The snow on the pitch at The Racecourse this weekend, took me back to when I first watched a Wrexham match in 1960 aged 13 with my dad, John Lee Hinton. I remember that match because I remember seeing close family friend Ron Hewitt completing a great tackle right in front of me.
Another match I remember my dad taking me to was in 1963 and if you went to that match, it was one you would never forget. It was the third round of the FA Cup against Liverpool and a special match to remember for me as the Kop is now being replaced.
The sight I remember as I stood in the back row of the Kop stand, hanging onto the roof girders so I could see over the rest of the crowd, was a pitch where all the snow had been removed from the pitch and both ends covered in sand. A beautiful picture of a white and orange pitch.
I was 16 and watched the match with my dad and Ron Hewitt. In goal was my brother-in-law Ken Simpkins, the reserve keeper. The final result 0-3 but what a memorable afternoon!
Maybe this was my start of fond memories of the Kop and mixed feelings now of seeing it being replaced.
Another match I will never forget was in 1980 taking my children to watch Wales beat England 4-1. A beautiful sunny day at the Racecourse. After the match my daughter got the autograph of Phil Thompson and I had to ask Steve Coppell for his autograph for my son. I remember Ray Clemence getting straight onto the bus and not speaking to anyone.
In the late ‘80s and ‘90s I had upgraded to a season ticket in the stand and what a fantastic time to be a Wrexham fan.
I will pick out two special matches - Gareth Davis’s testimonial where we didn’t know if George Best would turn up until he walked onto the pitch. My 10 year old son burst into tears as he walked out onto the pitch. Then George fell onto my husband, the Leader photographer who was taking pictures by the goal. To this day it remains his claim to fame, George Best fell on me!!
The other match was Arsenal when I was able to repay my dad for all the matches he had taken me to in my teens, by taking him to the famous match of 1992. He was 85 and would talk about the 2-1 for many years.
I’ve met many players over the years with Joey, Dixie and Mickey standing out. I’m sure the young fans of today will be telling their grandchildren about seeing Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Ben Tozer.
The Kop was very special and it was with mixed feelings watching it coming down but I’m looking forward to its replacement.
I still follow Wrexham from the comfort of my armchair watching on the television but with the sound down and listening to the commentary of the unbeatable Mark Griffiths.
Carol
Excellent memories