North Carolina
Wrexham FC Board Advisor Shaun Harvey talks game vs Chelsea at UNC
Wrexham takes on Chelsea July 19th at Kenan Memorial Stadium
Yeah, S H A UN just regular with an, even though even though I won't use many s in this statement with a, with a hitch, what makes the stadium a natural fit for this game? I think, I think he's the place. I think he's, I think he's everything to do with it. You know, Wrexham is a big traditional club, albeit, you know, that tradition is probably not reached the worldwide acclaim that it, that it has now and actually to come to Chapel Hill, you know, to, to the stadium here and actually be able to play Chelsea in the preseason front. It just says how far the clubs come. But this is about Wrexham coming out to the, to the, to the USA. So we actually bring what we're trying to achieve to everybody who's been so supportive of the club through the documentary, Sean before today. Had you ever been to North Carolina? This is, this is my first trip. I am now, officially my second day. What do you think of it? The, the bits I've seen have been great. I was very lucky to go to the ice hockey last night. So that was a magnificent occasion. And actually, you know, this is the first US campus, university campus I've been on and it, it surpasses even those expectations that I had, you know, the facilities for everybody here must be wonderful to use on a day to day basis. And we're really, really privileged that the Wrexham team are going to have the opportunity to do exactly the same. And you've only been here for a short time, but can you sense sort of the football fan around here? It's interesting, you know, you walk around and people, he's from Wrexham and actually, you know, it's the interest overall that really appeals to us. You know, it's an area that obviously he's got this massive soccer interest and, you know, that's why when we had the opportunity to come and play over in the US, you know, when this opportunity came up, we wanted to make sure this was the first game that we played. I know it's a different sport, but have you had a chance to go to car see where Michael Jordan played? Not as yet, but I'm sure, I mean, the players that come over, you know, are all, are all sports fans, you know, and that type of history is something that I suspect they'll be massively interested in being able to go and see, you know, you know, professional sports people love sports stories. I mean, that's what's made. Welcome to Wrexham, such a compelling tale. So if you can get some of our players to see where a legend such as Michael John, you know, started and came from and actually they will be as interested walking around here and seeing, you know what you know, the students are doing now trying to make their way in the game. So, you know, you've got, you've got, you can have a really captive and captive interested audience and I'm sure they'll want to exploit everything this area has got to offer. How does it feel to be here right now? Talking about the game that's coming out? Your, it's, it really feels like we're a little bit of a fraud and, and, and I say that because the place is so wonderful, you know, 50 50,000 seats, you know, in recent times, I think it's probably about 1970 70 since Wrexham played in front of a crowd that could be as big as you would have here and wherever else we go in in the US on our tour, this will be the big, this will be the biggest crowd. So you've got a big stadium to welcome, you know, Little Wrexham. All right. Little Wrexham in terms of football status and the town of Wrexham, but a massive, a massive profile. So, you know, I'm here representing a group of people who have obviously got a massively important game on Saturday to get promotion, you know, so as an individual, I'm, you know, probably, this is probably the only time I'll get on to the pitch. But the reality is those that are going to follow me are actually going to take Wrexham Wrexham forward and hopefully do Wales proud too. What does it mean to Wrexham to play such a big football team like Chelsea on us soil? Well, that, that's exactly it on us soil. Um You know, the wonders of English Cup competitions means that a game between Wrexham and Chelsea could be possible in either the FA Cup or if we're promoted in the E F Cup. But to actually be able to play that game overseas is a thing that makes us so much bigger and so and so magical, um you know, the two clubs wouldn't compete under normal circumstances, you know, on a, on a, on a league basis. So the fact that we can do it and do it over here in front of people who actually want to see it will be is amazing. People have been wondering online if Ryan and Rob are going to make an appearance this summer, if you have any clue. I don't, I, I haven't checked their schedule. They certainly know the games that are being played. It will all depend on as it does with both of them filming filming schedules and other commitments. The one thing I can confirm is that they are 100% committed to Wrexham football club and if it is even remotely possible. Yes, you will be seeing them here.