GARETH and Gemma Owen are proud owners of one of the last iconic Kop barriers from The Racecourse Ground.

Preparation for the demolition of the exiting Kop has commenced and the barrier it is a reminder of Gareth’s affiliation to Wrexham as a fan, player and now coach.

Gareth, who played more than 300 games for Wrexham from 1989 to 2001, was a promotion winner and was also in the Reds side that famously beat Arsenal 2-1 in one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in 1992.

The former midfielder recalls standing on the beloved Kop as a supporter and when he joined the club's groundstaff in 1987, he helped paint the barriers in the close season before getting a first professional contract.

When he finally made the first team, he realised his boyhood dream, to play in front of the Kop, on the hallowed Racecourse turf!

Gareth also played eight times for Wales under 21’s but one of his proudest moments was playing for the national team's B side against Canada at The Racecourse in front of the Kop.

Wife Gemma is Head of Women's Football at The Racecourse, assistant manager of the under 19s women's team and also carries out women's secretary duties as well as a community role with the club.

Phil Salmon, who served on the board of the Wrexham Supporters Trust and was made an Honorary Vice President, said: "We were just pleased that we could help Gareth and Gemma get the last barrier. Thank you to the Wrexham Supporters Trust for making it possible."