The single most famous kick in Wrexham FC’s history will recalled at a museum to celebrate the football club’s 150th anniversary.
Mickey Thomas’s thunderous free-kick against First Division Champions Arsenal at the Racecourse in the 1992 FA Cup third round tie in 1993 remains an iconic moment in the club’s history.
The club legend is backing the creation the pop-up museum between May 29-31 at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre where Steve Watkins’s winner two minutes later will also be celebrated.
The club, established in 1864. is the oldest 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.
But Mickey’s wonder strike in front of a capacity 13,343 sell-out crowd has gone down in the annals of the club’s history as a fans’ favourite.
According to Mickey, he is always remembered for that one special goal.
He said: “I never get sick of seeing it to be honest. And wherever I go, whether it’s doing dinners or stuff and whenever I get to meet professional and other retired footballers it always comes up.
“I’m proud as it is now part of FA Cup history, it’s part of the competition’s folklore now and something that will always be remembered.
“Was it my proudest or best moment in football? I can’t say that personally as representing my country has to be the biggest highlight for me. There is something special about pulling on a Welsh shirt.
“But as far as the FA Cup goes, definitely. It is right up there even though I played for some big clubs.”
And Mickey, who turns 60 in July, says his FA Cup goal meant so much to the club and its fans.
He said: “It was massive financially. We had beaten Telford and Winsford in the first and second rounds and were desperate for a big team in the third round. Of course no one gave us a prayer against Arsenal who were the First Division League champions.
“Of course this was before the Premier League days. And after beating Arsenal we enjoyed two games against West ham United. We drew 2-2 in the first game and narrowly lost 1- 0 in the replay.”
Mickey Thomas played more than 600 professional games in a career that spanned more than two decades.
He began his career at Wrexham, playing 230 games and scoring 33 goals before he moved to Manchester United where he played 90 games and scored 11 goals.
Transfers and loan spells then took him to Everton, Brighton and Hove Albion, Stoke, Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Derby, Witchita Wings, Shrewsbury Town, Leeds United and Stoke City before a final move back to Wrexham in 1991 where he played a further 34 games scoring two goals.
Speaking about the club’s 150th anniversary Mickey added: “The idea of a pop-up museum for Wrexham fans is a great idea and it definitely has my backing and I’m sure lots of other former players will be pleased too.
“I will try and pop down to have a look myself and see what memorabilia is on show. It’s a chance for fans to share the memories and let people see what memorabilia and artefacts they have relating to the club’s history.”
And two other Wrexham legends have also given the Eagles Meadow pop-up museum their backing.
Karl Connolly, who played 358 games for the club scoring 88 goals between 1990 and 2000 and Wayne Phillips, who played 245 games for the club between 1889 and 2003 scoring 18 goals have both given the pop-up museum a thumbs up.
Karl, who also played for Queen’s Park Rangers and Swansea City, said: “It a great idea for the fans and it has my support. Wrexham has a huge fan-base and many loyal, devoted fans and I am sure they will want to share memories and mementoes.”
Wayne added: “I think it’s a great idea will be a great way for Wrexham fans to share some memories of a club that has a rich history.”
Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre manager Kevin Critchley wants to help fans celebrate the football club’s 150th anniversary in style.
He said: “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.
“Wrexham people are passionate about the club and we want to help play our part in the 150th birthday celebrations.”
“I’d ask all fans to have a look at any historical items or memorabilia they might have at home that would be of interest to other supporters.
“We’re looking for all manner of interesting artefacts including photographs, posters, football shirts, balls, clothing, equipment
“We’d also love to see any cups, medals, sashes, certificates that may be out there. If they can loan it to us we will put it on display for the three day’s at the end of May that the museum will be open.”
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]
