A HOST of former Wrexham FC stars made an emotional return to The Racecourse for the first meeting of the club's new former players' association.

Wrexham stalwarts George Showell and Alan Fox were among over 30 players who were at the Centenary Club yesterday for the association's inaugural meeting of the ex players Association.

The association has been formed to bring together all living players who made first-team appearances for the Reds, and more than 350 former players have been invited to join.

Club chairman Neville Dickens spoke at the meeting, which he said had gone very well.

He said: "We had a very good turnout. Lots of former players were there, which was great to see.

"There were plenty I have seen play myself from the terraces, and it was a pleasure to be there."

It is hoped the association will help the club attract sponsorship, as members will be encouraged to attend matches alongside sponsors, making legends from Wrexham's past more accessible.

Mr Dickens added: "The players and ourselves will all be able to get together occasionally, we will be able to meet and do things for them, and they will be able to help us."

Club vice-president and former Racecourse boss Arfon Griffiths is at the forefront of the plans.

Goalscoring ace and ex-manager Dixie McNeil is also a part of the founding committee, together with chairman Nick Hencher, Waynne Phillips, Techwyn Lloyd Jones and John Lloyd.

Another aim of the association is to raise cash for both thee club and local charities.

Looking to the future, Mr Dickens revealed last night that he expects the proposed redevelopment of the Racecourse to get underway in a matter of weeks, provided planning approval is granted.

A meeting with developers McNiven Cameron on Wednesday is expected to firm up the details.

Mr Dickens said: "This association will form part of Wrexham's future, as will the development. We are getting close. The meeting on Wednesday should sort everything out."