Wrexham AFC : A Fan In Exile

Taking A Break

2006-06-26T20:37:00.000Z

This will be the last post, at the very least until I resolve my lack of regular internet access, and possibly ever. It's been... interesting.

World Cup Report Card: Dennis Lawrence

2006-06-21T08:44:00.000Z

Vs. SWEDEN: Big Den a huge part of T&T's heroic resistance in the face of wave after wave of Swedish attack. He coped surprisingly well with the likes of Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Imbrahimovic. Dennis probably picked up a knock towards the end, though, as he looked a little off the pace in the last quarter of an hour or so.

Vs. ENGLAND: Dennis played well for the vast majority of the game, and neutralised Crouch for 80-plus minutes. Although he was not blameless for the first goal, it would be harsh to deny him credit for a generally very strong performance under a great deal of pressure.

Vs. PARAGUAY: I've only seen the highlights of this game, so it's difficult to comment (not that that will stop me). Obviously, Dennis can't be blamed for his defensive colleague Brett Sancho's own goal, and responsibility for the second can probably be lain at the feet of Carlos Edwards.

Overall, the best ever performance by a Wrexham player at the World Cup. Of course.

Goodbye For Now

2006-05-13T12:39:00.000Z

Well, that's the season. It's cricket time now.

This might be the last post for a considerable period of time, or even the last ever, depending on circumstances. My main concerns are that I won't be able to devote sufficient time to updating the blog (it has suffered recently in terms of original content), and that I may not have regular internet access in a few months' time.

So, who knows what the future holds?

Darlington 1 Wrexham 1

2006-05-07T13:52:00.000Z

An injury-time goal from Andy Cooke cancelled out Danny William's strike from distance after half an hour, and ended Wrexham's season on a draw. That would be about right: a draw is probably what Wrexham's season has been.

Team News: Darlington Away

2006-05-05T13:12:00.000Z

Dennis Lawrence has joined up with the Trinidad & Tobago squad, and is so out of the last game of the season. Mark Jones is also out, with a knee injury that might need surgery (probably next week), and Matt Derbyshire is a doubt, as he has a chest infection.

NOTE: This blog will power down over the summer, with fewer posts. It is also possible that I may be unable to continue with regular updates after June, as I may no longer be able to maintain regular internet access.

Wrexham 1 Oxford United 1

2006-05-01T13:39:00.000Z

Sorry for the lateness of this post.

Match report from the BBC

Team News: Oxford United

2006-04-28T16:06:00.000Z

Mike Ingham has recovered from his wrist injury, and so is available once again. Andy Holt, however, has a dead leg.

I'm just waiting for the season to finish, now, really.

Torquay United 1 Wrexham 0

2006-04-22T17:07:00.000Z

In a word: disappointing. Martin Phillips got the goal with 9 minutes gone, and that was more or less that. Torquay clearly needed the points more than Wrexham.

Team News: Torquay Away

2006-04-21T15:27:00.000Z

Lee McEvilly has a stress fracture in his foot, and so will probably not play again this season. Andy Holt has also picked up a thigh injury, whilst Mike Ingham Dave Bayliss are yet to recover from their injuries.

Mark Jones is back, though.

Wrexham 1 Bristol Rovers 0

2006-04-17T17:31:00.000Z

If only I got everything I asked for. A win did indeed materialise, as did yet another goal for Matt Derbyshire (sign him up for next year, Denis, if you can!). Darren Ferguson was involved again, playing in the on-loan youngster to raise some hope of a decent end to the season.

Team News: Bristol Rovers

2006-04-17T13:26:00.000Z

Matt Derbyshire is a doubt for the visit of Bristol Rovers after limping off against Stockport.
A win would be nice, it seems like forever since the last one.

Stockport County 2 Wrexham 1

2006-04-15T17:00:00.000Z

Goals from Ashley Williams (5 minutes) and Michael Raynes (42 minutes), although separated by a Wrexham fightback through Simon Spender, were enough to kill off the season for Wrexham.

