow]] |
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| align="left" |2018–2019 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Bryan Hughes]] |
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| align="left" |2019 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Brian Flynn (footballer)|Brian Flynn]] (caretaker) |
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| align="left" |2019 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dean Keates]] |
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| align="left" |2019–2021 |
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|- |
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|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Phil Parkinson]] |
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| align="left" |2021–present |
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|} |
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| width="30" | |
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|} |
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==Honours== |
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== Supporters groups == |
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{{Main|List of Wrexham A.F.C. records and statistics#Honours and achievements}} |
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{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2011}} |
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*'''The Wrexham Supporters Trust''' |
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*'''Wrexham Supporters Association''' |
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*'''Wrexham Supporters Federation''' |
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Wrexham AFC's honours include:<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/ |title=The oldest professional Football Club in Wales |publisher=Wrexham AFC |access-date=10 June 2022 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615022901/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.11v11.com/teams/wrexham/tab/honours/ |title=Wrexham football club honours |publisher=11v11 |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> |
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*'''Buckley & District Reds''', were formed in 2006 when 29 people attended the very first meeting which was held at the Hope & Anchor pub in Buckley. By June in 2007 they had 110 members with members living as far as London and Glasgow. |
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*'''The Deeside Reds''' formed in 2008, The Deeside Reds are the latest supporters group. This group of fans come from the Connah's Quay, Shotton and Queensferry areas of Flintshire. |
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*'''Holywell & district Reds''' |
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*'''Kings mill Reds''' |
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*'''London Reds''', The London Reds/Cochion Llundain was formed in 1993 after the promotion game in [[Northampton]]. Many Wrexham fans before this were travelling south not north on the train. It includes not only Wrexham supporters from London but from all over the South-East area. |
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*'''Manchester Reds''', The Manchester Reds were founded in November 1997. |
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*'''Mold & District Reds''', The Mold & District Reds were formed in May 2007. |
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*'''Rhos Reds''', Formed in 2006 the group has grown steadily and now has over 80 members. |
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*'''The Shropshire Reds''' Formed in 1994 with its first meeting held in Shrewsbury attended by just 21 recruits, and now membership stands at about 250, being one of the largest supporters group. |
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*'''Tartan Reds''' Formed in the 90's for Wrexham fans living and working in [[Scotland]] |
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*'''The 12th Man''' Formed to created extra support and noise for the [[2007–08 in English football|2007–08 season]] in an attempt to try to get the fans more involved in the game and to support the players on the field. They wear club colours and sit near the away supporters in an attempt to create as much atmosphere as possible. It is recognised by the club and has a new flag, which is a large-scale version of the Wrexham home shirt. |
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*'''Wrexham Supporters Football Club''' Originally formed in 2006, they travel the country facing other supporters of clubs in the North West. |
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'''League''' |
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== Team mascot == |
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*[[Football League Third Division North|Third Division North]] / [[Football League Third Division|Third Division]] (level 3) |
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[[Image:Wrex.jpg|thumb|Wrex the Dragon]] |
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**Champions: [[1977–78 Football League Third Division|1977–78]] |
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Wrex the Dragon is the official team mascot of Wrexham. The mascot Wrex the dragon (along with the team nickname "The Dragons"), was introduced in 2001/02 by the Commercial manager following a ballot of fans to help increase sponsorship and promote the clubs Welsh image whilst also providing a more unique nickname as [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]], [[Swindon Town]] and [[Cheltenham Town]] also use the nickname of 'The Robins'. |
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**Runners-up: [[1932–33 Football League Third Division North|1932–33]] |
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'Wrex' wears a red face and Wrexham F.C. shirt wearing the numbers "1873" on his back, as this is the year the Wrexham F.C. was officially founded, although originally founded in 1872. |
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*[[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] / [[Football League Third Division|Third Division]] / [[EFL League Two|League Two]] (level 4) |
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Previous mascot Rockin' Robin was also famous for having a wife called Tina Turfit (plus a son, Robinson) and for being able to ride a bike around the ground and pitch which he did regularly getting him into trouble with manager Brian Flynn. Rockin Robin was also sent off by the referee in the Wrexham vs. [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] game. |
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**Runners-up: [[1969–70 Football League Fourth Division|1969–70]], [[1992–93 Football League Third Division|1992–93]], [[2023–24 EFL League Two|2023–24]] |
