A Wrexham FC legend is appealing for help in tracing one of his old football shirts that has huge sentimental value for him.
Former striker and manager Dixie McNeil, 67, will be a guest of honour at the official opening of a pop up museum at Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
Organisers have appealed to fans loan memorabilia that can be featured in the museum that will be open between Thursday, May 29, and Saturday, May 31.
Dixie is hoping that somebody will come forward with the shirt he wore during the 1977-78 promotion season.
He hasn’t seen it since fellow player John Lyons threw it into a packed Kop after the final whistle went at the end of season.
These days Dixie, the Wrexham Football Club President, works as the lottery manager for Wales Air Ambulance and he’s delighted the museum will also be raising money for the charity.
He’s also proud of the club’s heritage as oldest club in Wales and the third oldest in the world.
With the World Cup looming, organisers say the anniversary celebrations are particularly appropriate because the Racecourse is the world’s oldest international football ground still in use. The first international match was played there in 1877 when Scotland played Wales.
Dixie’s keeping his fingers crossed that the appeal for memorabilia will unearth the old shirt.
He recalled: “It was the last game of the season and I was injured. John Lyons took my place in the side and wore my number 10 shirt.
“At the end of the game, in the dressing room, I asked John where my shirt was and he said he’d thrown it into the Kop. I haven’t seen it since!
“I love to see it again and maybe that is one bit of memorabilia that will be on display at the pop-up museum.
“I think the concept of the museum is a great idea and will be a chance for many Wrexham fans to share their precious memories of what is a fantastic football club.”
Dixie, who scored 54 goals for the club in 167 appearances between 1977 and 1982, says the pop-up museum is a wonderful way for fans to share memories of the club as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.
He said: “It will be really interesting to see what memories people have and share. Whether it’s programmes, tickets or photographs, or my shirt! It will be a great chance to share some wonderful times.
“Personally, I have so many memories of the club. I was lucky, I was born in the Midlands and arrived at Wrexham on a £60,000 transfer from Hereford United.
“In fact, I made my league début way back in the 66-67 season playing for Exeter City against, of all teams, Wrexham. I could never have known then the relationship I would go on to have with Wrexham fans.
“They just took to me and me to them really. It’s such a good club and should be playing in a much higher league.
“And I played with some wonderful players, especially in that promotion year. Mickey Thomas, or ‘Noddy’ as we called him, was just breaking into the side and went on to play for, among other clubs, Manchester United.
“We also had Bobby Shinton who was a fantastic player who went onto to play for Manchester City. But my best friend, and still is to this day, was Dai Davies.
“Dai was the Wales goalkeeper and as we signed within days of each other we spent a fair bit of time together and always roomed together if we had away matches which involved overnight stays.”
He added: “I’d encourage every Wrexham fan to support the Eagles Meadow pop-up museum, there should be something there for everyone. Let’s get as many people as possible involved with the club.”
Dixie says he is thrilled the pop-up museum will be raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance.
He said: “It’s a fantastic and really worthy charity. Formed in 2001 we have now flown in excess of 19,300 missions.
“We have to get most of the money to keep flying, and keep saving lives, from the fundraising we do. So to have the opportunity to raise some much-needed cash at Eagles Meadow is very welcome indeed.
“So if you a Wrexham, or just a football fan, why not pop along to Eagles Meadow and check out what I’m sure will be a wonderful opportunity to share memories of our great club.”
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchleywants to help fans celebrate the football club’s 150th anniversary in style.
He said: “I will be delighted to welcome a club legend such as Dixie McNeil to Eagles Meadow. The football club is woven into the fabric of the town and we know just how much the club means to so many people in the area.
“I’m also pleased we are supporting an important charity such as Wales Air Ambulance at the pop-up museum. Wrexham people are always exceptional generous and I am sure we will raise a good sum of money to help the charity.
“Wrexham people are passionate about their club and at Eagles Meadow we want to help play our part in the 150th birthday celebrations.”
Fans who have any memorabilia they would like to share should ring 07970 318081 or email [email protected] and meanwhile, the Supporters Trust website will be available soon, if you have any artefacts you can either photograph or scan, then please e-mail them to [email protected]