From one point of view, the main thing is that the club's short-term future seems to be reasonably secure. It still hurts that we'll be in League Two next season, though.

Team News: Stockport Away

2006-04-14T13:10:00.000Z

No new injury worries, and Dean Bennett has returned from suspension. I think this might be the last-chance saloon as far as the play-offs are concerned. In fact, this is probably the last booth in the last corner of the last-chance saloon, with a big sign hanging above it saying 'no more chances'.

Dennis in World Cup Squad

2006-04-13T10:34:00.000Z

The big fella's in Trinidad & Tobago's squad, announced this morning.

Chester City 2 Wrexham 1

2006-04-13T10:28:00.000Z

So, the first double over Chester since 1977 was not to be. Chester went ahead ten minutes into the second half through a somewhat debatable Ben Davies penalty.

Lee McEvilly headed home a Darren Ferguson cross with 20 minutes left, but Chester snuck the points through Derek Asamoah ten minutes later.

This probably means that both teams are likely to be playing in League Two next season.

Team News: Chester Away

2006-04-12T11:49:00.000Z

Lee Roche returns to the squad after the best part of three months out with a stomach strain.

Dean Bennett won't take part as he is suspended. Dennis Lawrence and Andy Holt both have injuries, and are hence not certain to feature.

Hot Cross Denis

2006-04-10T16:35:00.000Z

Denis Smith is concerned at the fixture pile-up over Easter; I'm more worried about the potential lack of fixtures in May (the play-offs).

Wrexham 1 Shrewsbury Town 2

2006-04-09T14:08:00.000Z

Wrexham's play-off hopes as well as local pride were dented by Shrewsbury at the Racecourse. A Dennis Lawrence own goal was an awful start, and Dean Bennett getting a red card as well as giving away a penalty (which Colin McMenamin scored) was even worse.

Wrexham did get back into the game through Matt Derbyshire, but even McMenamin's dismissal was insufficient to provide the home team with any points.

Team News: Shewsbury

2006-04-08T13:07:00.000Z

Jon Walters played in midweek for the reserves, but was substituted with a rib injury, and is hence doubtful.

Still with strikers, Lee McEvilly and Matt Derbyshire are both hoping to feature, but Jim Whitley and Lee Roche are definitely out.

Grimsby Town 2 Wrexham 0

2006-04-02T13:05:00.000Z

I suppose it would have been wishful thinking to expect any sort of a result away to a team in the position that Grimsby are. Gary Jones and Michael Reddy were the scorers as Grimsby brushed Wrexham aside.

Team News: Grimsby Away

2006-03-31T11:48:00.000Z

Dave Bayliss is back from loan and back in contention for a place in the team after serving out a two-match ban he got for being sent off against Wrexham.

Meanwhile, Lee McEvilly is still out (almost certainly), as is Lee Roche, whilst Jim Whitley has a slim chance of playing some part, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Wrexham 1 Swansea City 2 (FAW Premier Cup Final)

2006-03-30T11:18:00.000Z

I could barely make out what was going on watching this game on the net, and as it turned out, I wish I hadn't been able to at all. Danny Williams' own goal was bad enough, but to have Rory Fallon score against us was more than I could take.

Simon Spender got a goal in the second half to make it a contest, but my main consolation has been off the pitch. Denis Smith seems to agree with me.

Breaking News: Club Statement

2006-03-29T19:31:00.000Z

Statement from the Joint Administrators
Of The Wrexham AFC Limited ("The Club")
David Robert Acland And Steven John Williams

Dated: 29 March 2006

We are pleased to announce that after a series of meetings and discussions, we have entered into an Exclusivity Agreement with the Consortium headed by Neville Dickens.

The Agreement allows for exclusivity until 30^th April 2006, during which time it is hoped that contracts will be exchanged for acquisition of the Club's assets.

Heads of Terms have been agreed, which are confidential for the time being.

