A FOOTBALL club in Wrexham has officially opened a new stand, which has been named after a much missed former player.

Gresford Athletic Football Club officially opened the new stand prior to the match against Porthmadog on Sunday, November 25, with the new facility named after Jonnie Ratcliffe, who sadly passed away 10 years ago, aged 28.

Jonnie, a classy midfielder, played for Marford and Gresford Youth teams from the age of 8 and progressed to the senior side aged 16 and also enjoyed being part of the Welsh Schools Under 18 squad.

Speaking to the large crowd attending the ceremony, Club chairman Julian Davies opened proceedings by stating the Gresford Committee had no hesitation in naming the stand after Jonnie.

He said: "As a local Gresford boy, Jonnie was loyal to his village team and a great asset. I would also like to pay tribute to the hard work of the Committee and the generosity of local sponsors."

Former Gresford AFC Manager Alan ‘Sammy’ Jones spoke of his pride and pleasure in managing Jonnie and such a talented group of local boys, who achieved promotion to the Cymru Alliance League, which was an outstanding achievement.

Rob Ratcliffe, Jonnie’s father, also addressed the crowd firstly thanking the Gresford Committee for their thoughtful and generous gesture in naming the stand after his son.

He said, “It is a great honour and privilege for myself and my wife Gill to formally open the new stand today.

"Jonnie will no doubt be looking down right now very embarrassed, but also with great pride. We are overwhelmed to see so many people here today which is a great tribute to Jonnie and reflects just how much he was loved by us all.

"Today is a very emotional day for our family but the occasion also fills us with great pride. We want to acknowledge all the time that is given so freely by local people to provide football for local boys and girls. Thank you to everyone who made it possible for Jonnie to enjoy his football.”

Gill, Jonnie’s mother, then cut the ribbon and Jonnie’s name was unveiled. The Club provided refreshments prior to the game.

In the match day programme tributes to Jonnie were written by Steve Halliwell (current GAFC Manager) Graeme Sutcliffe (Jonnie’s friend) and Matt Davies (reserve team manager).