FORMER Wales and Liverpool superstar Ian Rush has spoken fondly of his time playing at Wrexham FC.
His time on the pitch with the Reds in the 1998-99 season was not his most prolific, scoring no goals in 17 appearances.
But Rush says he owes a lot to Wrexham legend Joey Jones who set him on the path to earning his coaching badges.
He said: “I enjoyed my time at Wrexham under Brian Flynn and Joey Jones. I’ve got a lot to thank Joey for.
“I wasn’t really enjoying my first team football and that’s when he got me involved with the reserves and started me on my coaching badges.”
After working as a part-time striker’s coach for Liverpool under Gerard Houllier in 2003, he went on to become manager of Chester City in August 2004.
Rush also had a hand in training current Wrexham FC boss Andy Morrell during his time with the club.
He said: “I used to take part in striker coaching with a few of the lads, usually Andy Morrell, Jakes Edwards and Neil Roberts.
“Andy was a good player and it’s great seeing him do so well in his first manager’s job.
“I know they’re second in the league at the moment and it would be great to see them get promoted.”
Rush was speaking at the launch of the 2013 FAW Community Awards, presented by McDonald’s at Llay United in Alyn Waters Country Park on Saturday. To vote for a football coach, club or volunteer go to www.welshfootballtrust.org.uk