Wrexham AFC supporters were reminded on X this week of four names who shaped the club in different eras, with Wayne Phillips, Les Cartwright, Joey Jones and Gareth Davies all recognised for the mark they left on Wrexham.
Wrexham’s story is now being written in the Championship under Phil Parkinson. But the foundations that support this chapter were built long before the modern rise.
The point made by Wrexham Reds News is not about ranking legends. It is about recognising how different types of players helped shape the club’s identity across generations.
Gareth Davies set the standards in a golden era
Gareth Davies was a leader during one of Wrexham’s most successful periods. The former defender and captain spent 16 years at the club, making nearly 500 appearances, according to North Wales Live.
He played a key role in the team that won the Third Division title in 1977-78. That promotion still resonates today as supporters follow Wrexham’s progress in the Championship.
Les Cartwright added quality to a rising team
Les Cartwright joined Wrexham during the same era of success. The Welsh international midfielder brought control and composure to a side that was beginning to expect more than survival.
He was a Wales international, and he was a regular in the Wrexham team of the late 1970s. His legacy is tied to a squad that started believing it could achieve something lasting.
Joey Jones embodied what Wrexham stood for
No player captured the spirit of Wrexham quite like Joey Jones. He played for the club across three separate spells and later returned as a coach, a journey celebrated by Wrexham AFC.
Jones also lifted the European Cup with Liverpool and earned 72 caps for Wales. But it was his connection to Wrexham that always felt most important. He was called “Mr Wrexham” by The Athletic, a title that still fits.
Waynne Phillips brought loyalty across changing times
Waynne Phillips served the club during a different era. The Wrexham AFC Archive credits him with 321 competitive appearances and 23 goals for the club.
The FAW also noted his role in Wrexham’s Welsh Cup history, including the 1995 final win over Cardiff City. His contribution was built on versatility, consistency and commitment across years when the club needed all three.
Their influence still runs through Wrexham
Wrexham are now in a different world. The rise of Welcome to Wrexham, the work around the new Kop stand and the profile of Ryan Reynolds have changed the scale of the club.
But the core still feels familiar at the Racecourse. Wrexham has always been shaped by players who gave supporters something lasting.
Davies, Cartwright, Jones and Phillips did that in different ways. Four eras produced one shared legacy, and that is why their names still belong in the conversation whenever Wrexham’s story is told.
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