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**Promoted: [[1961–62 Football League Fourth Division|1961–62]], [[2002–03 Football League Third Division|2002–03]] |
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*[[National League (division)|National League]] (level 5) |
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**Champions: [[2022–23 National League|2022–23]] |
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**Runners-up: [[2011–12 Football Conference|2011–12]], [[2021–22 National League|2021–22]] |
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*[[The Combination]] |
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**Champions: [[1900–01 in English football|1900–01]], [[1901–02 in English football|1901–02]], [[1902–03 in English football|1902–03]], [[1904–05 in English football|1904–05]] |
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*[[Denbighshire League|Welsh Senior League]] |
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**Champions: [[1894–95 in English football|1894–95]], [[1895–96 in English football|1895–96]] |
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'''Cup''' |
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== Literature == |
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*[[EFL Trophy|Football League Trophy]] |
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<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Wxmbook1950–2000.jpg|thumb|Wrexham book, Wrexham FC 1950–2000]] --> |
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**Winners: [[2004–05 Football League Trophy|2004–05]] |
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*[[FA Trophy]] |
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**Winners: [[2012–13 FA Trophy|2012–13]] |
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**Runners-up: [[2014–15 FA Trophy|2014–15]], [[2021–22 FA Trophy|2021–22]] |
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*[[Football League North and South|Football League North Cup]] |
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**Winners: [[1943–44 in English football|1943–44]] |
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*[[FAW Premier Cup]] |
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**Winners: [[1997–98 FAW Premier Cup|1997–98]], [[1999–2000 FAW Premier Cup|1999–2000]], [[2000–01 FAW Premier Cup|2000–01]], [[2002–03 FAW Premier Cup|2002–03]], [[2003–04 FAW Premier Cup|2003–04]] (Record) |
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*[[Welsh Cup]] |
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**Winners (23): [[1877–78 Welsh Cup|1877–78]], [[1882–83 Welsh Cup|1882–83]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1892–93]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1896–97]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1902–03]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1904–05]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1908–09]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1909–10]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1910–11]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1913–14]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1914–15]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1920–21]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1923–24]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1924–25]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1930–31]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1956–57]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1957–58]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1959–60]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1971–72]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1974–75]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1977–78]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1985–86]], [[List of Welsh Cup finals|1994–95]] (Record) |
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*[[Supporters Direct Cup]] |
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**Winners: [[2015–16 in English football|2015–16]] (Shared) |
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==Literature== |
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''Wrexham related books'' |
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*''Champions 2022/23 – The Story Of A Record-Breaking Season'', Wrexham A.F.C., 2023 |
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*''Wrexham FC 1872–1950'' by Peter Jones and Gareth Davies |
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*''Wrexham |
*''The Giant Killers; a Wrexham fan's view'' by Richard Partington, Bridge Books, 2001 |
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*''My Wrexham Story; The Inspirational Autobiography From The Beloved Football Hero'' by Paul Mullin, Cornerstone, 2023 |
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*''Wrexham - A Complete Record 1872 - 1992'' by Peter Jones |
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*''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 |
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*''Wrexham; The European era'' by Peter Jones |
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*''Tinseltown: Hollywood and the Beautiful Game - A Match Made In Wrexham'' by Ian Herbert, Headline, 2023 |
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*''Wrexham FC, An A-Z history'' by Dean Hayes |
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*'' |
*''Wrexham; A Complete Record 1872 – 1992'' by Peter Jones, Breedon Books, 1992 |
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*''Wrexham AFC (Ultimate Football Heroes)'' by Paul Harrison, John Blake Publishing, 2024 |
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*''The Giant Killers; a Wrexham fan's view'' by Richard Partington |
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*''Wrexham FC 1872–1950'' by Peter Jones and Gareth Davies, History Press Limited, 2000 |
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*''Wrexham Football Club Pen-Portraits'' by Don Meredith |
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*''Wrexham FC 1950–2000'' by Peter Jones and Gareth Davies, History Press Limited, 2001 |
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*''Wrexham FC, An A–Z history'' by Dean Hayes, Sigma, 1998 |
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*''Wrexham Football Club Pen-Portraits'' by Don Meredith, Don Meredith, 1997 |
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*''Wrexham; The European era'' by Peter Jones, Desert Island Books, 2002 |
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*''Wrexham; Through The Trap Door'' by Peter Jones, Desert Island Books, 2008 |
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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. |
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==See also== |
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The Wrexham football team plays a significant role in the 1994 Peter Davies book ''Twenty Two Foreigners in Funny Shorts'' which was written for the World Cup in the U.S. It also profiles the Robins' ongoing and ultimately successful promotion effort. |
