THE opening weekend of the new National League season was one to remember for Wrexham AFC - and the pub synonymous with the club too as its new marquee was well-received by fans.

In June, the Leader reported that the Turf - which lies in the shadow of the Racecourse ground - would be erecting a temporary, season-long marquee.

Set up with a little help from Molson Coors Beverage Company, it is set to keep fans entertained throughout the campaign with its bars and its live entertainment.

Saturday, August 6, saw the Reds come from behind to beat Eastleigh 2-1 in the 22/23 season opener.

And it was also the very first day that the marquee was put into action as the atmosphere built for what will no doubt be another rollercoaster ride of a season ahead.

Read more: 'I love this town!' - Rob and Ryan react to Wrexham's opening day victory

Turf Landlord Wayne Jones has been in charge of the pub for 14 years and has been a Wrexham fan for nearly 30 years.

Speaking about Saturday, he said: "Overall it was a brilliant day, lovely weather, brilliant atmosphere and a fantastic response by the fans.

"There were also a few teething problems which we can and will learn from. It's difficult to say how many people paid us a visit. We had a license from Wrexham council for 499 but it didn’t reach that figure - I would hazard a guess at around 300.

The Leader:

PIC: The Turf itself was also packed - as it always is on a matchday!

"Hopefully we will continue to be busy going forward and give something a little different on match days. We will have live music on Saturday games and just open as a bar for fans to get a quick pre match pint on Tuesdays."

Like many others, Wayne will be hoping that this will finally be the season that Wrexham earn promotion back to the English Football League.

Talking about his hopes for the season, he said: "I'm very optimistic. Granted, it was a tough old slog on Saturday but that’s the first game and a positive outcome.

"Phil (Parkinson, Wrexham manager) knows better than I ever could that teams will come to frustrate us. Yes, it worked but we found a way.

"That’s what we will have to do is find a way. Am I confident? Yes. Never been so confident."

The Leader:

PIC: Turf landlord Wayne Jones.

Wayne is also one of the many Wrexham residents set to appear in the highly-anticipated 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary.

The series, which airs on Disney + on August 25, will follow the story of the club's takeover by Hollywood duo Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

Asked about that, he said: "It's too late to bow out now! I am fully expecting some harmless stick."

Up next for the Turf marquee is an appearance from Gaz Owen who will be providing some matchday entertainment from 12.30pm ahead of the Wrexham v Maidenhead match at the Racecourse on August 20.

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