THE landlord of a much-loved Wrexham pub has described the 'deep love' he has for the town, the people within it and the football club.

June of this year will mark 14 years in charge of the Turf for Wrexham born-and-bred Wayne Jones.

The 39-year-old has just recently signed a new five-year deal with the pub which has become synonymous with Wrexham AFC down the years, given its location right in the shadow of the Racecourse ground.

Read more: 'It becomes a part of you' - the woman who has been a Wrexham AFC fan for 72 years

Wayne first took over at the Turf when he was 25 years old, having come back from three years of travelling.

The Leader:

PIC: Wrexham's iconic Turf pub.

Since then, he has developed a strong connection with the people of Wrexham and, of course, with Reds fans on a matchday.

Like many other devoted followers of the club, Wayne is currently gearing up for the FA Trophy final clash v Bromley at Wembley this coming Sunday (May 22).

Speaking to The Leader ahead of that trip about his love for all things Wrexham, he said: "I am fairly certain this is my 28th season following the club. My folks bought a house in Yale Park when I was 11 and I wandered over the road - I got in for the last 10 minutes of a night game and have been hooked ever since.

READ MORE: Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Reds - a Wrexham fan's pride in the club

"The overriding highlight of my time following the club though is the people. They are my kind of people; hard-working, honest and have a deep love for the town and the team."

Wayne adds that his highlight this season was the 2-0 win over eventual National League champions Stockport County in the FA Trophy semi-final.

He also states that signing striker Ollie Palmer 'completely transformed our league season'.

Ahead of the huge trip to Wembley on Sunday, Wayne added: "I will be at Wembley with my wife, two sons and my wider family, as well as over 90 Turf regulars we have organised two coaches for. One big happy Wrexham family!

The Leader:

"This will be my fourth time at Wembley. Grimsby was brilliant, but Newport in the play-offs was the worst game I have ever witnessed as a fan. It took me a long time to overcome that defeat.

"Then the North Ferriby debacle. Hopefully, Sunday will be a lot more memorable!"

Asked about what his message to the Wrexham AFC players would be ahead of Sunday, Wayne said: "Go out and enjoy yourselves. It’s a chance of a lifetime to play at Wembley so go and enjoy it with your families.

"The important stuff starts on the 28th! (the National League play-offs). You have done the town and region proud again this season. We are all behind you. Come on you Reds!"

  • Don’t miss a special, souvenir edition of the Leader available to buy on Friday May 20 featuring exclusive content on the build up to Wrexham AFC’s FA Trophy final at Wembley on Sunday, May 22.