Welcome to Wrexham star Arthur Massey, who became known as the Welsh football club’s oldest fan and featured in the hit Disney+ documentary, has died aged 100.

Supporters paid tribute to the Second World War veteran after his daughter Julie Birrell revealed he passed away yesterday, posting on X: ’14/3/24 – 8/8/24. RIP Dad.’

Mr Massey became a fans’ favourite on the show and the club presented him with a Wrexham shirt featuring the number ‘100’ following his 100th birthday in March.

He met King Charles during the monarch’s visit to the town in December 2022 and was known locally as a volunteer for the Royal British Legion’s annual poppy appeal.

His death comes just hours before Wrexham kick off their first season in the third tier of English football since 2005 at home to Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow. The club secured back-to-back promotions in April to earn promotion up to League One.

News of Wrexham supporter Arthur Massey’s death was revealed by his daughter Julie Birrell

King Charles III talks with Arthur Massey during a visit to Wrexham on December 9, 2022

The documentary’s producer Bryan Swarberg said to Ms Birrell: ‘Incredibly sorry for your loss. His was a life well lived. He was a great man. Love to you and the family.’

Also responding to the post was fan Craig Jones, who said: ‘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.’

Wrexham supporter Giacomo Cobianchi added: ‘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.’

Mr Massey featured in the episode ‘Temporary’ in season three when the club’s co-owner Rob McElhenney visited him at home for his 100th birthday.

The supporter said: ‘Everything is temporary. No joy lasts forever. No pain lasts forever, either. That’s life. You have to accept what it is, not what you want it to be.’

Welcome to Wrexham star Arthur Massey featured in the hit Disney+ documentary

A Wrexham AFC spokesman said today: ‘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.’

In response to this, Cam Jones wrote: ‘Great-grandad, you were our inspiration, our heart, our everything. You started our family and I wouldn’t of had the life I’ve had without you.

‘I’m so very grateful for your kind words, wisdom and the love you had for our family and this football club, rest easy grandad.’

And another fan wrote: ‘After the dark days of nearly losing the club and the relegations that followed, it’s so nice that Arthur got to finally see the club get back on its feet and be successful again before he passed. RIP. Legend.’

Supporters have paid tribute to Arthur Massey who was in the Welcome to Wrexham show

Mr Massey, who supported Wrexham for more than 90 years, even got to see his grandson Lee Jones play for the club and watched him make his debut in 1991.

He previously told how he had ‘tears streaming down my face that day’. 

Mr Massey has also praised the club’s celebrity owners, saying in 2022: “They care so much about the club.

‘You only have to speak to them to know how much love they have for Wrexham – and that’s what makes it so special for me.’

McElhenney, who bought Wrexham with Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds in 2020, previously described Mr Massey as ‘Wrexham Royalty’ and said it was an ‘absolute honour’ to meet him.

Mr Massey was awarded the Burma Star for his efforts in the Second World War as a sapper during the Burma campaign.