GRATITUDE IN GRANITE: Wrexham AFC to Immortalize Tommy Bamford with Monumental €500 Million Statue Outside the Racecourse Ground
June 23, 2025
In an extraordinary gesture of gratitude, Wrexham AFC has officially approved a €500 million project to erect a colossal statue of the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, Tommy Bamford, outside the historic Racecourse Ground. The announcement sent waves of emotion through the fanbase and the football world at large, celebrating the legacy of a man whose achievements remain foundational to Wrexham’s footballing identity.
The statue, which will be one of the most significant public tributes in football history, reflects not only Bamford’s incredible contributions on the pitch but also the symbolic resurgence of Wrexham itself — a proud club reborn with ambition, honor, and deep roots.
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A Legend Remembered
Tommy Bamford isn’t just a name in the annals of Wrexham’s history — he is the name. Born in Port Talbot in 1905, Bamford joined Wrexham AFC in 1928 and played until 1934, amassing an astonishing 175 league goals in just 204 appearances. Including cup competitions, his total tally for the club stands at 209 goals — a record that has never been matched.
Playing as a center forward during an era of fierce, physical football, Bamford combined clinical finishing with tactical intelligence, becoming a terror for defenders across the Third Division North. Yet beyond the goals, it was his humility, loyalty, and connection to the supporters that earned him a place in Wrexham folklore.
Now, more than 90 years after his debut, the club is ensuring that his memory is immortalized for generations to come.
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An Ambitious Tribute: The Scope of the Project
The €500 million statue will be situated at the entrance of the Racecourse Ground, the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use. Standing at 25 meters tall and constructed using locally sourced Welsh granite and bronze, the monument will depict Bamford in mid-stride, ball at his feet, head raised — forever searching for the next goal.
Commissioned to renowned Welsh sculptor Ifor Davies, known for blending tradition with bold, modernist design, the project will be more than just a statue. It will be a landmark. The base of the statue will house a museum dedicated to Bamford’s life, complete with interactive displays, vintage footage, jerseys, match balls, and personal artifacts donated by his family and collectors.
In addition, the area surrounding the statue will be developed into a fan plaza — a pedestrian-friendly community space filled with commemorative pavers engraved with the names of Wrexham supporters, historical plaques, and a stage for live events. A nearby learning center, co-developed with local schools and universities, will focus on using football to inspire young people through education and sport.
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Club Ownership Speaks
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, co-owners of Wrexham AFC, were both visibly emotional when they made the official announcement in a joint press conference.
Rob McElhenney:
“When we first stepped into the club, we were struck by the depth of history that runs through Wrexham. But even in a history as rich as this one, one name towers above the rest: Tommy Bamford.”
Ryan Reynolds:
“This isn’t just about football. It’s about heritage. It’s about giving back. Tommy represents the best of Wrexham — resilience, brilliance, and unshakeable connection to community. This statue is a gift from the club to its people, and to the memory of a true legend.”
The owners confirmed that the funding is not solely for the statue itself, but encompasses a larger investment into club infrastructure, community outreach, and local economic development. Much of the project’s construction will employ Welsh tradespeople and artisans, reflecting the club’s commitment to the region.
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Family and Fan Reactions
The Bamford family, several of whom were present at the announcement, were moved to tears. Grandson Gareth Bamford, who has kept many of Tommy’s old match programs and medals, said:
“My grandfather never sought the spotlight. He just loved football. To see him honored like this — on this scale — it’s beyond anything we ever imagined. It’s a proud day for our family and for Wales.”
Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, old photos, and personal anecdotes from those who grew up hearing tales of Bamford’s exploits.
Eleri Hughes, a 76-year-old season ticket holder, said:
“My father used to take me to matches and say, ‘This club was built on the back of Tommy Bamford.’ It’s time the world sees that too. This statue tells everyone who we are.”
The Wrexham Supporters’ Trust also issued a formal statement:
“This initiative is a symbol of Wrexham’s values — respect for heritage, love for community, and the belief that heroes deserve to be remembered. We stand fully behind this tribute.”
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Why Tommy Bamford? Why Now?
While many football clubs are embracing modernization and commercialism, Wrexham’s investment in its roots sends a different message. Tommy Bamford was more than a great player — he was a beacon during a formative period of the club’s history.
Joining during a time of modest ambition and limited resources, Bamford’s sheer brilliance gave fans something to believe in. He brought credibility, excitement, and a goalscoring prowess that put Wrexham on the footballing map.
His record haul in the 1933–34 season — 44 league goals — remains unbroken. And even after leaving Wrexham to play for Manchester United, Bamford’s heart always remained in North Wales.
The timing of the tribute is significant. With Wrexham recently gaining promotion to League One and revitalizing both its domestic and global profile under McElhenney and Reynolds’ stewardship, the statue serves as a bridge between past glory and future promise.
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Designing Immortality
The statue’s design process has already begun, with an expected completion date of 2027. Sculptor Ifor Davies spoke about his vision:
“We are not just sculpting a footballer. We are sculpting a story — of a city, of a people, of a dream that lives through generations. The expression on Tommy’s face will show joy, determination, and purpose — the very qualities that defined him.”
The base will be inscribed in both Welsh and English, reading:
> “Er cof am arwr. In memory of a hero. Tommy Bamford — Wrexham’s finest son.”
The statue’s interactive museum will also use augmented reality features, allowing visitors to experience simulated 1930s matches, hear crowd chants of the time, and even compare their shot power to Bamford’s.
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Global and Local Impact
The project is expected to turn the Racecourse Ground into a major cultural and tourist attraction. The Welsh government has already pledged its support, calling it “a national landmark in the making.” Local business leaders estimate the statue and its associated facilities will bring over £100 million in tourism revenue over a decade.
Local historian Dr. Catrin Ellis remarked:
“Wrexham is a city that remembers. This is more than sculpture — it’s social history. It tells future generations that legends are real, and they come from here.”
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Legacy for the Ages
In the modern era, where legends are often judged by silverware or social media followers, Tommy Bamford is a reminder that greatness comes in quieter, humbler forms — in loyalty, consistency, and connection. His impact is etched not just in record books but in the oral histories, songs, and dreams of generations of fans.
Bamford never played for money or headlines. He played for the love of the game, and for the crest on his shirt. That kind of legacy cannot fade. It can, however, be carved in stone.
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Closing Words
As Wrexham AFC steps confidently into its next chapter, it does so with one foot rooted in the past — in the memory of a man who gave everything for the badge. Tommy Bamford is more than a club legend; he is a symbol of what Wrexham represents: passion, perseverance, and pride.
The €500 million statue is a towering thank you — not just to a player, but to a principle. And as fans walk past it on matchdays for decades to come, they’ll remember that once, not so long ago, there was a man who made Wrexham believe.
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“Heroes are remembered. Legends never die. Tommy Bamford — forever a Dragon.”
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