open menulivescore

Wales set for Racecourse return as Wrexham go from strength to strength
Copy icon

Phil Blanche
Press Association
Owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have revitalised Wrexham
Owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have revitalised Wrexham

Wrexham's redevelopment of the Racehorse Ground under Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will see Wales internationals return to the stadium. 

A 5,500-seater stand planned by the National League leaders has secured financial backing from Wrexham County Borough Council.

The expansion will take Wrexham's capacity to around 15,600 and guarantees the future of the national men's team playing in North Wales. 

Although the development is not due to be completed until the start of 2024-25, Wales plan to take their friendly against Gibraltar on October 11 to Wrexham. 

Football Association of Wales president Steve Williams said: "The council have got funding to make the stadium bigger and that's great news for ourselves and the fans. 

"The floodlights will be removed at the end of the season and the Kop development starts on June 1. 

"We've got some work to do and have some trial runs but we're looking to take the Gibraltar game there in October. 

The Racecourse Ground is set for a revamp
The Racecourse Ground is set for a revamp

"We know fans in North Wales are connected to the national team and there's an appetite to play games in Wrexham."

The FAW were founded in Wrexham in 1876 and the Racecourse Ground hosted every home match until 1890. 

It has hosted a record 94 Wales games but the club's decline and fall into non-league had an adverse effect on the national team playing there. 

Wales' last visit to Wrexham, a March 2019 friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, was the first time the men's senior team had played at the Racecourse for 11 years. 

Wrexham fan Williams added: "Cardiff City Stadium is our home ground and, even with the planned Kop development, will have twice the capacity of the Racecourse. 

"The FAW have to take that on board but it is feasible to judge individual games on merit and take opposition-specific games to Wrexham. 

"I believe we will fill the ground regardless of who the opposition is."

The news comes with Wrexham on the verge of returning to the Football League after a 15-year absence. 

They host Boreham Wood on Saturday knowing three points from their final two games would guarantee automatic promotion.

Tags

WalesWrexhamNational League
LiveScore logo

LiveScore: Live Sport Updates

Footbal Scores & Sports News

App storeGoogle play