Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is relishing the opening of a new temporary Stok Racecourse Kop stand.
He hopes the 2,289-capacity facility will open in time for the League Two Welsh derby against Newport County on Saturday, 23 December.
“I’m so pleased, when the supporters arrive at the ground there’s a different feel to the place,” said Parkinson.
“We’re very excited about getting the supporters in there.”
The development funded by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will take Wrexham’s capacity beyond 12,000 for the first time in 16 years.
A new 5,500 all-seater stand is planned as a long-term replacement for the Kop end, unused since 2007.
After delays to the start of work, the temporary stand will be erected as Wrexham seek to cash in on their status as a rising club in English football.
They have regularly sold out home games since their high-profile takeover by Hollywood duo Reynolds and McElhenney in February 2021, including capacity 10,771 crowds following their return to the Football League after a 15-year absence.
Parkinson said: “When you look at it, there’s a lot of people who support the club who have been unable to get tickets and this enables over 2,000 [to be] in the ground, but also it enhances the atmosphere around the stadium and that’s what the Racecourse is all about.”
Parkinson’s ‘fond’ Colchester memories
Wrexham’s game at Forest Green Rovers last weekend was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and they will face Colchester at home on Saturday.
Parkinson started his managerial career at the Essex club, guiding them to promotion to the Championship in 2005.
“I’ve got very fond memories,” said Parkinson.
“I had a great time there, incredible learning curve, to go in there and operate on a really low budget… It’s a terrific club.
“It seems a long time away now, but I still keep in touch with a lot of people in the area.”
Wrexham, who are second in League Two, are unbeaten in at home in the league since the opening day of the season.
They have been boosted by news that on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo should soon return to training having returned to his parent club earlier this month for treatment on a jaw injury.
But the news is not so good for fellow goalkeeper Rob Lainton, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
