STUART PARKER wishes he was playing for Wrexham now but no-one will take away the memories of 40 years ago when Wrexham beat Porto and went up against Italian giants Roma.

After a stunning giant-killing act in Portugal where Bobby Roberts’ rag, tag and bobtail Reds went through on away goals in the European Cup Winners’ Cup, it was a visit to the Eternal City next up for Wrexham.

And it’s 40 years this week that Roma, managed by the late Sven Goran-Eriksson, who was only 36 at the time, wrapped up a 3-0 aggregate win at The Racecourse.

“You wish you were playing now because with the new owners in charge, the club is on the rise,” said former goalkeeper Parker - the Reds number one in 1984.

“Times were tough in the Eighties - the manager, Bobby Roberts, even had to play in goal for one Welsh Cup tie that season!

“But one thing we did have was the chance to play in Europe and that season was amazing.

“The Rome trip was brilliant. Just to walk out in the Olympic Stadium.

“We trained there the day before; had a chance to do some sightseeing and then it was the match.

“There were 36,000 in there and the nerves were jangling.

“They had a great team, packed full of Italian internationals and a couple of Brazilians for good measure.

“The Italian game was all based on possession but we played well and had some bad decisions go against us.

“I made a few saves in the game but had no chance with the goals - one of which was a penalty that was never penalty.

“We could have done with VAR in those days as it would have definitely been ruled out.”

Wrexham lost 2-0 in Rome but that didn’t stop 14,007 turning up at The Racecourse to watch the second leg on November 7.

Parker again was a busy man as Francesco Graziani scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half.

“It was a decent crowd at The Racecourse that night and we gave it a good go and weren’t disgraced at all against such a good side.

“It’s great to look back at those days. I was lucky enough to be a professional footballer and I loved it at Wrexham.”

A knee injury ended Parker’s professional career as he made 51 appearances for Wrexham between 1982 and 1985.

Still living in the town, Parker hopes the days of European football will return to The Racecourse in years to come.

“Everyone wants to watch Wrexham now; you can’t get a ticket,” added Parker.

“Two promotions and the documentary have increased the interest and it would great to see the European ties back there.”

And that may be a possibility with Wrexham, Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County in top-level talks about competing in the Welsh League Cup.

Club director Shaun Harvey would love to give Wrexham supporters the chance to experience European football once again.

“We are interested because we have got an obligation to give the club the best chance of success,” said Harvey.

“The club, like the other three clubs, is steeped in European history, albeit going back over a period of time.

“If those days can return to Wrexham at some stage in the future then it’s another step on a remarkable journey.”