Son’s tribute to well-known Wrexham AFC programme seller

Josh Astley paid tribute to his mum Irene Astley, who also worked as a carer, explaining the dedication and love she had for the football club and its fans.

Irene, from St Martins, began selling programmes at Wrexham AFC in 2007, at a friendly between Wales and New Zealand.

Irene went on to sell at many more games and continued to do so even after the club's takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

Dave Pryce another programme seller with Irene(Image: Supplied)

She first sold the programmes on the corner of Crispin Lane alongside her brother Martin before moving inside the Macron Stand.

Josh said: "She was the first person the fans would see if they walked over the bridge, unless they heard her shouting '3 pounds your match programmes' first, which could probably be heard from Eagles Meadow.

"She hated the thought of selling inside, even if it was snowing or raining."

Irene Astley's son Josh has paid a touching tribute(Image: Supplied)

She also worked at Llysfield Nursing Home in Oswestry, then as a mobile carer for Oswestry Care.

Josh said: "Her passion was to care for everyone, and that reflected on what the customers thought of her.

"Many have said that she was the best, most caring and friendly and would always do her job she loved no matter the circumstances."

Martin Astley, alongside his sister Irene(Image: Supplied)

She was also a lunchtime supervisor at Bryn Offa school in Pant, just outside of Oswestry.

Josh added: "She would always brighten up the kids' day, and she was usually the main source of ideas for games or activities.

"She used to tell me that one kids always said ‘Miss Astley, you’re my favourite’."

Josh said despite having strong opinions about the ground, she would attend all of Wrexham's games at Wembley.

Josh added: "She always made sure she was at home games and she loved selling and more importantly always wanted to see her customers."

Irene Astley will be fondly remembered by Wrexham fans(Image: Supplied)

Josh also explained how Wrexham AFC played a big part in his mum's life, and how other fans would always talk so fondly of her.

He said: "When I had a meeting with Julie to tell her about Mum’s passing, she couldn’t believe it.

"People around the ground were in shock as everyone knew her.

"Regulars were devastated when they heard and I get told that loads of fans still ask about her."

Josh explained that even when his mum was in hospital, her main focus was on other people.

He said: "When she was admitted to the hospital for the first time, her ward had a view of the ground, which made her feel better.

"She would ask for the window to be open when we played our first few home games.

"Mum’s priority was other people; she hated if people made a fuss about her.

"When I would visit her there, she sternly told me to carry on selling as it was our duty to the fans.

"Fans and staff still say to me that they can’t believe that she’s not here and that they miss her dearly; that was the effect Mum had on people, she loved her family, her jobs, the football and everyone involved."

A funeral service was held for Irene on Wednesday, October 8.