CLUB legends are among those lining up to wish Wrexham FC “best of luck” in their crucial FA Cup encounter with Brighton tonight.
The only one not to wish them luck was Brian Flynn – who says the team will not need it.
Flynn, manager at the time of the Reds’ 2-1 giant-killing act over Arsenal 20 years ago, believes they can beat the Seagulls to set up a home tie with Premier League club Newcastle United on January 28.
He said: “They have a good team, good management and good players.
“I’m not wishing them luck because they don’t need it.
“I have every confidence they can beat Brighton and end up against Newcastle.”
Former player Dixie McNeil said: “The Racecourse Ground will be rocking.
“Everyone is hoping they can beat Brighton because it would be great if they can go on to play Newcastle.
“Wrexham are looking a very confident side at the moment and tonight they will have the advantages of playing in front of a massive home crowd who I am sure will all get behind them.
“I wish them the very best of luck.”
Mickey Thomas, who scored in the Arsenal clash and now writes a column for the Leader, said: “Everyone wants them to do well against Brighton.
“If they can do it they will have a fantastic game against Newcastle.
“Brighton are themselves a good side but, hopefully, Wrexham will be better tonight.”
Nick Hencher, chairman of the 90-strong Wrexham Former Players Association, is in charge of catering at The Racecourse tonight.
He said: “The FA Cup is always exciting for the town and for everyone associated with the club.
“For a small club Wrexham is doing tremendously well and has worked hard all season.
“Tonight is a really big event and we have 120 dining in the Bamford Suite.
“It’s been a long time since Wrexham have done so well in the competition.”
Professor Michael Scott, vice-chancellor of Glyndwr University, which now owns The Racecourse, said: “Many of our students are Wrexham FC supporters and there has been a real buzz around campus since they secured the draw at Brighton.
“We wish the team all the very best for the replay.
“There couldn’t be a better incentive for a win so fingers crossed that their FA Cup adventure continues.”
Comedian and actor Ted Robbins, who has followed Wrexham for many years, said: “It’s going to be a great game.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go tonight as I have a long-standing speaking engagement in Lancashire but I have the Wrexham FC app on my phone and I’ll be nipping out every 15 minutes to see how they are doing.”
Yesterday, club secretary Geraint Parry said preparations for the match were going well but his team were keeping a close eye on the weather.
He said: “It was freezing on Monday morning and there could be more frost to come.
“Whatever happens with the weather we have an excellent ground staff here who should be able to make sure the pitch plays well.”
Expectation for the clash continues to build throughout the town.
Last week queues formed at The Racecourse as supporters make sure they secured tickets for the big game.
Demand was so strong, the club had to call a temporary halt on sales to ensure it did not exceed safety capacity at The Racecourse.
Yesterday morning, 300 more tickets – uncollected season tickets – went up on sale, all of which were expected to be sold by lunchtime.