ALL good things must come to an end and after more years service to the club than he would care to recall, groundsman Johnny Edwards has finally decided to take a step back and enjoy his well earned retirement.

"I had been looking at retiring in a few months, but now seems a good time," said Johnny.

"I have really enjoyed my years here, but it is very time consuming work and now I really should be thinking a little bit more about my family.

"We have just enjoyed a very successful IRB Junior World Tournament over the summer, so I'm definitely bowing out on a high."

Johnny is his second spell with the club after originally starting out as a player, then moving to the coaching staff and also working as the club's groundsman.

He began as an outside right in schoolboy football, but it was a goalkeeper with Bradley Rangers that he came to the notice of Wales Amateur team selectors, winning the first of his five caps in 1964.

In October 1965, then Wrexham manager Billy Morris tempted him to the Racecourse as back up to Steve Fleet.

After being injured while on loan to Rhyl, John Neal asked Johnny to help coach our Northern Floodlit and Welsh National League teams.

In 1973 he was offered the position as full-time groundsman, taking over from Aly McGowan and held that role until 1980, when he left the club during a costing cutting drive to work for the council at Moss Valley Municipal Golf Course.

Johnny returned to the Racecourse in the early 1990's and has been with us ever since.

Recently the 68-year-old received an award from the Football Association of Wales in recognition of his service to Welsh football and preparing pitches for countless Welsh games of all age levels.

"I'm delighted that the club has seen fit to offer me a testimonial match," said Johnny. "Which is a nice gesture.

"I have already offered my services to help out when the new groundsman finds himself with a number of games in a short spell.

"But I'm already looking forward to taking things a little easier from now on."

Johnny will officially retire at the end of July, but will still have time to squeeze in three friendlies and a UEFA Cup tie!

Further details of his testimonial match and dinner will be made public in due course.

Johnny receives an award for his long service from the Supporters Association