SOME of Wrexham AFC's most loyal fans have been meeting their heroes while they spend part of pre-season abroad.

The Reds' players and staff have been training hard in the sweltering heat of Alicante in Spain.

They face their first opponents - La Liga Segunda side CD Leganes - today (Thursday, July 21, 9am UK time).

And preparations for the new season then continue with a second friendly against Nottingham Forest Under-21s on Saturday July 23 (7pm UK time).

Both matches are taking place at the Hotel Golf Campoamor and are open to supporters. The matches are free to attend, and the capacity of the venue is 300 spectators.

Read more: 'I am in love with Wrexham' says Hugh Jackman as club's Hollywood fairytale continues

Ahead of those encounters, some lucky supporters have been meeting Wrexham AFC players and staff during training sessions in Alicante.

Two of those were husband-and-wife Vaughn and Joanne Rawson, who are from the Gresford area.

They said: "We have supported Wrexham for over 40 years. Joanne’s father did too long before that.

"It was great meeting the players and staff. Phil Parkinson and the squad are unbelievably hospitable. They all have made us so welcome and happy to chat and have photographs.

The Leader:

PIC: Joanne Rawson (right) and Susan Gallagher (left) get a picture with Wrexham AFC star Ollie Palmer.

"Naturally meeting the likes of Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Ben Tozer new signing Mark Howard - a great privilege. But the squad in general is all so very friendly.

Asked about what they hope the team can achieve in 22/23, the couple added: "To be back in the football league would be fantastic for everyone associated with the club. We hope the attitude of the fans stays positive as Phil and his team want the success as we all do.

"A straight top of the league and automatic promotion would be utopia!"

Julie Owen who lives over in Spain, also headed down to the training sessions which have been taking place near her home.

The Leader:

PIC: Tony Williams from Hawarden with Martin Owen, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson and Julie Owen.

The Leader:

PIC: Super striker Paul Mullin stops for a chat. Picture by Julie Owen.

She said: "We live over here and Wrexham were training at Campoamor Golf about 20 minutes from where we live. We are going to watch them play against Leganes too.

"We even travelled to Wembley from Spain for the FA Trophy final in May.

"It's a small world as Joanne - who we met - knows a friend of mine from Gresford and Sue lives around the corner from where we lived in Wrexham before we moved to Cuidad Quesada in November 2020."

Great to see the worldwide Reds having fun in the sun!

Let's hope Wrexham can get the result they want against some stern opposition today.

Be sure to check the Leader for the report and for pictures from the match too!