The Club's stakeholders will be notified of the proposed exit strategy from Administration if and when contracts are exchanged.

We feel that the Dickens' bid is in the best interests of the Club and its stakeholders.

Neville Dickens commented, "I am delighted that after considerable effort, we are in a position to proceed with the Administrators, subject to contract.I would like to make it clear at this point what our involvement is all about.

WREXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB
OUR VISION
From the Dickens Consortium

1. To bring the Club out of Administration prior to the Football League deadline of 3 June;

2. To secure football at the Racecourse ground;

3. To put Wrexham Football Club on a secure financial footing to enable it to go forward with cash reserves rather than significant liabilities;

4. To retain Denis Smith and his management team and give them sufficient financial backing to allow them to compete at the top of their division;

5. To redevelop the Racecourse Car Park area and to apply for grant funding to enable us to build a new stand at the Kop end;

6. To appoint a Chief Executive with a football and financial background to run the Club.Any future Board appointments will be determined by the Chief Executive;

7. To push forward with youth development and provide a new state of the art Astroturf facility at the Colliers Park Training Centre for use by the Centre for Excellence, First Team as well as community use;

8. To enlist the valuable support of both the Wrexham Supporters Trust and Wrexham Supporters Association;

9. To provide as much information as possible to both the supporters and the press into "what's happening at Wrexham";

10. To invite a share issue for all people who would like to invest in Wrexham's future.

All our efforts are purely to give Wrexham Football Club a future, we have worked hard with hundreds of hours of meetings over the last year to make it happen at considerable cost to ourselves.We take no fees or expenses.

We will stay with the Club for approx 12-18 months until our vision is well under way.Further announcements will be made in due course.In the meantime, we hope the fans will continue to support the Club in its push for a play-off place and sincerely hope that we can work with the Administrators to achieve a successful rescue of the Club in the shortest possible timeframe.

There are a significant number of hurdles still to overcome, but we are working hard to achieve a positive outcome."

FAW Premier Cup Final

2006-03-29T19:15:00.000Z

Watching football over a slow speed connection on the internet isn't great. I think it might be 1-0, but the picture is (honestly) so bad I can't be sure.

Team News: Swansea (FAW Premier Cup Final)

2006-03-29T10:40:00.000Z

It seems likely that Wrexham will start with the same team that beat Chester on Sunday, as Lee McEvilly is still not ready to return.

Swansea may rest some players with the Football League (formerly LDV Vans) Trophy Final to consider.

The Blogger's Back In Town

2006-03-27T11:23:00.000Z

I'd missed this, but it seems Red Alert may be back in the land of the living, Wrexham-blog-wise.

Wrexham 2 Chester City 1

2006-03-27T10:24:00.000Z

Chester were put to the sword (again) yesterday by goals from Danny Williams (11 minutes) and Mark Jones (another cracker, 35 minutes in).

So comfortable were Wrexham that a penalty miss from Matt Crowell mattered not, and neither did a late goal from former Wrexham striker Jake Edwards. Denis was always confident.

Team News: Chester

2006-03-25T14:09:00.000Z

The Wrexham squad for tomorrow's derby is as follows:

Michael Ingham, Michael Jones;
Dean Bennett, Mike Williams, Danny Williams, Dennis Lawrence, Shaun Pejic,Andy Holt;
Levi Mackin, Matty Done, Mark Jones, Simon Spender, Matt Crowell, Darren Ferguson;
Matt Derbyshire, Sam Williams, Jon Walters.

According to The Times' Fink Tank predictor, Wrexham have a 62.8% chance of winning, Chester a measly 15.7%, and the draw has a 21.6% chance.

Cheltenham Town 2 Wrexham 2

2006-03-22T10:47:00.000Z

Two goals by Matt Derbyshire came either side of a Cheltenham fightback that threatened to leave Wrexham with nothing.

The first Derbyshire goal came within less than a minute of the kick-off, but the two sides went in level at the break after Northern Irish international Grant McCann tucked away Brian Wilson's (no, not that one) header on 35 minutes.

