Wrexham Grosvenor FC (Wales)
When I research
anything to do with Welsh football, the name Wrexham always pops up. This could
in a cup competition, or in this case, the name of a Forgotten Football Club.
There were plenty to choose from when it came to the city of Wrexham. Of
course, the current main football club there now is going through a somewhat
Hollywood story, depending on how you look at it. (I know some Chester fans may
see it differently). After going through their own turmoil in the past, nearly
becoming another Forgotten Football Club, they are now rising through the
English league system at the moment of me writing this chapter. Unfortunately, not every club from Wrexham
has been so lucky, and this club I am about to tell you about had a short
existence. This is the story of Wrexham Grosvenor FC.
Founded in
1876, from a cricket club, the team adopted the colours of white, blue and red.
They played their home games at Mr Snape’s Field, on the Chester Road. The club
entered the Welsh cup on two occasions, with the first coming in the third
edition of the competition in 1879-80. They met local rivals, Wrexham Albion,
The game was played at the Recreational Ground, and ended 2-1 in favour to
Wrexham Albion.
Not to be
deterred, the Grosvenor’s entered the competition for a second time in 1880-81.
This time they were drawn away to Northwich Victoria. Once gain they failed to
get past the first round, losing 3-0 to their much stronger rivals.
The club didn’t
enter the Welsh Cup again, citing that they would not be able to compete at the
level of the other clubs in it, including Wrexham AFC, making the point that it
would drain their resources. The club continued to play other local clubs but in
general they never made any impact in Welsh football, never winning any
silverware. The club eventually ound up in 1893, when they played their last
game against Rhosrobin Institute in October 1893, losing the game, 6-1.
Whilst the club
themselves never made any impact in Welsh football, three of their players did
represent Wales on the International stage. Arthur Lea played for club and made
four appearances for the Welsh national team. He went onto to win the Welsh Cup
with Wrexham in 1893. Harry Trainer also played for Wrexham Grosvenor between
1891-1893, whilst making three appearances for the Wales national side in 1895,
scoring two goal for them. An interesting fact about Harry Trainer is that in
1901, after he had finished his playing career, he turned to a life of crime.
He was arrested for theft, breaking and entering of a jewellery store. He was
given nine months hard labour.
The final
player to have played for Wrexham Grosvenor and the Welsh national team was
James Trainer, no relation to Harry it seems. James had a better career than
the other two, and collected 20 caps for the Welsh national team. He was a
goalkeeper and played with Wrexham Grosvenor in his youth career. He would go
on to become a part of the Preston side, nicknamed ‘The Invincibles’, after
their unbeaten season in 1888-89. He made over 250 appearances for the
Lancashire club.