Fan's story following Wrexham 'through thin and thin' published in new book

A lifelong Wrexham fan, as well as the author of many books, Peter Read has published a new one on the rollercoaster ride of following his club, called From Hollywood to Wrexham, published by Y Lolfa.

In addition to watching them through Thick and Thin, he has also supported them through the Thin and Thin. But there have also been the never to be forgotten seasons, such as when they won promotion to the Second Division. He also recalls breath taking victories in the European Cup Winners Cup against football giants such as Porto and the nights they pushed Real Zaragossa and Anderlecht all the way.

Sadly, apart from some promotions, often quickly followed by relegation back to where they came from, a lot of the rest of the history Peter has watched has been truly forgettable, until the purchase of the club by the Hollywood stars.

In the book Peter tells us how he in fell in love with football from the age of ten and of his gratitude to Wrexham Football Club for losing the first game he ever saw at the Racecourse, a 1-2 reverse against Exeter City. Defeat prepared him for what was to follow!

He is not afraid of telling us about calamities that often follow him to matches he has watched. This is especially the case in his in his vivid description of the Wembley defeat against Bromley in The FA Trophy final. Unable to get to London for the match, he booked a table for three in one of the Wrexham pubs. Splendid seats in front of the large screen. On arrival they were shepherded to a smaller area and much smaller screen, because everyone else wanted to watch Liverpool on the big screen in a Premiership match. After lots of problems they finally get a picture, but the commentary accompanying the game is from another programme all about cycling!

In addition to his own avid fixation with the club, he also collects stories from six fans who are roughly his age and have followed Wrexham through the dark times: Colin Boote, Nigel Rowland, Steve Duckett, Mark Nicholls, David Subacchi and Chris Bansby.

Peter was born in Rhosllanerchrugog. An award winning full time writer since2005, he has written twenty four plays, and toured with his one man Dylan Thomas show in America and throughout the UK, winning five star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival. He has collaborated with many football personalities on their autobiograpphies, including Gary Monk, Dixie McNeil and Roberto Martinez. 

Peter’s book, From Hollywood To Wrexham will launch at Waterstones on Friday, June 30 at 6.30. If you intend on coming, please notify Peter: [email protected]