Ex-Wrexham boss Brian Flynn is amazed at the way things have changed – and not just at the football club.
Brian was back in town 10 years after his managerial reign ended at the Racecourse when the club was still in the football league.
This time he returned as manager of the Wales Under 21 side taking on Montenegro on Saturday and the Czech republic in Tuesday’s game.
The respected Welsh stalwart, who earned 66 full caps as a player, took the Under 21s for a meal to Frankie and Benny’s at the town’s Eagles Meadow shopping centre.
Brian couldn’t hide his delight at being back in Wrexham having managed the town’s club for 12 years between 1989 and 2001.
Since then Eagles Meadow has created a net increase of more than 1,000 new jobs and underlined the town’s credentials as the shopping capital of North Wales.
He said: “It’s a special place Wrexham and I have nothing but good memories of the town.
“Mind you, Eagles Meadow wasn’t here when I was manger of Wrexham Football Club. I’m very impressed by what’s on offer. It’s a great facility to have and is certainly thriving with busy restaurants to complement all the stores.
“We have been made very welcome here at Frankie and Benny’s and it’s a chance to let the lads have a relaxing meal and a good get together.”
Wrexham goalkeeper Chris Maxwell is thrilled to be part of the squad and was made up to show his team-mates what Wrexham has to offer.
He said: “It’s great. I have recently moved to the town having been brought up in Llandudno. So I already use Eagles Meadow a fair bit anyway. I go bowling quite a lot and, to be honest, I eat at Frankie and Benny’s quite regularly.
“It’s great to be playing international matches in Wrexham, which is of course the world’s oldest international football venue still in existence. We are looking for a couple of good wins out of our two games.”
Nottingham Forest midfielder, Keiran Freeman and Shrewsbury Town striker Tom Bradshaw both say they have been enjoying their time in Wrexham ahead of the two qualifying matches.
Keiran said: “Wrexham seems a really nice place and we have been made very welcome at Frankie & Benny’s.”
Tom added: “Playing just down the road at Shrewsbury I know Wrexham quite well. It’s a great town and we have been made to feel really welcome by everyone we have met.”
Rob Lightfoot, Frankie and Benny’s duty manager, said he was thrilled to welcome the Wales Under 21 squad to the restaurant.
He said: “We are delighted the team’s management chose our Eagles Meadow restaurant for a team meal.
“It’s nice for the staff to get to meet all the players and as I was born and bred in Wrexham it’s great to get to meet Brian Flynn who will always be a Wrexham legend.
“Everyone here at Frankie and Benny’s hopes all the squad enjoy their stay in the town and wish them well for their forthcoming matches.”