Steve Guinan threatened to win the match for Cheltenham, but Derbyshire scored yet again to make sure Wrexham took a point back home on the coach.

Team News: Cheltenham Away

2006-03-21T10:35:00.000Z

No Jim Whitley for the next fortnight, as he's bruised his pelvis, and Lee Roche is still feeling the effects of his stomach strain. Lee McEvilly is also still out

On the plus side, Darren Ferguson's suspension is now finished and Danny Williams is back to match fitness.

Rochdale 0 Wrexham 1

2006-03-18T17:03:00.000Z

Matt Derbyshire was on target once again to help Wrexham to a first win in about a million years.

The goal came on 20 minutes, when Andy Holt's cross found Derbyshire on the edge of the six-yard box, and was tucked into the bottom-right hand corner of the goal by the on-loan striker, whose recent form has been fantastic.

Update: forgot to mention, Dave Bayliss (playing for Rochdale on loan) was sent off after about an hour for a second yellow.

Team News: Rochdale Away

2006-03-17T12:43:00.000Z

Danny Williams has a "minor" back injury, and is hopeful of a playing tomorrow. Darren Ferguson, meanwhile, will serve out his suspension, and Lee Roche is still suffering from a stomach strain.

Dave Bayliss, on loan at Rochdale, will probably be lining up against Wrexham tomorrow.

Macclesfield Town 3 Wrexham 2

2006-03-15T09:52:00.000Z

It started so well (and that goes for the day as well), with goals from Sam Williams and Andy Holt putting Wrexham 2-0 up.

But Holt later headed into his own goal to make it 2-1 at half time, and more defensive mishaps allowed Danny Whitaker and then Andy Teague to scorel, leaving Wrexham with nothing.

Team News: Macclesfield Away

2006-03-14T10:16:00.000Z

As we wait on the stadium ruling, team news for tonight. No Darren Ferguson (suspended), Lee McEvilly or Lee Roche (both injured). Jon Walters may yet be involved after recovering from fracturing his cheekbone.

Wrexham 0 Bury 0

2006-03-12T10:04:00.000Z

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz....what? Penalty? Dean Bennett thinks so. Referee disagrees, shows Matt Derbyshire yellow card for diving. Anyway, back to sleep...

Team News: Bury

2006-03-10T15:35:00.000Z

Matt Derbyshire has extended his loan spell at Wrexham by another month, which is just as well, as both Lee McEvilly and Jon Walters are still out, although not too far away from returning to the side.

Lee Roche is also still out with a stomach strain, but Darren Ferguson and Dean Bennett are both fit enough to feature.

Barnet 2 Wrexham 2

2006-03-05T10:07:00.000Z

It seems that two-goal leads just aren't what they used to be.

Just last month Matt Derbyshire's double was insufficient to secure the points against Mansfield, and now Barnet have a 2-0 lead (courtesy of Jason Norville and Tresor Kandol) overturned by goals from Mark Jones (yet another great strike) and Matt Derbyshire himself (set up by half-time returnee Darren Ferguson).

Despite his team salvaging an unlikely point, Denis Smith was less than pleased.

Team News: Barnet Away

2006-03-03T14:50:00.000Z

Dean Bennett and Darren Ferguson are both recovering from injury, but a lack of football recently means they are both unlikely to start. Ferguson has a suspension coming up, so it may be a while before he's back to match sharpness. Aside from that, things are pretty much as you were.

The match report for the Barnet game is probably not going to appear until Monday, as I'm going to be busy this weekend with family stuff.

Jonah's Big Night?

2006-03-01T10:09:00.000Z

Mark Jones will be hoping to earn his first full cap for Wales tonight as Paraguay visit the Millenium Stadium. Ryan Giggs picked up a slight injury playing in last Sunday's Carling Cup final, so there might be an extra midfield slot available, moving someone up from the bench and giving Jonah a better chance of getting on.

