2014–15 Wrexham F.C. season

Glyndŵr Wrexham Football Academy

For the 2014-15 season, Wrexham football club, in conjunction with Glyndŵr University created the Glyndwr Wrexham Football Academy (GWFA) which aims at overturning the idea that young players are forced to choose between football or higher education at the age of 16. This is with the backing of the Professional Football Association (PFA) and support from the League Football Education (LFE), the initiative will provide them with a unique educational strategy whilst still playing and training within a full-time professional football environment. Patrons include former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen, Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey, and Swansea City left-back Neil Taylor, who is a product of the Wrexham youth academy.

Kit

With it being Wrexham's 150th anniversary as a football club, a commemorative golden badge was unveiled to be used for the 2014-15 season and a special one off kit was announced. The Kit will be made by Nike and Wrexham will be playing in red and black hoops, harking back to their earliest known colours. Glyndŵr University will remain as shirt sponsors for their third full season with the club. AEC Engineering will feature as new 'Back of Shirt Sponsor'. The kit was launched at Eagles Meadow on 1 August, with fans queuing for several hours to get their hands on the Sesquicentennial shirt. 700 shirts were sold on the first day alone.

Pre season

Wrexham's retained list was announced on 1 and 2 May, with David Artell, Joe Anyinsah, Stephen Wright, Robert Ogleby, Jay Colbeck and Kyle Parle all released from the club. Dean Keates, Mark Carrington, Theo Baily-Jones, Steve Tomassen and Leon Clowes accepted new deals. Manager Kevin Wilkin made his first signing of the summer on 28 May, bringing in defender Blaine Hudson from Cambridge United on a one-year deal. On 29 May, Gary Mills was named as Wilkin's assistant manager. On 4 June, Wrexham unveiled their second signing of the summer, with the capture of Wesley York, from Nuneaton. Goalkeeper Andy Coughlin re-signed a one-year contract on 5 June. Forward Nick Rushton re-signed with the club on a one-year deal on 12 June. Midfielder Joe Clarke re-signed with the Reds for a further year on 26 June. Striker Louis Moult signed from fellow Conference side Nuneaton Town on 30 June linking up with manager Kevin Wilkin once again. On 12 July, Wrexham Football Club announced their first intake of players as part of the Glyndwr Wrexham Football Academy (GWFA), which will see young players released from clubs, train with the squad hoping to break into the first team, while earning a degree at the University. On 11 July, Wrexham announced their fourth signing of the summer, forward Connor Jennings. Wrexham played six pre-season friendlies in July, Winning three matches (Swansea City, Colwyn Bay and AFC Fylde) drawing twice (Hednesford Town and Rhyl) and losing only once, to Everton.

August

Wrexham's only pre-season game in August was a 0-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers whose squad included Liam Trotter, David Wheater and Robert Hall. Kevin Wilkin's fifth signing came on 4 August, with goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann joining on loan, initially, until 1 January. Central defender Manny Smith signed a one-year deal following his successful trial with the club on 5 August. Wrexham started the 2014-15 campaign on 9 August, at Dartford, winning 2-1 with a Brace from winger Wes York on his debut for the club. Wrexham's first home game of the season drew a crowd of over 4,000 as they were beaten 0-3 by Gateshead. Wrexham returned to the Racecourse on the following Saturday and beat Nuneaton Town 1-0, thanks to a 4th minute volley from Louis Moult. Wrexham's fourth game brought them a third win, against Alfreton Town, winning 3-2 with goals from Louis Moult, Blaine Hudson and Connor Jennings. The latter two being their first for their new club. Wrexham's final two games of August were played at home, drawing with Macclesfield Town and losing 1-2, to Woking.

September

On 1 September, Wrexham confirmed that former utility man Johnny Hunt would return on loan until 1 January. Wrexham's winning away form continued with a 1-0 victory at Forest Green Rovers, striker Louis Moult scoring a superb 25-yard free-kick. Wrexham suffered their first away defeat of the season at Bristol Rovers on 9 September, midfielder Andy Monkhouse scoring with a first-half header to secure the win for the hosts. Wrexham bounced back to winning ways with a somewhat fortunate win over Welling United, with two late goals in as many minutes from Louis Moult and Joe Clarke. Wrexham travelled to top of the table Barnet on 16 September, recording a fine 0-1 win, with the solitary goal coming from Rob Evans in the second-half, his first senior goal for the club. The midfielder netted from 20 yards to beat goalkeeper Graham Stack. On 19 September, Wrexham confirmed that striker Dan Holman would be joining on loan - initially for a month - from League One side Colchester United. Wrexham continued their good form and moved up to third in the table, after two home wins against Eastleigh and Kidderminster Harriers.

October

Wrexham first game of October was an away trip to Devon, where they faced Torquay United at Plainmoor. Wrexham took the lead in the 29th minute, Louis Moult scoring his sixth goal of the season. In the second-half, Torquay fought back to win the game with goals coming from Louis Briscoe and Luke Young continuing the Gulls' fine home form. Wrexham secured only their second draw of the season away to Halifax Town, thanks to a brace from top scorer Louis Moult. Wrexham's 150th Anniversary game was played on 11 October, they hosted Grimsby Town at the Racecourse. Good luck messages came from Gary Lineker, Steve McManaman, Paul Scholes as well as former players Ben Foster, Neil Taylor, Darren Ferguson and Stoke City manager and Wrexham fan Mark Hughes. Over 8,000 fans turned up, with hundreds locked outside, after the stadium reached its safe capacity. Grimsby spoiled the celebrations with a 1-0 win, thanks to a penalty from Lenell John-Lewis. Manager Kevin Wilkin secured the signing of defender James Pearson on a one-month deal from Leicester City of the Premier League on 27 October . Wrexham headed into the first round of the FA Cup, after a 5-2 victory over Macclesfield Town in a Fourth Qualifying Round replay at the Racecourse. Wrexham were subsequently drawn at home in the First Round 'proper' at home, to fellow Conference side Woking.

November

Wrexham's winless run stretched to five games, after they were held to a goalless draw against promotion candidates FC Halifax Town. Wrexham went close to breaking the deadlock with Andy Bishop hitting the bar from six yards out. Wrexham hosted Woking in an FA Cup first Round match on 10 November, the game was broadcast live on S4C and Wrexham ran out comfortable winners in a 3-0 victory, thanks to first half goals from Neil Ashton, Andy Bishop and Wes York. The Second Round draw took place the following day at the National Football Museum in Manchester, Wrexham were rewarded with a home tie against Maidstone United live on BBC 2 Wales. Wrexham recorded their first win in ten games, with a home victory against Aldershot on the final Saturday of the month.

Appearances, goals and cards

Matches

  Won   Drawn   Lost

Football Conference Premier

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Results by round

Last updated: 26 December 2014.
Source:
Ground: A = Away; H = Home. Result: D = Draw; L = Loss; W = Win; P = Postponed.