Wrexham AFC, Wales Oldest Football Club

In recent years, the spotlight has shone brightly on Wrexham AFC, thanks to a certain Hollywood takeover and a captivating documentary series. But while global fame might be a new phenomenon, the club’s story is anything but. Wrexham AFC isn’t just a football team; it’s a living piece of Wrexham football history, holding the esteemed title of Wales’ oldest football club.

Their journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unbreakable bond with their community. Let’s delve into the remarkable Wrexham FC legacy that stretches back over a century and a half.

The Genesis: A Sporting Birth (1864 – Early 1900s)

Wrexham AFC was officially formed in 1864, stemming from members of the Wrexham Cricket Club who were looking for a sport to play during the winter months. This makes them the third oldest professional football club in the world, and undeniably, the oldest in Wales. Their initial home, the iconic Racecourse Ground, has been continuously used for football since 1864, making it the oldest international stadium still in use.

The club’s early years were marked by local competition and, significantly, the Welsh Cup. Wrexham dominated the early iterations of this competition, winning the inaugural tournament in 1878 and quickly establishing themselves as a force in Welsh football. This early success laid the foundation for a reputation built on competitive spirit.

The League Years & Giant-Killing Glory (Early 1900s – 2000s)

In 1921, Wrexham took a significant step, joining the newly formed Football League’s Third Division North. For decades, they became a consistent presence in the lower tiers of English football, known for their tenacious spirit and, famously, their giant-killing exploits in the FA Cup.

Perhaps their most legendary FA Cup moment came in 1992, when a struggling Fourth Division Wrexham side famously defeated reigning First Division champions Arsenal 2-1 at the Racecourse Ground – a result still considered one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history. This wasn’t a one-off; over the years, Wrexham claimed the scalps of numerous higher-league teams, often fuelled by the electrifying atmosphere of their home ground.

Beyond domestic cups, Wrexham also enjoyed notable European adventures in the European Cup Winners’ Cup (by virtue of winning the Welsh Cup), facing formidable opponents like FC Porto, AS Roma, and Anderlecht, leaving their mark on the continent.

Trials, Tribulations, and Fan Fortitude (2000s – 2020)

The turn of the millennium brought significant challenges. The early 2000s saw the club plunge into severe financial turmoil, culminating in administration and, heartbreakingly, relegation from the Football League in 2008. This marked the start of a 15-year spell in the National League (then the Conference Premier).

During these darkest hours, the true spirit of Wrexham shone through. In 2011, the club became fan-owned by the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST), a remarkable feat that saw the community rally to save their beloved team. This period was arduous, with near misses and frustrating seasons, but the fans’ unwavering dedication kept the club alive and kicking, a true testament to the unique bond between the town and its team.

The Hollywood Chapter & Beyond (2020 – Present)

In 2020, Wrexham’s story took an unexpected, globally significant turn. Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club, bringing unprecedented attention and investment. Their vision, chronicled in the popular Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham, was to return the club to its former Football League glory and reconnect it with the town on an even deeper level.

Their investment, coupled with the continued passion of the fanbase and a dedicated team, bore fruit. After several nail-biting seasons, Wrexham achieved a record-breaking National League title win in the 2022-23 season, securing their highly anticipated return to the Football League (League Two). The momentum didn’t stop there; the 2023-24 season saw another historic promotion, with Wrexham climbing to League One.

A Legacy Forged in Time

From its humble beginnings in 1864 to its current status as a global phenomenon, the history of Wrexham AFC is a captivating narrative of perseverance, passion, and the indomitable spirit of a community united by football. The Racecourse Ground, echoing with the cheers of generations of fans, stands as a monument to a club that has seen it all.

Wrexham AFC’s journey proves that while fame might be fleeting, a true Wrexham FC legacy is forged in the enduring loyalty of its supporters and the deep roots it has laid in the heart of Wales.