Wrexham 0 Northampton Town 1

2006-02-26T10:10:00.000Z

A defensive misunderstanding between Mike Ingham and Danny Williams let Ryan Gilligan in to score the game's only goal. Wrexham had a few chances, but Northampton dominated.

It's not looking good for automatic promotion, to say the very least. It seems that Wrexham will need to win all of their games in hand to make it into the play-off places.

Team News: Northampton

2006-02-24T12:12:00.000Z

Darren Ferguson and Dean Bennett may recover from their respective injuries in time to play some part.
Lee McEvilly and Jon Walters are both still injured, so Sam Williams and Matt Derbyshirewill continue to play upfront. Lee Roche is also still out.

Mansfield Town 2 Wrexham 2

2006-02-19T10:10:00.000Z

Four goals, all in 16 second-half minutes. What makes it frustrating is that the first two were both scored by Wrexham, and indeed by Matt Derbyshire.

Letting two-goal leads slip was a speciality last season, and this year's team proved they are comparable, giving away a penalty for Richard Barker to convert, and then allowing the same striker a free header to equalise on 67 minutes.

Team News: Mansfield Away

2006-02-17T12:14:00.000Z

Darren Ferguson and Dean Bennett may return for the trip to Mansfield, but Lee McEvilly, Jon Walters and Lee Roche are all injured, whilst David Bayliss is suspended.

Sam Williams, who has extended his loan spell at the Racecourse by another month, will continue to partner Matt Derbyshire up front.

Jonah Gets The Call Again

2006-02-15T13:22:00.000Z

Mark Jones has been called back into the full Wales squad to face Paraguay at the Millennium Stadium in March. Lets hope he gets off the bench this time.

The squad in full is:
P Jones (QPR), Garner (Orient), Price (Ipswich);
D Collins (Sunderland), J Collins (West Ham), Delaney (Aston Villa),
Edwards (Wolves), Gabbidon (West Ham), Nyatanga (Derby), Page (Coventry),
Partridge (MK Dons), Ricketts (Swansea), Crofts (Gillingham), Davies (Everton), Fletcher (West Ham), M Jones (Wrexham), Koumas (Cardiff), Ledley (Cardiff),
Robinson (Norwich), Vaughan (Crewe), Bellamy (Blackburn), Cotterill (Bristol City), Earnshaw (Norwich), Giggs (Man Utd).

Wrexham 2 Rushden & Diamonds 0

2006-02-15T13:16:00.000Z

My concerns about Matt Derbyshire's scoring record were blown away last night, as the 19-year old scored both goals against Rushden.

The first came when Derbyshire got onto the end of a Matt Crowell cross from the left, 24 minutes into the game. The second came just 12 minutes later, this time curling into the top left-hand corner of Scott Tynan's goal.

Team News: Rusden & Diamonds

2006-02-14T10:34:00.000Z

Matt Derbyshire will make his debut, as Lee McEvilly, Jon Walters are out. Dean Bennett, Lee Roche and Darren Ferguson are all still out, so Derbyshire's inclusion is likely to be the only change.

Hamilton Ground Appeal

2006-02-14T10:33:00.000Z

From the BBC: Wrexham ground ownership appeal

No Game Today

2006-02-11T17:03:00.000Z

As you'll know by now, today's game didn't take place because of a frozen pitch. This means there are quite a few of Wrexham's fixtures to be played, and thus the possibility of a fixture pile-up. Just as well we got knocked out of the FA and Carling Cups at the earliest opportunity, eh?

Team News: Macclesfield Away

2006-02-10T18:08:00.000Z

On-loan striker Matt Derbyshire is available for the first time, and Mark Jones should be fit, but Darren Ferguson and Dean Bennett are doubts, and Lee Roche, Dave Bayliss, Jon Walters and Lee McEvilly are all definitely out.

Matt Derbyshire

2006-02-08T11:10:00.000Z

Matt Derbyshire has come in from Blackburn on a month's loan to fill the space vacated by Juan Ugarte.

