Wrexham FC History 2526
Wrexham FC History
Wrexham AFC: Early Years and Non-League Foundations
From 1864 Origins to Football League Entry (1864–2008)
Wrexham Association Football Club was founded in 1864 in Wrexham, Wales, making it the oldest club in Wales and one of the oldest in the world. The club was established by members of the Wrexham Cricket Club who wanted to play football during the winter months. They adopted red and white kits early on and played their first matches at the Recreation Ground before moving to the Racecourse Ground in 1872, the oldest international football ground in the world still in use.
Wrexham joined the Football Combination in 1890 and became founder members of the Football League Third Division North in 1921. They competed consistently in the lower divisions, winning promotion to the Second Division in 1932–33. The club reached the FA Cup fourth round multiple times in the 1930s and 1940s. Post-World War II, Wrexham maintained Third Division status with strong cup runs, including the FA Cup fifth round in 1956–57.
The 1960s and 1970s brought promotion to the Second Division in 1969–70 and again in 1977–78. Wrexham reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1973–74 (losing 1–0 to Liverpool) and the European Cup Winners' Cup quarter-finals in 1975–76 and 1978–79 after winning the Welsh Cup. The club finished runners-up in the Third Division in 1981–82. These early decades built deep Welsh roots. From 1864 origins and League founding membership to consistent lower-league success and European adventures, Wrexham AFC established resilience and pride in north Wales at the Racecourse Ground.
Categories: Wrexham AFC, Football History, Early Football League, Racecourse Ground Era
Keywords: Wrexham Founded 1864, Racecourse Ground 1872, 1979 European Cup Winners' Cup, Dragons Nickname
Source: https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/club/history
Wrexham AFC: Decline, Hollywood Takeover, and League Two Rise
Relegations, Administration, and 2026 Status (1970s–Present)
The 1980s and 1990s brought decline for Wrexham. Relegation to the Fourth Division came in 1982–83, followed by promotion back in 1989–90. The club reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1990–91 (losing 1–0 to Manchester United after extra time) and 1991–92. Financial difficulties led to relegation to the Conference in 2007–08 after administration and a 10-point deduction. Wrexham spent 15 seasons in non-league football, reaching the National League play-off final in 2012–13 (losing 5–4 on penalties to Newport County).
A transformative moment came on 9 November 2020 when Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired the club through RR McReynolds Company LLC. The takeover brought global attention via the documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham." Under manager Phil Parkinson from 2021, Wrexham won promotion from the National League in 2022–23 as champions. They achieved promotion from League Two in 2023–24 as runners-up and from League One in 2024–25 via the play-offs.
The Racecourse Ground (STōK Cae Ras) has been redeveloped with new stands and facilities, increasing capacity and modernising the historic venue. Recent seasons include strong League Two campaigns with focus on attacking football and community engagement. The club maintains passionate support and has enjoyed cup runs, including the FA Cup second round multiple times.
In the 2025–26 League One season, Wrexham sit 9th after 35 games (14 wins, 9 draws, 12 losses, 50 goals for, 48 against, 51 points). They compete strongly for play-off places with consistent home form at the Racecourse Ground. Recent years reflect ambition and rapid progression in the EFL.
Wrexham AFC's history reflects extraordinary highs and endurance. From 1864 origins and early league success to non-league exile, 2020 Hollywood takeover, and 2025 League One promotion, the Dragons embody resilience, global attention, and pride in north Wales football at the Racecourse Ground.
Categories: Wrexham AFC, League One History, National League Champions 2023, Racecourse Ground Era
Keywords: Wrexham 2025 League One Promotion, Racecourse Ground, Ryan Reynolds Takeover, Dragons Nickname
Source: https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/
