Work on Wrexham’s long-awaited Kop Stand redevelopment has finally moved into visible progress, years after the first design images were unveiled on 15 June 2022.
Amendments to the original plans and a series of planning hurdles slowed the project, but fresh drone footage released by Wrexham AFC Fanzone this week has given supporters their clearest look yet at how the new stand is beginning to take shape.
The aerial video captures sweeping views of steelwork, foundations, and the early framework of a structure that has been discussed, delayed, and dreamt about for years.
However, alongside the excitement over the construction update, the footage has also reignited a growing debate among supporters about what the new stand should be called.
Wrexham face Kop Stand naming dilemma
The conversation surrounding the stand’s name has become just as compelling as the construction itself. Corporate sponsorship is a realistic option, especially given Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ existing commercial ventures.
Four Walls Whiskey and Aviation Gin have both been suggested by fans, and partnerships of this nature would provide important financial stability as Wrexham continue their rise through the leagues.
Yet football at Wrexham has always been about more than business, and many supporters are pushing for a name rooted in history, identity, and emotion.
A significant number of fans believe the new stand should honour Joey Jones, a club icon whose passing this year left a deep emotional void within the fanbase.
Others argue that it is impossible to overlook Giacomo “Jacco” Ian Roberts, the unforgettable terrace leader whose booming voice defined the old Kop and whose loss at 55 still resonates deeply.
Another meaningful proposal extends beyond football and calls for a tribute to the Gresford Miners, whose tragic story remains one of North Wales’ defining historical scars. Supporters who favour this idea believe the new stand should reflect the people and the community that shaped the town long before its modern revival.
As the Kop gradually rises from the ground at Stoke Kai Ras, the new footage represents more than just bricks and beams. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for a stadium interwoven with the town’s identity.
FGG Says
The debate over the Kop’s future name reflects exactly what makes Wrexham unique: a deep bond between club, community, and memory. Corporate sponsors will always have a place in modern football, but names such as Joey Jones, Jacco Roberts, or the Gresford Miners carry a meaning that money simply cannot replicate.
The new stand should symbolise both the future Wrexham are building and the history they remain determined to preserve. Whatever decision the club ultimately makes, it must respect the town’s identity and honour the people who shaped it. A name chosen with heart, not just practicality, would ensure the new Kop becomes a landmark worthy of its legacy.