Denis Smith called Derbyshire "a player I've watched for some time. I even tried to sign him in the summer" and added that "he has plenty of pace and an eye for goal".

You can see his Blackburn Academy profile here, and his career stats here. That 'goals scored' column looks a little worrying.

Ugarte back to Crewe...Again

2006-02-07T10:54:00.000Z

Injured Ugarte returns to Crewe.

Do you ever get the feeling of deja vu?

Wrexham 2 Wycombe Wanderers 0

2006-02-06T11:18:00.000Z

Sorry for the lateness of this report, a mixture of family commitments and Six Nations Rugby has kept me away from a computer for a little while.

Dennis Lawrence scored his second goal of the week to put Wrexham ahead of second-placed Wycombe on 12 minutes, heading home a corner. Sam Williams added a second just minutes later when he got his head onto a Matt Crowell cross.

Brian Carey hopes that this result will spark a charge up the table: "Thankfully, we've got the right result today and that should fill us with confidence," he said, "we need to kick on from here - it gets serious now and we need to pick points up and get back in touch."

Team News: Wycombe Wanderers

2006-02-03T14:36:00.000Z

It looks like Wrexham's attack against Wycombe will partner on-loan strikers Juan Ugarte and Sam Williams following Jon Walters' cheekbone injury sustained against TNS.

Lees McEvilly and Roche are both injured but Dean Bennett and Andy Holt are likely to feature. Dennis Lawrence also came through the TNS game without any apparent reaction from his recently injured hamstring.

Wrexham 3 Total Network Solutions 3 (AET- Wrexham win 5-4 on Pens)

2006-02-02T10:54:00.000Z

Not one for the faint-hearted, this. Wrexham were a goal behind by half-time as Scott Ruscoe took advantage of a howler from Dave Bayliss.

Mark Jones levelled in the second half with a 25-yard volley, but it looked as if TNS were set fair for the win when Nick Ward put them back in front with only 4 minutes left.

Who else but substitute Juan Ugarte proved Wrexham's saviour, lobbing the ball over TNS goalie Ged Doherty to put the match into extra time.

Dennis Lawrence played upfront for a while, and managed to put Wrexham ahead after 101 minutes, but his counterpart in the fish-out-of water stakes, Steve Evans, made sure this one would go all the way to the wire.

In the end, Mike Ingham saved Ged Doherty's penalty to win it for Wrexham. Phew!

Team News: Total Network Solutions

2006-02-01T10:36:00.000Z

Juan Ugarte is likely to feature (although perhaps not from the start) against TNS after completing his loan move from Crewe. Dennis Lawrence and Andy Holt are both available for selection after injury,but Darren Ferguson will probably be given a rest.

Fellow Fans In Exile #11: Daniel Taylor

2006-01-27T10:48:00.000Z

What's your full name?
Daniel Taylor

Where are you exiled?
Bradford, West Yorkshire (around 72.0 miles from the Racecourse)

What have been the best and worst things about being an exiled fan?
Best - There isn't one it's agony because I have to watch Soccer Saturday. Worst - Travelling back to Wrexham to see us lose e.g. Huddersfield, last game of the season

Who's your favourite Wrexham player of all time?
Really enjoyed Karl Conolly and later Carlos Edwards.

Which has been your favourite season supporting Wrexham?
They were all great, promotion winning was special but 99/00 I think where we beat Boro in the Cup was also fun.

Have you developed a soft spot for any of the teams in your area since being exiled?
Not really, haven't seen Bradford or Leeds play. Watched Burnley Vs. Derby with my Derby fan housemate, have a soft spot for Burnley now because they won.

How often do you get to see Wrexham play/how do you keep up with results and news?
As much as possible when I'm at home over Easter/Xmas. Trying to go to more away games this season.

Newport County 0 Wrexham 2

2006-01-26T11:01:00.000Z

Two second-half goals from Jon Walters have set up a FAW Premier Cup semi-final against TNS next Wednesday. The first came less than ten minutes after the break, with Alex Smith and Mike Williams both involved in the build-up.