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*[[Club of Pioneers]] |
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*[[List of Wrexham A.F.C. seasons]] |
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*[[List of Wrexham A.F.C. records and statistics]] |
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*[[List of Wrexham A.F.C. players]] ([[List of Wrexham A.F.C. players (25–99 appearances)|25–99 Appearances]], [[List of Wrexham A.F.C. players (1–24 appearances)|1–24 Appearances]]) |
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*''[[Welcome to Wrexham]]'' |
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== |
==Notes== |
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{{ |
{{Notelist}} |
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==References== |
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== External links == |
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{{Reflist}} |
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{{Commons|:Category:Wrexham AFC|Wrexham FC}} |
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{{BBC Football Info|BBClinkname=w/wrexham}} |
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==External links== |
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* [http://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk Official website] |
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{{Commons category}} |
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* [http://www.wst.org.uk/wst/ Wrexham Supporters Trust] |
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*{{Official website}} |
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* [http://www.wrexhamdragons.co.uk/ Wrexham FC Supporters' Association - Founded 1926] |
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*[https://twitter.com/Wrexham_AFC Official Twitter account] |
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*{{BBC Football Info|BBClinkname=wrexham}} |
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{{Wrexham F.C.}} |
{{Wrexham F.C.}} |
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{{ |
{{EFL League One}} |
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{{EFL League Two}} |
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{{Football in Wales}} |
{{Football in Wales}} |
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{{Football League clubs of Wales}} |
{{Football League clubs of Wales}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{former football league members}} |
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[[Category:Wrexham F.C.| ]] |
[[Category:Wrexham A.F.C.| ]] |
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[[Category:Sport in Wrexham]] |
[[Category:Sport in Wrexham]] |
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[[Category:Association football clubs established in 1864]] |
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[[Category:EFL Trophy winners]] |
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[[Category:1864 establishments in Wales]] |
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[[Category:Football clubs in Wrexham]] |
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[[ca:Wrexham Association Football Club]] |
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[[cy:C.P.D. Wrecsam]] |
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[[zh:雷克斯汉姆足球俱乐部]] |
Latest revision as of 22:00, 9 January 2025
Full name | Wrexham Association Football Club | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Nickname(s) | The Red Dragons, The Robins, The Town | |||
Short name | Wrexham AFC CPD Wrecsam (Welsh) | |||
Founded | October 1864[1] | |||
Stadium | Racecourse Ground | |||
Capacity | 13,341[2] | |||
Owners | Wrexham Holdings LLC (Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney) | |||
Manager | Phil Parkinson | |||
League | EFL League One | |||
2023–24 | EFL League Two, 2nd of 24 (promoted) | |||
Website | wrexhamafc.co.uk | |||
| ||||
Wrexham Association Football Club is a professional association football club based in Wrexham, Wales. Formed in 1864,[3] it is the oldest club in Wales and the third-oldest professional association football team in the world.[4] 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.[5] 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.[6] 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.[7]
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.[8]
History
[edit]1864–1905: A club of pioneers
[edit]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.[9] Their first game was played on 22 October 1864 at the Denbighshire County Cricket Ground (The Racecourse) against the Prince of Wales Fire Brigade.[10]
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.[11] 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.[12]
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.[13][14] 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.[15]
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.[16] 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.[17]
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[18] 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]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.[19] Also that season Wrexham just missed out on the promotion spots, finishing in 4th place at the end of the season.[citation needed]
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[20] 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.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23]
2001–2008: Administration and the slide into non-League football
[edit]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.[24] 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.[25]
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.[26] 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.[27]
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.[28] The winning goals were scored by Juan Ugarte and Darren Ferguson as Wrexham ran out winners in front of nearly 20,000 Wrexham fans.[29] 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.[30]
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.[31] 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.[32] 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.[33] 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]
The 2006–07 season started well for Wrexham, as they went 8 games unbeaten.[34] 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.[35] He was replaced by coach Brian Carey.[36] Wrexham finished 19th in League Two with 51 points[37] 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.[38]
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.[39] 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.[40][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.[41]
2008–2020: The non-League years
