Scores of fans queued patiently for the turnstiles at the official opening of a pop-up museum to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Wrexham FC.
The Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Alan Edwards, was joined by club legend Dixie McNeil, to cut the ribbon at the museum at the town’s Eagles Meadow shopping centre.
Another guest of honour was fans’ favourite Mickey Thomas, who scored the most famous goal in the club’s history with his free kick rocket First Division Champions Arsenal at the Racecourse in the 1992 FA Cup third round tie in 1993.
The museum will be open from 11am to 4pm every day until Saturday.
As well as memorabilia loaned by fans, the museum features interactive exhibits and free family entertainment such as table football tournaments and treasure hunts.
The club, established in 1864. is the oldest in Wales and the third oldest in the world while 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.
Cllr Edwards thought the pop-up museum was a “brilliant idea” which he hopes will encourage young fans to learn more about the club’s rich history.
He said: “The idea for the museum to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary is an inspired one and I support anything that helps increase interest in Wrexham Football Club and the town.”
“Wrexham Football Club has brought a great deal of happiness to thousands upon thousands of people down the years and deserves to have its 150th anniversary celebrated in this way.
“I’m a big supporter of grassroots football and would like to see Premier League players perhaps donate a little of their astronomical weekly wage to lower league clubs to help them survive.”
Wrexham Football Club President, Dixie McNeil, who now works as the lottery manager for Wales Air Ambulance, says the Eagles Meadow pop-up museum is simply incredible.
He said: “To see the old newspaper cuttings and programmes is just wonderful and brings back so many good memories.
“I’m delighted the museum is fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance. People who have their picture taken with a replica World Cup trophy are being invited to make a donation which is a brilliant, and unexpected, gesture.”
He added: “And it’s been great to see my old team-mate Mickey Thomas here enjoying the displays and reminiscing. Mickey’s goal against the mighty Arsenal in that fabulous 1992 FA Cup win was huge for the club.
“The financial security it brought and the memories it gave supporters will live on for many years to come. I’m delighted Mickey has recorded his memories from that game and that goal for fans visiting the museum to listen to and enjoy.”
Mickey Thomas said he was thrilled to drop in on the pop-up museum and added it brought back many memories.
He said: “It’s brilliant and I’m amazed how much they have crammed in. There is a lot of interaction for kids and it’s relaxed and well laid out. I came down as I wanted to see for myself just what they have managed to achieve.
“I have to say it’s pretty impressive and amazing and Wrexham fans are obviously excited by it. It’s great to see so many turned up and were waiting for the doors to open.”
Grandmother, Elizabeth Morris, of Johnstown took along her two grandchildren, Dyfan Roberts, six, and Catrin Roberts, eight, especially for the opening of the pop-up museum.
While her grandchildren challenged Dixie McNeil to a game of table football Elizabeth said: “We came down especially for the opening. I think it’s fantastic and I know the children have really enjoyed it.
“My husband, Gerald Morris, was for many years a Welsh FA referee. He isn’t too well today or he’d have come along too. The children’s dad, Tim Roberts, is a big Wrexham fan and the children are following in his footsteps.
“Both Catrin and Dyfan came down to Eagles Meadow a few months ago before Wrexham went to Wembley and had their picture taken with the cup. They were both really keen to come along today.”
And having beaten Dixie McNeil 3-2 at table football Catrin and Dyfan were jumping for joy.
Catrin said: “We were Wrexham and Dixie was Chelsea. It was a close game but we beat him. I love it and I know my dad will be amazed we played Dixie McNeil and were victorious!
“Dyfan added: “It was a good game but we were just too good for him. I’ve really enjoyed coming here and learning more about Wrexham.”
Wrexham fans Mark Blissett, 58, and Shelagh Blissett, 52, of Buckley say they came down to visit the pop-up museum having read a report about its opening in the newspaper.
Mark said: “It’s a brilliant idea, especially for kids and it will help them get involved in the club. I’m going to come back and drop off some old Wrexham programmes I have.
“It‘s been especially good seeing a club legends like Dixie McNeil and Mickey Thomas here and I’m sure others will drop in too.”
Wrexham fanatic Lee Williams, 25, of Caia Park, attends both home and away games to support the Reds and says he was thrilled to meet club legend Mickey Thomas at Eagles Meadow.
He said: “Fantastic! If it gets kids interested in Wrexham Football Club that has to be a good thing. There is lots going on and plenty for everyone to do.
“I just think it’s a cracking idea and will be telling my mates all about it. Anything that supports the club gets my backing and Eagles Meadow have done the club proud.”
Eagles Meadow operations manager, Stuart Bellis, who is himself a big fan of the Reds, says he is delighted with the pop-up museum.
He said: “It’s fantastic and a brilliant opportunity for young fans to learn about the club and its history and, hopefully, get involved as fans.
“I’m proud to have the museum here at Eagles Meadow and the fact there are so many activities for children alongside the displays that it make it interesting for the whole family.
“It’s been wonderful to see so many people here for the opening and we are thrilled club legends such as Dixie McNeil and Mickey Thomas have taken time out to come along and support the project.”
He added: “And of course we were thrilled to welcome the mayor of Wrexham along too and to be able to support an important charity such as Air Ambulance through donations for photographs and old programmes is also fantastic.”
He added: “I’ve been a fan for may years but still learnt a lot from the displays, newspapers cuttings and old programmes on display. I’d certainly recommend it as a worthwhile place for any Wrexham fans to visit.”
