Wrexham: Temporary Kop stand at Stok Racecourse could be ready for Welsh derby

A new 5,500 all-seater stand is planned as a long term replacement for the Kop end, unused since 2008.

After delays to the start of work, a temporary 2,289 stand will be erected and could be ready for the Welsh derby with Newport County on 23 December.

Wrexham have regularly sold out home games since their high-profile takeover by the Hollywood duo in February 2021, including capacity 10,771 crowds following their return to the Football League for the first time since 2008.

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“We are making good progress resolving the outstanding matters before the Kop Development can begin,” a club spokesman said, “but with a minimum of three months mobilisation period before work can start on site, we can now install a temporary stand without negatively impacting the Kop construction programme.”

“The costs of the temporary stand will be greater than generated from ticket sales, but the Board felt the priority was to enable more fans to see the team live and address the frustration felt by some that they can’t get a ticket for games.”

The temporary stand will also include space for an additional 20 wheelchairs, with the club stating that “applications for the relevant permissions and licences are being made concurrently with the construction construction”.

The Kop has not been used by supporters since 2008, the last time the club boasted an attendance over 12,000.

It was demolished in January 2023 ahead of the construction of a new stand, the designs of which featured in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary.

It had been hoped the new stand would be ready for the start of the 2024/25 season, but it was confirmed in September there would be delays to the £25m 12-month project.

The temporary seating will be open to home fans only and could see a 13,000 crowd for the game against Welsh rivals Newport. The pair have not met in the Football League since 1988, with County having already sold-out their away allocation for the fixture.