The ownership group of Wrexham AFC has exchanged on the purchase of The Turf from Admiral Taverns as part of plans to protect the historic pub and support further investment around the Racecourse Ground.
The acquisition will bring Wrexham AFC, the Racecourse Ground and The Turf under common ownership, while preserving a pub closely connected with the football club since its foundation in 1864.
Wrexham AFC said the purchase will also provide opportunities to invest further in the matchday fan experience, including potential enhancements to the existing fan zone and other supporter activities around The Turf and Mold Road.
The day-to-day operation of the pub will remain unchanged, with landlord Wayne Jones continuing to run The Turf for matchday and non-matchday customers.
The purchase forms part of a wider strategy by the club’s ownership group to secure sites and facilities considered important to Wrexham AFC’s long-term development.
Previous investments have included purchasing land for the construction of the new Kop, acquiring The Rock as a home ground for the women’s first team and investment in a new training pavilion for the men’s first team at Colliers Park.
Eric Allyn, speaking on behalf of minority investors the Allyn family, said: “Ever since we invested in Wrexham AFC through Red Dragon Ventures in 2024, the town, the community and the Football Club have become a second home. And no place more so than The Turf with Wayne Jones behind the bar and filled with the locals and international fans that visit regularly – they have all become our friends and have welcomed us into the Wrexham family.
“By bringing The Turf into the group, we are securing the long-term future of the pub and with it preserving its history and that of the Club.”
Chris Jowsey, Chief Executive Officer at Admiral Taverns, said: “At Admiral, we are champions of community pubs across the UK and work closely with our licensees to ensure our pubs sit at the heart of their local areas, acting as vibrant social hubs. The Turf is a fantastic example of a local community pub at its best.
“Wayne has worked incredibly hard to build the pub’s reputation across both the loyal Wrexham fanbase and the broader local community and we have been proud to support him on that journey. Now is the right time for The Turf to officially become part of the Wrexham Holdings family and we wish Wayne and his team all the best for the future!”
Jones, who has operated The Turf for the past 20 years, said: “As landlord of The Turf for the past 20 years and a die hard Wrexham fan, securing the pub’s future under Wrexham Holdings is great news for all Wrexham fans.
“The Turf Tavern, as it was then, predates the Club and records suggest that the Club itself was founded in the pub. It has played a key part of the Club’s history ever since, with the players changing in the pub before running out onto the Racecourse Ground as recently as the 1940s, and it continues to be a focal point for fans on matchdays and non-matchdays.
“I look forward to continue running The Turf and bringing its unique mix of history, atmosphere and sometimes Hollywood stardust to the next generation of Wrexham fans and locals alike.”
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