[edit]The 2008–09 season started well, with a 5–0 home victory against Stevenage Borough.[42] 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.[43] Little was replaced by Dean Saunders.[44] Wrexham's first full season in the Conference Premier ended in a disappointing 10th place.[45] The following year, 2009–10, ended in a similar fashion with Wrexham finishing in 11th position, well off the pace of the promotion battle.[46]
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.[47] Wrexham's MP and AM indicated that they would prefer Wrexham Supporters' Trust to secure the bid.[48] 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.[49] 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.[50]
During the 2011–12 season, Wrexham were invited back into the Welsh Cup after 16 years, entering at the third round stage.[51] 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.[52] Wrexham lost in the play-offs to Luton Town again.[53] 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.[54] 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.[55]
In June 2013, members of Wrexham Supporters Trust voted on whether they should change the club's name back to Wrexham AFC.[56] As a result, the name was changed.[57]
In February 2014, Andy Morrell stepped down as manager.[58] Billy Barr was appointed as interim manager before being replaced a few weeks later by Kevin Wilkin.[59] Wrexham finished the 2013–14 season in 17th place.[60] In 2018–19, Wrexham finished in 4th place but lost the play-off quarter-final to Eastleigh.[61] 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.[62][63]
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[64][65] 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.[66] In 2021–22, Wrexham finished 2nd before losing the play-off semi-final 5–4 to Grimsby Town after extra time.[67] Wrexham also reached the 2022 FA Trophy final which they lost 1–0 to Bromley.[68]
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.[69][70][71] 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.[8][72][73] The club's fortunes began to attract dedicated coverage from global sporting media that would not typically be afforded teams outside the Premier League.[74] 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."[75]
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.[76] 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.[77] 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.[78] 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.[79][80] 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.[81] On 5 August 2023, Wrexham played their first Football League match in 15 years, losing at home to MK Dons.[82] Wrexham AFC's income increased to over £10 million in the year ending in June 2023.[83]
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[84][85] and ultimately finished second behind Stockport County F.C..[86] 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[87] and operate an Under-18 side. Club Necaxa's backers purchased 5% of Wrexham AFC in April 2024[88] 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.[89] The football club joined the European Club Association in August 2024.[90]
The 2024–25 season began with the first League One match in 19 years and with the 5000th recorded league match for the club,[91] 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.[92]
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.[93] 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.[94] 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.[95] 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.[96]
Kit manufacturers and sponsors
[edit]- Source:[97]
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]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.[98] In August 2011 Wrexham University purchased the stadium and the club training facilities in Gresford,[99] 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.[100] The capacity is 10,500, which made it one of the largest stadiums in the National League.[101] In June 2022, Wrexham AFC purchased the Racecourse Ground freehold from the university and are planning renovations to the stadium.[102] The maximum capacity as of the 2024/25 season is 13,341 due to an expanded temporary Kop.[103]
Support
[edit]In August 2011, Wrexham were faced with being expelled from the Football Conference,[104] fans rallied and raised £127,000 in one day[105] 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.[106] Fan ownership of Wrexham was finally ratified on 12 December 2011.[107] As of May 2015 the WST had 4,129 adult members and joint-owners of the club.[108] As well as the city of Wrexham, support is drawn from the surrounding towns and villages of the district, such as Gwersyllt and Rhos,[109][110] the Flintshire towns of Mold,[111] Buckley,[112] Holywell[113] 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.[114] Additionally, many Wrexham fans reside in Shropshire.[115]
Exiled supporters clubs can be found in South Wales,[116] Manchester and London.[117] 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.[118][119] Famous Wrexham fans include Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield,[120] former Royal butler Paul Burrell,[121] actor and television presenter Tim Vincent,[122] actor Llŷr Ifans,[123] actor and comedian Ted Robbins,[124] Sweet guitarist Andy Scott,[125] Lloyd Roberts of rock band Neck Deep,[126] 2012 Olympian weightlifter Gareth Evans,[127] Sky Sports reporter Bryn Law,[128] Rugby World Cup referee Nigel Owens[129] and former footballers Neil Roberts,[130] Robbie Savage[131] and Mark Hughes.[132] The club also has a namesake club in Uganda, Wrexham F.C. Uganda, established in 2009, created by Welsh charity Teams4U.[133][134][135]
Rivalries
[edit]Wrexham has a fierce rivalry with Chester; the two contest the cross-border derby.[136][137] 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.[138] Wrexham lead the head-to-head rivalry with 67 wins compared to Chester's 50. Games between the two are classed as "high risk"[139] for the potential of disorder and are generally moved to early kick-offs with a large police presence to prevent it,[140] though arrests do still occur for various offenses surrounding the fans of both clubs.[141][142][143]
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".[144] 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".[145]
Wrexham also have a fierce rivalry with Shrewsbury Town[146][147] 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[148] and trouble was again evident when the two clubs met in a 2013 friendly at the Racecourse Ground.[149] 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,[150] and Swansea City are also classed as rivals.[146][151][152][153] 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.[154]
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 [155] and League,[156] 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,[157] 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 [158]) to ensure the two would be in League One for the 2024-25 League One season.
