Wrexham Association Football Club: Introduction

Wrexham Association Football Club, commonly known as Wrexham AFC, is one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the club:

Firstly, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Foundation and Early History

• Founded: October 1864.
• Location: Wrexham, Wales.
• Wrexham AFC is the oldest football club in Wales and one of the oldest in the world.
• They initially played their games at the Racecourse Ground, which is also considered the oldest international stadium still in use for football.
• Nicknames: The Red Dragons, The Robins, The Town.

Wrexham Football Club: Stadium

• Stadium: Racecourse Ground.
• Capacity: Approximately 10,771.
• The Racecourse Ground is iconic and has been the club’s home since its formation. It’s other use is for international matches, notably by the Welsh national team, of course.

Competitions and Achievements

• League History:
  • Wrexham has spent most of its history in the lower divisions of the English football league system.
  • The club has experienced highs and lows, including a long spell in the Football League before being relegated to the National League (5th tier of English football) in 2008.
• FA Cup Success:
  • Wrexham has had several memorable runs in the FA Cup, including defeating then-English champions Arsenal in the third round in 1992, which is one of the most famous giant killings in the competition’s history.
• European Success:
  • Wrexham won the Welsh Cup multiple times, which qualified them for the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Their most notable performance was in the 1975–76 season, when they reached the quarter-finals.

Recent History

• In 2008, Wrexham suffered relegation from the Football League for the first time in their history, and they have since been competing in the National League.
• Ownership:
  • In 2020, the club gained significant attention when it was purchased by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their involvement has brought global attention to the club.
  • The new owners have invested in the club, both financially and in terms of promoting the club’s brand through social media and the documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham.”

“Welcome to Wrexham” Documentary

• The release of a documentary series (2022) titled “Welcome to Wrexham,” chronicling the takeover of the club by Reynolds and McElhenney and the challenges of managing a football club.
• The series has helped raise the profile of the club globally, drawing in new fans from around the world. Of course, we are all familiar with the “Sunderland ‘Til I Die” documentary from 2018.

Community and Culture

• Wrexham AFC is deeply embedded in the local community. Moreover, the club has been a symbol of pride for the town of Wrexham and the surrounding area.
• The fans, known for their passion and loyalty, have supported the club through its various ups and downs, including financial difficulties and relegations.
• Fierce rivalry exists between Wrexham and Chester, and they compete in the cross-border derby.

Wrexham Football Club: Notable Players and Managers

• Players:
  • Bryan Flynn, a former player and manager, is considered one of the club’s most influential figures, having led the team through some of its most successful periods.
  • Joey Jones, a fan favourite, also became a legend at Wrexham after starting his career there before moving on to Liverpool.
• Managers:
  • Brian Flynn (manager from 1989 to 2001) is particularly notable for leading Wrexham during a period of relative success, including the famous FA Cup victory over Arsenal.

Club Colours and Crest

• Colours: The team’s traditional colours are red, often featuring red shirts, white shorts, and red or white socks.
• Crest: The club’s crest features a dragon, a symbol of Wales, and emphasizes the club’s Welsh identity.

Wrexham Football Club: Current Situation

• The club has been competing in the National League and aiming for promotion back to the Football League.
• Under the ownership of Reynolds and McElhenney, the club has seen increased investment, new sponsorship deals. Indeed, there were significant infrastructural improvements, raising hopes for a return to the Football League and beyond.

Wrexham Association Football Club: In Summary

This club has a rich history, a passionate fanbase, and a bright future, especially with the recent investments and global attention it has received. Despite the ups and downs, the club retains its passionate fan base.