Truro City owner Eric Perez has claimed the club’s story could become “even more special” than Wrexham’s rise through the Football League.
The Canadian businessman oversaw promotion from National League South last season and believes reaching the EFL would reshape Cornish sport forever.
Perez backs Truro’s rise to rival Wrexham’s Hollywood story
Truro City are preparing for their first ever home match in the National League this weekend, but owner Eric Perez believes the club’s journey is only just beginning. The Canadian, who took control of the club in November 2023, says Truro’s success could ultimately eclipse the profile and impact of Wrexham’s much-publicised rise under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Perez, speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall, insisted that bringing professional league football to Cornwall would carry cultural and sporting significance well beyond the boundaries of the pitch.
“There are five league clubs from Wales. There’s only one club in Cornwall that’s even close to the Football League,” he said. “If we could get there, it would be something that would change Cornwall forever… I actually feel like this is bigger than Wrexham could ever be.”
Backed by Perez and the Ontario Inc. consortium, Truro secured promotion last season and are now the first Cornish club to play in the fifth tier of English football. This weekend’s fixture against York City will be the first ever National League match hosted in Cornwall.
To meet league requirements, Truro have fast-tracked renovations to their recently constructed ground on the outskirts of the city. A new main stand and upgraded facilities have been installed in time for Saturday’s historic game.
The club has also transitioned to full-time professional status this summer – another first for Cornwall – and Perez says the off-season has been “hectic but vital” in preparing Truro for life at the higher level.
Despite losing their opening game away at Wealdstone, Perez remains confident in the club’s long-term direction. He admitted the goal this year is to stay up and stabilise, but hinted that another promotion push could follow in the near future.
“We want to cement our place in the National League and then see what could happen after that,” he said. “Last year the aim was to survive in National League South – and we won the league.”
Truro have already attracted royal attention. The Prince of Wales, in his role as Duke of Cornwall, sent his best wishes to the club ahead of the new season, recognising the significance of their achievements for the region.
Writer’s View
Truro City’s ambition is as bold as it is refreshing. Eric Perez’s vision for Cornish football is not built on gimmicks or celebrity status but on regional pride and infrastructure investment. His comparison with Wrexham is not simply about profile – it’s about potential legacy.
Bringing full-time football to an area with no league presence and uniting a county under one professional banner could prove transformational. It won’t be easy, but Saturday’s home debut in the National League is the next step in a project that genuinely could change the landscape of lower-league football in the South West.
