"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 more about my family.

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

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

It was as 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 a back up to Steve Fleet.

After being injured while on loan to Rhyl, John Neal asked Johnny to help coach Wrexham's 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 cost cutting drive to work for the council at Moss Valley Municipal Golf Course.

Johnny returned to The Racecourse in the early 1990s and the 68-year-old recently 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.

"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 and he was picture at The Racecourse yesterday with the Evening Leader's David Lovett Memorial Trophy, awarded yearly to unsung heroes at the football club.

- Meanwhile the launch of Wrexham's new away kit has hit a snag.

The new shirts were due to go on sale on Saturday before the Reds' friendly with Wolves but Umbro director of Football, Simon Marsh, explained: "It is with regret that we have place Wrexham Football Club and its fans in a situation whereby the intended launch of the new away kit has had to be delayed."

That also means a delay for the new home kit, which will now probably go on sale mid August.

- Hospitality boxes for the friendly against Wolves are available at a cost of £30 per person.

The price includes executive box ticket, a three-course meal, reserved parking and tea/coffee at half time.

To book or for more details contact 01978 296398.

Ask Brian

If you have a question for Brian Little email it to digitalnews@nwn.co.uk and we'll ask as many as we can during our next video interview with the Reds boss this Thursday.