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Wrexham Racecourse Ground BTSFX/Disney+/GOAL

Rob McElhenney's 'memorial' urinal & Wrexham's growing trophy cabinet: Behind the scenes at the SToK Racecourse as Welsh side eye another promotion

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney finally achieved their goal last campaign, lifting the Red Dragons out of the National League and ending their 15-year hiatus from the Football League.

The Hollywood duo bought the Welsh outfit back in November 2020. After a disappointing eight-place finish in their first year, Wrexham went all the way to the play-offs a season later, only to taste semi-final heartbreak to Grimsby.

In 2022-23, Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Co were able to shake off an impressive Notts County side - in dramatic fashion - and seal their place as National League winners. After 16 matches they sit third in League Two, just five points behind leaders Stockport County.

The trials and tribulations of Wrexham's fairytale return to the Football League is documented on the TV series Welcome to Wrexham. Season two is available now on FX on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.

Having experienced many memorable moments over the years, GOAL takes a look behind the scenes at the Red Dragons' famed SToK Racecourse ground.

  • Racecourse groundFX/Disney+

    The Racecourse in all its glory

    Despite its commercial deal with SToK earlier this year, Wrexham's famous ground is steeped in history.

    The Racecourse is situated next to the Turf Hotel on Mold Road, and is considered to be the oldest international football stadiums in the world.

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  • Rob McElhenney urinal RacecourseFX/Disney+

    Rob McElhenney's 'memorial' urinal

    We know the club's owners prefer a personal touch, but we never expected them to go this far!

    In celebration for McElhenney's birthday on April 14, co-owner Reynolds decided to dedicate one special urinal in the Racecourse ground to the 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star.

    The metal engraving features a smouldering McElhenney alongside his name, birthday and the words "With love from Wrexham AFC. Paid for by Ryan Reynolds". Best not to make eye contact.

  • Racecourse trophy cabinetFX/Disney+

    Wrexham's growing trophy cabinet

    Every good stadium needs a fine trophy cabinet, and Wrexham's is no exception.

    A year ago, the Racecourse's collection would have included only the two regional trophies that now flank either side of the cabinet.

    Now, however, the famed National League title takes centre stage in all its glory, as well as the champagne bottle commemorating their return to the football league.

    With 30 points from their opening 16 League Two matches, Wrexham won't be aiming to stop there, either.

  • Racecourse dressing roomFX/Disney+

    The stars of the show

    Players such as the 46-goal Paul Mullin and the indomitable Ollie Palmer are well documented, but there are a number of unsung heroes that aided Wrexham's success last term - and will aim to do so again this season.

    Shirts of the likes of Will Boyle, Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden can be seen here, in a dressing room which has undoubtedly witnessed many rousing speeches from manager Phil Parkinson.

  • Racecourse bar/restaurantFX/Disney+

    The full experience

    Despite its history as international football's oldest ground, the SToK Racecourse boasts a distinctly-modern decor in certain quarters.

    One such place is the diner before the game, which invites supporters to an American-like setting to enjoy food and beverages before watching their beloved Wrexham.

  • Inside RacecourseFX/Disney+

    Pitchside

    A ground worthy of the Football League.

    The setting of countless memorable moments last campaign - not least Ben Foster's last-gasp penalty save against league rivals Notts County - a stadium as historic as the Racecourse was always destined for settings beyond the National League.

    But why stop there? With Wrexham flying under their Hollywood owners, there's no limit as to where they may end up.

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