Welcome to Wrexham star Arthur Massey dies aged 100

Virgin Radio

9 Aug 2024, 12:56

Welcome to Wrexham fan-favourite Arthur Massey, famous for being Wrexham’s oldest fan, has passed away aged 100, his daughter has confirmed. 

The loyal Wrexham AFC fan was featured a number of times within the Disney+ documentary, which charts the journey of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of the football club. 

Arthur’s daughter Julie Birrell shared the sad news on X, sharing a photo of her father with a short tribute: “14/3/24 - 8/8/24.  RIP Dad.”

Wrexham AFC paid tribute on their own social media channels, writing: “Everybody at Wrexham AFC is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of life-long supporter Arthur Massey, aged 100. 

“All our thoughts are with Arthur’s family and friends at this time. Forever a Wrexham supporter.”

Fans and followers were quick to send their condolences, with one writing: “So very sorry to hear that Arthur has passed away. Condolences to you and your family. I didn’t know Arthur, but what little I did know, he was the best of us.”

Another said: “So sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered by the Wrexham fans all over the world. Sincere condolences to you and the family.”

A third commented: “So sorry to hear this Julie. Your Dad was a really lovely man who touched so many after appearing on the documentary. I’m so happy he got to see our last two seasons and I’m sure he’ll be cheering us on tomorrow.”

Nathan Salt and Rich Fay, who host the Welcome to Wrexham podcast RobRyanRed, also shared: ‘Julie, we were only chatting about how inspired we have both been from your dad. Sending our condolences to you and all the family

Massey was a big part of the Wrexham football community, having met King Charles during his visit to North Wales in 2022. 

He featured throughout all three series of Welcome to Wrexham, but had fans in tears during episode Temporary in the third season, in which he meets McElhenney for this 100th birthday. Massey was gifted a special ‘100’ shirt. 

The It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star helped the dedicated fan celebrate the milestone birthday, and Massey shared some touching words during the moving episode.

“Everything is temporary. No joy lasts forever. No pain lasts forever, either,” he said. “That’s life. You have to accept what it is, not what you want it to be.”

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio go out to Arthur’s family and friends.