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.[159] When the construction had been completed it was officially opened in June 1997, at a building cost of £750,000.[159] 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.[160] The England national team, Barcelona, Rangers and the Wales national team have all used it for training purposes.[160][161] 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.[162] 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.[22]
For the beginning of the 2016–17 season, Wrexham moved back to their former training ground at Stansty Park,[163] the home of Welsh National League side Lex Glyndwr, due to the use of Colliers Park becoming financially unsustainable for the club.[164] 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[165] but also used Stansty Park in 2021.[166] Wrexham still occasionally train at Colliers Park since the takeover and use multiple venues.[167]
Players
[edit]Squad
[edit]- As of 7 December 2024[168]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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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.[169] Entry is not restricted to players; anyone who has made a great contribution to the club in any capacity can be considered.
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Player of the Year
[edit]Player records
[edit]- Most goals in a season in all competitions: Tommy Bamford – 51 (1933–34)[170]
- Most League goals in a season: Tommy Bamford – 44 (1933–34, Division Three North)[170]
- Most league goals in total: Tommy Bamford – 175[170]
- Most hat tricks: Tommy Bamford – 16[171]
- Most goals scored in a single game by one player: Andy Morrell – 7 (against Merthyr Tydfil, 16 February 2000)[172]
- Most league appearances: 592 – Arfon Griffiths (1959–61, 1962–79)[173]
- Most appearances in total: 713 - Arfon Griffiths (1959–61, 1962–79)
- Most capped player: 146 - Daniel Bennett, Singapore
- Most caps while at Wrexham: 49 – Dennis Lawrence, Trinidad & Tobago
- Oldest player: Bobby Roberts – 43 years, 88 days (against Worcester City, 29 October 1983)[174]
- Youngest player: Ken Roberts – 15 years, 158 days (against Bradford PA, 1 September 1951)[175]
Reserves
[edit]Between 1988 and 1995 the reserve team of Wrexham played in the Welsh football leagues.[176]
On 2 August 2022, Wrexham announced their participation in the upcoming 2022–23 Central League season.[177]
Seasons
[edit]Team records
[edit]- Attendance – 34,445 v Manchester United, FA Cup 4th round, 26 January 1957[178]
- League attendance – 29,261 v Chester City, Division Three, 26 December 1936[179]
- Average attendance – 11,651, 1977–78[180]
- Highest league win – 10–1 v Hartlepools United, 3 March 1962[181][a]
- Worst league defeat – 9–0 v Brentford, Division Three, 15 October 1963[citation needed]
- Highest league finish - 15th, Second Division, 1978-79
- Lowest league finish - 17th, Conference National, 2013-14
- Biggest cup win – 6–0 v Charlton Athletic, FA Cup 3rd round, 5 January 1980[citation needed]
- Most games won in a row – 10, 5 April 2003 – 8 May 2003, 2002–03[182]
- Most league wins in a season – 34, 2022–23
- Most goals in a season – 115, 2022–23
- Longest unbeaten run – 28, October 2022 – 7 April 2023, 2022–23[183][184]
- Most consecutive league clean sheets – 7, 9 October – 26 November, 2011–12[185]
- Most clean sheets in a season – 26, 1973–74 and 2018–19[186]
- Highest transfer received – £800,000 for Bryan Hughes, Birmingham City, 1997[187]
