WREXHAM players and staff have been mobbed by their new legion of American fans and David Jones is experiencing the incredible support for a second time.
The club’s popularity has soared all over the world since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover at The Racecourse in February 2021, with the“Welcome to Wrexham” documentary proving to be a huge hit in the States.
Wrexham are preparing for the new League Two campaign with a pre-season tour in America, and first-team coach Jones is making a return trip.
The Wrexham Red Dragons side, made up of current, former and guest players, competed in the recent Soccer Tournament - a $1m winner-takes-all seven-a-side event in North Carolina - which attracted 32 teams and some star-studded names.
Jones was player-manager of the Dragons who topped their group but bowed out of the event after losing to a golden goal against Conrad and Beasley United in the round of 16.
Wrexham, with the likes of legendary strike duo Lee Trundle and Andy Morrell in the side, as well as current Reds’ goalkeeper Mark Howard, received brilliant backing during the tournament but Jones knows that support will go up a level during Wrexham’s pre-season tour.
“It was brilliant, amazing, when we went over there, “ said former Premier League midfielder Jones, who kicked off his young football career playing for Marford and Gresford in the Wrexham and District Youth League
“The support that we had out there was tremendous and unexpected really.
“It shows the extent of which the club has reached people across the world, and it was great energy from the fans who were there.
“When the first team is there, I am sure it will be 10 times what we experienced.
“The main aim is to get prepared and ready to go when the new season comes around, and the games will all be brilliant, but it will be a great experience for the lads.”
Jones, who first joined Wrexham as a player in the summer of 2021, played his part in the Reds’ remarkable return to the Football League following a 15-year absence.
Parkinson’s men clinched the National League title following a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign and Jones feels winning promotion has helped grow Wrexham’s support.
“Clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea go out to the States most years,” Jones said referring to two of the teams that Wrexham will face on the tour, along with LA Galaxy and Philadelphia Union.
“They have got a huge fanbase but where our club is at the moment and the fans that we are reaching, I am sure that we will have our fair share of support.
“Rob and Ryan, and the documentary, play a massive factor in it but also what the team has done over the last 12 months.
“With the points total and the effort the lads put in last year clinching promotion, it has helped with the support we are getting.
“We are a really hard working team and the fans can relate to that.”
And Jones was back in seven-a-side action as his team won the staff match 7-5 during the club’s American tour.
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