Wrexham Football Club proudly holds the title of the third oldest football club in existence. This long history has allowed countless players to grace the field, many of whom have become iconic figures in North Wales.
Since the transformative takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club has seen a significant shift in its success story in a remarkably brief period. However, the club’s legacy predates their involvement.
Having been established over 161 years ago, Wrexham recently celebrated this milestone at the beginning of October, providing an excellent opportunity to reflect on some of the most distinguished players who have played at the Racecourse Ground.
The recent £33 million investment by Wrexham, along with the excitement surrounding new signings like Issa Kaboré, has captivated fans. Yet, it remains to be seen if these newcomers can surpass the achievements of the club’s long-standing legends, as noted by the Wrexham AFC Archive.
Top Five Appearance Holders in Wrexham History
5. Mickey Evans (463)
Starting our countdown is Mickey Evans, a devoted player who made his debut during the 1966-67 season against Exeter City and played until 1979, totaling 12 successful seasons with the club.
In his impressive 463 appearances, he found the net 25 times, a notable achievement for a right-back, primarily focused on defensive responsibilities.
Evans boasted a 43.5% win rate throughout his career and also featured in 10 matches within the European Cup Winners’ Cup, showcasing Wrexham’s competitiveness during those years.
4. Phil Hardy (481)
The latest addition to this list is Phil Hardy, who represented Wrexham from May 1990 to May 2001. His final match was particularly memorable, as he contributed to the team’s FAW Premier Cup win against Swansea City shortly after scoring his first goal for the club.
While he only scored once in his 481 appearances, his role as a left-back prioritized defense over goal-scoring.
3. Alf Jones (581)
Next is Alf Jones, the club’s third full-back and a remarkable performer with 581 appearances and six goals to his name. He debuted in August 1923 against Ashington, netting his first goal shortly afterward against Rotherham County.
Jones concluded his Wrexham career in April 1936, with a final match that resulted in a 1-1 draw against Carlisle United.
2. Gareth Davies (604)
Gareth Davies, a steadfast center-back, made his debut against Bradford City in February 1968 and continued until October 1982, marking his last match with a 1-1 draw against Walsall. Additionally, Davies earned three caps for the Welsh national team during his time at Wrexham.
1. Arfon Griffiths (713)
Leading the list is Arfon Griffiths, the only forward in this lineup, known for his exceptional ball skills and scoring ability. He netted 143 goals in 713 appearances while maintaining a win rate of 42.4% and even enjoyed a brief stint at Arsenal.
Griffiths also represented Wales internationally, earning 17 caps and scoring six goals, with his debut occurring in April 1971 against Czechoslovakia. Hailing from Wrexham, he proudly showcased the team’s colors while achieving recognition on the European stage, participating in the European Cup Winners Cup.
