Wrexham looking for right location to build training complex.
MICHAEL WILLIAMSON says the club are committed to building a training complex of their own – something he admits will be a necessity if Wrexham’s success story continues.
Phil Parkinson’s men, currently flying high in League One and challenging for an unprecedented third promotion in a row, are currently using Colliers Park in Gresford
Although it is a state-of-the-art complex with a number of premium pitches, the Football Association of Wales owns Colliers Park and chief executive Williamson accepts Wrexham need their own facility.
Backed by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham have climbed from the National League to the third tier and could be playing in the Championship next season.
Williamson insists building their own training complex will be crucial to attract new signings if the Reds continue climbing the football pyramid.
“The reality is that when we were in the National League and in League Two, we were able to recruit players that were at a quality of the level that were above those leagues and we brought them down to help us on this journey,” he said.
“As we move up, recruitment of players in the Championship and Premier League becomes more difficult because they are looking at what facilities are being provided to the players.
“Training facilities are a critical part of that and we absolutely need to invest in training facilities.
“Colliers Park is fantastic, the pitch is fantastic, but it’s not ours.
“Ultimately, the players go there and they train on the pitch but then they have to come back to The Racecourse to take showers, to get changed and to eat so it’s a little bit of a disconnect there.
“The next step in making sure that we are sustainable as we grow is to have a training facility.”
Wrexham have unveiled their updated plans for the new Kop Stand at The Racecourse.
The 5,500-capacity stand, designed by leading sports and entertainment architects Populous, has also been future proofed with the current design capable of supporting an increase in capacity, subject to a separate planning application.
The rebuild of The Kop is due to be completed in time for the stadium to host the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament in 2026 and Williamson says identifying a location for a training facility to be built is the next focus for investment.
“We start to talk about percent differences, like one or two per cent difference that can mean winning or not winning a match,” he added.
“That’s where having proper training facilities and proper rehabilitation facilities gives the players the best opportunity for them to be able to perform for the 90 minutes
“A training facility is a critical part of that so that’s the next investment.
“It takes time, just like everything. You can’t build something overnight.
“We need to be smart about it, we need to find the right location and we need to plan out what we want it to be.
“Including the women’s team and the men’s team, just trying to build all of the actual project to make sure we do it right because you don’t want to do something and then three or four years later, wish you did it differently.
“As we get the Kop underway, the next stage of focus from an infrastructure standpoint will be the training facility.”