- Highest transfer fee paid – £590,000 for Modou Faal, West Bromwich Albion, 2024[188]
European record
[edit]Season | Competition | Round | Opponent | Home | Away | Aggregate | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1972–73 | Cup Winners' Cup | First round | FC Zürich | 2–1 | 1–1 | 3–2 | [189][190] |
Second round | Hajduk Split | 3–1 | 0–2 | 3–3 | [191][192] | ||
1975–76 | Cup Winners' Cup | First round | Djurgården | 2–1 | 1–1 | 3–2 | [193][194] |
Second round | Stal Rzeszów | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | [195][196] | ||
Quarter-final | Anderlecht | 1–1 | 0–1 | 1–2 | [197][198] | ||
1978–79 | Cup Winners' Cup | First round | Rijeka | 2–0 | 0–3 | 2–3 | [199][200] |
1979–80 | Cup Winners' Cup | First round | FC Magdeburg | 3–2 | 2–5 | 5–7 | [201][202] |
1984–85 | Cup Winners' Cup | First round | FC Porto | 1–0 | 3–4 | 4–4 | [203] |
Second round | Roma | 0–1 | 0–2 | 0–3 | [204][205] | ||
1986–87 | Cup Winners' Cup | First round | Żurrieq | 4–0 | 3–0 | 7–0 | [206][207] |
Second round | Real Zaragoza | 2–2 | 0–0 | 2–2 | [208][209] | ||
1990–91 | Cup Winners' Cup | First round | Lyngby | 0–0 | 1–0 | 1–0 | [210][211] |
Second round | Manchester United | 0–2 | 0–3 | 0–5 | [212][213] | ||
1995–96 | Cup Winners' Cup | First round | Petrolul Ploiești | 0–0 | 0–1 | 0–1 | [214][215] |
Club officials
[edit]- As of 19 May 2023[216]
Coaching staff
[edit]Role | Name |
---|---|
Manager | Phil Parkinson |
Assistant manager | Steve Parkin |
First-team coach | David Jones |
Goalkeeping coach | Aidan Davison |
Head of performance, medicine and sport science | Kevin Mulholland |
First team sports scientist | Owen Jackson |
First team strength and conditioning coach | Richard Hill |
First team physiotherapist | Jonny Griffiths |
First team sports physiotherapists | Gemma Bamford |
Ryan Murray | |
Ashley Painter | |
Performance analyst | Kyle Crutchley |
Chief scout | Andy Kidby |
Academy Manager | Andy Lowe |
Kitman | Iwan Pugh-Jones |
Centre of excellence manager | Dan Nolan |
Youth team coach | Cledwyn Ashford |
Youth team analyst | Aaron Bennett |
Board of Directors
[edit]- As of 19 May 2023[217]
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.[218]
|
|
Honours
[edit]Wrexham AFC's honours include:[219][220]
League
- Third Division North / Third Division (level 3)
- Fourth Division / Third Division / League Two (level 4)
- National League (level 5)
- The Combination
- Welsh Senior League
Cup
- Football League Trophy
- Winners: 2004–05
- FA Trophy
- Football League North Cup
- Winners: 1943–44
- FAW Premier Cup
- Welsh Cup
- Supporters Direct Cup
- Winners: 2015–16 (Shared)
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]- Club of Pioneers
- List of Wrexham A.F.C. seasons
- List of Wrexham A.F.C. records and statistics
- List of Wrexham A.F.C. players (25–99 Appearances, 1–24 Appearances)
- Welcome to Wrexham
Notes
[edit]- ^ Notable for the first occasion of three hat tricks in a single Football League game.[citation needed]
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External links
[edit]- Official website
- Official Twitter account
- Wrexham A.F.C. on BBC Sport: Club news – Recent results and fixtures
- Wrexham A.F.C.
- Sport in Wrexham
- English Football League clubs
- National League (English football) clubs
- Association football clubs established in 1864
- Welsh football clubs in English leagues
- EFL Trophy winners
- 1864 establishments in Wales
- Football clubs in Wrexham
- Companies that have entered administration in the United Kingdom