As regular readers will know, I am writing a book on Wrexham AFC that I hope to have published by Xmas. As the countdown to publication begins I have decided to look back at the other Wrexham AFC titles that are available. Many of these books have been a fantastic source of information to me whilst researching the volume created by myself.
The following has been taken from Amazon.co.uk:
A fascinating read and a must for every Wrexham fan
The Racecourse Robins from Adams to Youds: A Who’s Who of Wrexham Association Football Club 1921 to 1999 by Gareth M Davies & Peter Jones
A 426 page A4 size tome has recently been published by the authors, which covers the biographies of over 700 players who have played in the first team of the Wrexham ‘Robins’ – the only Football League club in North Wales.
This substantial hardback book, which includes photographs to illustrate the vast majority of entries, serves as a tribute to all those players who have represented the club in a competitive first team game during that time – the famous, not so famous and the completely forgotten alike.
Those who represented the club during the Second World War are also well documented, together with a managers section, a records reference section, and a complete list of players who appeared for the club between 1890 to 1921 in Combination, Welsh and Birmingham League competition, along with a history of the club from 1872, the year that they were formed. Indeed, the players themselves are the ‘history’ of the club, while an interesting ‘connections’ section lists those who have served with other clubs during their careers.
The book has been written by Peter Jones, the author of ‘Wrexham: A Complete Record 1872-1992’ and Gareth M Davies, the author of ‘Welsh International Soccer Players’ and ‘A Coast of Soccer Memories 1894-1994’.
The following quotes about the book have been taken from the Book Reviews that have already been published;
Les Chamberlain – Wrexham Leader “The book is a mine of information and a must for all avid Wrexham fans. It is a magnificent piece of work”.
Mark Currie – Daily Post “As a labour of love it is right there at the top of the scale”.
David Lovett – Wrexham Evening Leader “The stories, diligently unearthed by the authors, go on and on. From the legendary Tommy Bamford to Dixie McNeil and Gary Bennett. It’s a fascinating read and a must for every Wrexham fan.”
Jonathan McEvoy – Wrexham Mail “This tome is a more than a work of historical significance. It is a monumental expression of the authors’ abiding affinity for the players who have enriched their club and thousands of lives. No coffee-table in Wrexham should be without one”.
Sarah Hughes – Sports First “This labour of love by Gareth Davies and Peter Jones is entertaining, informative and, of interest not just to avid Wrexham fans but to anyone who professes an interest in the game as a whole”.
Wrexham AFC Club Programme “This book might have had a few false starts over the past 12 months, but believe us when we say – it was well worth the wait”.
John Litster – Programme Monthly “It is almost certainly the best-ever Football Who’s Who, and sets a new benchmark for other clubs’ equivalents”.
Dean Domerecki – Red Passion Fanzine “Labour of Love. There simply isn’t another adequate description to describe the book, at least none that call into question the sanity of the two authors! Four hundred and twenty six pages of relentless information tells the story not only of WFC through the lives and careers of its players, but also, between the lines, the story of two committed enthusiasts who have given generously of their time (and no doubt money!) to bring to the world this enthralling treasure”.
Jonathan Wright – Total Football “This is a marvellous book, a labour of love that gives biographical details on 700 players who have turned out for the North Wales club since 1921. Joey Jones, the Wrexham full-back who also tasted European Cup glory with Liverpool, notes he’s proud to have been asked to write an introduction to the book and so he should” – Five Stars
Karl Woodward – Western Mail “The Racecourse Robins from Adams to Youds is a remarkable 426 page tome. The result is a definitive record of every player for the North Wales club.”
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There is no denying that hours of painstaking research must have gone into these informative and comprehensive pages to complete a magnificent reference tool for all true fans of the club. I can only hope for similar reviews when I publish my own contribution to the Wrexham AFC canon. I am hoping that the title will be ready in time for an Xmas release.
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