WREXHAM are looking to continue climbing the divisions under their Hollywood owners but the FA Cup will always have a special place in the club’s heart.

That’s the view of former midfielder Waynne Phillips, who was in the side the day that the Reds’ caused the biggest cup shock of all time in January 1992.

Brian Flynn’s side, who finished bottom of the Football League the previous season, came from behind to beat reigning league champions Arsenal 2-1 in an unforgettable third round tie.

Wrexham have caused countless other upsets over the years and Phillips says the famous knockout competition is still magical.

“It’s been a good competition for Wrexham Football Club,” said Phillips. “From my time, before my time and after my time.

“Growing up as a kid, the FA Cup was special then and the competition still means as much to me.

“When you support a team playing at the lower levels, the aim is to get to the third round in the hope that you can get one of the big boys.

“I was fortunate enough to get some big games in the FA Cup, it is a brilliant competition.”

No-one gave Wrexham a chance against Arsenal but late goals from Mickey Thomas and Steve Watkin secured a famous win.

“You always like to think that you could be that team that causes an upset,” said Phillips.

“There’s always an upset in every round and I was fortunate to play in probably the greatest FA Cup shock of all time.

“When you look at the two sides, they finished champions of Division One the previous season and we were 92nd.

“Premier League teams don’t always put their strongest teams out in the FA Cup but Arsenal did that day.”

Wrexham’s reward was a trip to West Ham United in the fourth round and Phillips scored in a 2-2 draw but the Hammers won the replay 1-0 in north Wales.

“I was fortunate to be a goalscorer in the fourth round at West Ham in a big game but we never finished the job off because we lost in the replay,” said Phillips.

Wrexham sprang a surprise last season in round three when Phil Parkinson’s men won 4-3 at Championship high-fliers Coventry City.

The Reds were on course for another upset but Premier League-bound Sheffield United snatched a last-gasp equaliser to draw 3-3 at The Racecourse and the Blades scored two late goals to win the replay 3-1.

The season ended with Wrexham clinching the National League title and the Reds, now flying high in League Two and challenging for a second successive promotion, have again reached the fourth round after beating rivals Shrewsbury Town 1-0 in the cross-border derby earlier this month.

Phillips says Wrexham have proved the cup is not a hindrance.

“Last season was brilliant. The days at Coventry and Sheffield United were fantastic occasions and hopefully there’s more to come,” said the 53-year-old.

“I am delighted Wrexham have gone for it again this season.

“I don’t believe for one minute that it will have any effect on the league because that was proven last season.

“We had a fantastic cup-run and still won the league.

“It is not a hindrance and it can help in a way; there’s no better feeling than playing against these bigger teams and winning games, you can take that momentum into the next game.”

Wrexham’s reward for beating Shrewsbury is a clash against Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Monday night and although the Reds are underdogs, Phillips refuses to rule out another cup upset.

“Don’t underestimate the challenge ahead,” said Phillips. “Blackburn are a Championship club.

“They have won the Premier League and they are a big club.

“It wasn’t my preferred choice, we all have different opinions and different choices and I would have loved a Spurs or a Newcastle away.

“If not away, a Premier League team at a packed-out Racecourse and then you start going down the list but it’s not a bad draw.

“Blackburn away with 7,000 Wrexham fans on a Monday night is one I am certainly looking forward to.

“There’s no reason why Wrexham can’t go there and cause what would be another shock.”