Excitement mounts as Wrexham FC fans queue for season tickets

There was a definite mood of optimism in the air at The Racecourse ground as the sun shone on fans of all ages waiting their turn for tickets.

The tickets went on sale at the Centenary Club from midday today (Monday) for those who were unable to renew tickets online.

And the tickets were proving popular, with the queue snaking all the way around from the Centenary Club entrance back towards Crispin Lane.

The Leader went along to find out how fans were feeling about the new season ahead, given all of the dramatic developments that have put Wrexham on the world map over the past year or so.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Hollywood stars and club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are keen to lead the club to the heady heights, with seemingly not a week going by without some new development being announced or Hollywood celebrity modelling the Wrexham kit.

The latest news greeted with delight by the fans was the signing of star striker Paul Mullin from Cambridge United.

Wrexham's new striker Paul Mullin

Fans at The Racecourse today told The Leader that they enjoyed the chance to catch up and reminisce with old friends and new as they talked about their hopes for the 2021/22 season ahead.

To add to the excitement today, some of the Wrexham players could be seen walking into the ground as the fans queued, with both the team and the fans being filmed by a camera crew. The crew are charting developments at the club as part of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary being made by FX Entertainment.

Those who had come early to stake their place in the queue were rewarded for their wait, with the doors opening at midday ready for the first eager customer to get his hands on his new season ticket.

Optimistic

That first customer was lifelong Wrexham fan Brian Williams, 74, from Gresford, who has supported the club since 1953.

He said he had got there at 8.40am, to make sure he did not miss out.

Brian said: "I'm really looking forward to the new season. I think with the new owners and new management everything is looking good for us. I'm really optimistic.

"I'm sure everybody feels the same way. It's fantastic. I can see a better future.

"It's been a long 18 months. It's nice to get back into the groove of supporting Wrexham."

Andrew Spilstead, 42, from Wrexham said: "I've been a fan since 1987 and it's surreal really, what's happened over the past year or so.

"I've never been in a queue for season tickets. Normally I just go straight to the club shop. It's nice to see so many fans wanting tickets."

Steven Parry from Johnstown was waiting in line with his dad Dave.

Steven, 26, told the Leader: "I'm a huge fan of Rob McElhenney and it's so exciting to have him involved with the club. It's a big boost for us."

"Come on Wrexham!"

David Jones from Southsea arrived at the ground at 9.45am to ensure he got his ticket.

He said: "We are really looking forward to the new season. Let's hope we are successful."

Lifelong fans Glenys Wilkinson from Wrexham and Mair Roberts from Nercwys were excited to get their new season tickets.

Glenys and Mair cheered "Come on Wrexham!" as they waited their turn.

Mair added: "It's fantastic news. I can't wait to go to the first game."

Ray Clarke from Wrexham said: "I am very excited to be here. I've been here for about an hour. We've all been chatting and it's been great to see people who we haven't seen for a long time."

He added that he was delighted about the news of the signing of Paul Mullin.

Strong bench

He said: "That's the best news that we have had for a long long time. It just shows the pulling power of the club. We are no longer church mice!"

Graham Jones added: "We have got the best fans in the world. And we'll have a good strong bench as well - the best bench in the league."

Husband and wife Walter and Olive Roberts were also amongst the first in the queue.

Walter said: "It's brilliant to be here. I can see a better future for the club."

Right direction

Meanwhile, young Wrexham fan Joshua Phillips, 14, from Cefn Mawr, was queuing with his mum Anna. The whole family are Wrexham fans, including dad Aaron.

Joshua said: "I'm excited to be here. The building blocks are being put in place and I'm waiting for what's going to happen. I think this season is the first step. It's not going to happen all at once."

He said he thought the signing of Paul Mullin was a step in the right direction for the club.

Anna Phillips said it was a poignant moment as she always thought of her late father-in-law when she visited The Racecourse. Alan Phillips, also from Cefn Mawr, was a lifelong Wrexham fan.

She said: "My father-in-law was a huge fan. He's not with us any more but we always remember him when we are at The Racecourse."

Hollywood stars

Young fan Bethan Williams, 12, from Hope was waiting in line with her mum Katherine.

Bethan, who used to play for the Wrexham FC girls' team, and her mum were getting season tickets for the whole family, including Bethan's brothers Gareth, 17, and Rhys, 13, and dad Gary.

Katherine said: "You'd never ever have thought that Hollywood stars would buy the club. It's brilliant seeing everyone here today waiting to get their new season tickets.

"We'll be going as a family to watch the first game. We cannot wait!"

Reacting to recent developments at the club, lifelong fan Robert Harrison said: "The word surreal sums it up really. I can't believe it and I still pinch myself. We couldn't ever have dreamed of all of this happening.

"Every week there's something new and exciting happening. Even right at the start when you are in your living room and having a Zoom call with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney."

Peter Lynch, 79. said: "I think it's great. It's an exciting time."

Successful new season

Les Buxton, who is head groundsman with Rhydymwyn FC, has been to nearly every game - home and away - during his time supporting the club. He shared his thoughts on how to ensure the team were ready for a successful new season.

He added: "We have all suffered for the past 14 years but we are all in it together and I think if we can get promotion this year it's the start of something big.

"We're over the moon with the new signing. We need a couple more mid fielders and another centre half and then I think we are ready to go."

Season tickets can be renewed online or in person via The Centenary Club by existing season ticket holders until 5pm on August 3, when they will then go on general sale.

For more information visit https://www.eticketing.co.uk/wrexhamafc/ or if you haven't received your ID number, which should have been emailed to you, then email ticketoffice@wrexhamfc.tv in the first instance.