How it all began

The London Reds celebrate their 10th Anniversary this year. Barry Jones tells their story

There have always been exiled Reds living in London and the south east of England, and there will always be for as long as people are one of Wales' best export commodities. Until 1993 they had never really got together in an organised way. Individuals would see other exiles on railway platforms on the way to and from games, nod acknowledgement, exchange a few comments about the game and that was about it.

The catalyst for change was that wonderful early summer's evening at Northampton in April 1993 when promotion back to Division was clinched with two Gary Bennett goals in front of the Welsh hordes.

At Northampton station there were dozens of Reds waiting for their train home, not north to Birmingham and beyond, but south to London. It seemed crazy that so many had made the journey alone or in small groups, when we could all travel together at lower cost. So a few weeks later at the Jolly Woodman pub in Beckenham the London supporters group was formed.

At that time the only organised supporters group was Wrexham Revival. There was no official supporters group. We became the original Reds, and all the other groups both large and small have carried on the Reds name.

Highlights since 1993

Highlights over the years have included our trip to Romania to see our last Cup Winners' Cup match against Ploesti. FA Cup games at Peterborough, Birmingham and Manchester United, West Ham, a friendly at Linfield, Karl's hat-trick at Luton, the 5-3 win at Oxford and the last Welsh Cup final at Cardiff. Last but by no means least are our end-of-season bus trips to the Racecourse, all of which have been great days out. 

Off the field the transformation of the Racecourse back to a four- sided stadium is very welcome

London Reds today

London Reds have raised over £10,000 for the club and remain committed to sponsorship of the club and support organisations such as WINS. We have 50 members, mostly of Welsh origin, either by family connection or birth. The rest of us are mostly English, with the exception of one Scot and one Irishman. London Reds is not a Welsh exiles group. It is a focal point for anyone who supports Wrexham and who lives in the southeast if England.

We have a very good relationship with Shropshire Reds and the club. Allan Thomas was very good to work with and we look forward to establishing the same relationship with Phill Sadler.

London Reds membership costs £7.50 per year, the same as 10 seasons ago. There are 10-year anniversary enamel badges on sale in the club shop, profits from which go directly to the club. We travel by rail to games in the south of England as it's the easiest way of getting from London. Further a field and it's by Harris Coachways of High Wycombe. 

New members are always very welcome. Please contact me on 020 8460 0646 or mail to wbarryjones@mac.com or visit our newly re-launched website.