Newport kept fighting, and threatened to equalise when a shot was deflected goalwards, but in the end it hit the bar.

Jon Walters made sure of the win with little more than five minutes remaining, getting onto the end of a Mark Jones cross to score his second of the match.

Ugarte Coming Back?

2006-01-25T12:05:00.000Z

Wrexham expect to secure the return of Basque striker Juan Ugarte on loan from Crewe by the end of the week.

Team News: Newport County Away

2006-01-25T12:00:00.000Z

Robbie Foy has returned to Liverpool a week early, and so will clearly not feature in the FAW Premier Cup tie against Newport. Neither will Dennis Lawrence, Andy Holt, Darren Ferguson, Lee Roche or Lee McEvilly.

The reward for victory will be a home tie against TNS in the semi-finals.

Wrexham 1 Leyton Orient 2

2006-01-22T10:06:00.000Z

Wrexham will be mighty peeved not to have taken something from this match, with Orient's first goal seeming offside, and their second coming from a debatable penalty decision.

But worse, Dean Bennett had a penalty saved before getting on the scoreshhet to add some respectability.

Brian Carey said "We had enough chances and the turning point was in the second half with the penalty. You can't pass up a penalty as chances like that don't come along too often but saying that we didn't play as well as we can"

Chester Match A Closed Shop?

2006-01-20T20:07:00.000Z

The postponed Chester match might be played behind closed doors.

Team News: Leyton Orient

2006-01-20T20:03:00.000Z

Sam Williams, who has joined the club on loan from Aston Villa, is likely to go straight into the squad to face Leyton Orient.

Dennis Lawrence, Danny Williams and Levi Mackin are all doubts, and Jamie Reed is unavailable after being loaned out to Glentoran.

Football League Survey

2006-01-19T12:11:00.000Z

Q10. In order to maintain fair competition between clubs The Football League has introduced a 10-point deduction for clubs that go into administration due to financial difficulties. A policy that has been followed by the F.A. Premier League. Is it a policy you agree with?

Apologies

2006-01-18T14:47:00.000Z

Sorry about my lack of posting, I'm snowed under with things to do at the moment, and will be until sometime next week, so there won't be much insightful comment posted for some time (no change there, then).

In the meantime, why not read this?

Rushden & Diamonds 0 Wrexham 2

2006-01-15T10:05:00.000Z

A double from Mark Jones earned Wrexham an overdue win, only the second away from the Racecourse.

The first, a 30-yarder, came with about ten minutes left in the first half. Jon Walters was involved in the second, picking out Jonah, who walloped the ball hard and low past Danny Crane to seal the points.

Denis was pleased with the clean sheet, and of course with Mark Jones.

No Fees; No Transfers?

2006-01-13T16:20:00.000Z

Wrexham paid no fees to agents between July 2005 and December 2005, it was revealed today. But that doesn't mean Denis doesn't have any complaints about the transfer system, calling the January transfer window a 'cattle market'.

And Denis can't get the bull he's after, either. Being in administration isn't too good for the old PR, it seems.

Team News: Rushden & Diamonds Away

2006-01-13T16:12:00.000Z

Definitely out: Dennis Lawrence, Danny Williams

Might be back: Michael Ingham, Darren Ferguson, Lee Roche, Dave Bayliss

Waterlogged Pitch Scuppers Newport Game

2006-01-11T11:14:00.000Z

No FAW Premier Cup match against Newport, due to a waterlogged pitch. January 24th is being talked about as a possible alternative date, which might mean that Wrexham have a stronger side to put out.

Team News: Newport County (FAW Premier Cup)

2006-01-10T11:34:00.000Z

The squad is as follows:

Michael Jones, Morris; Smith, Evans, Mike Williams, Marc Williams, Bennett, Done, Walters, Foy, Mark Jones, Spender, Crowell, Whitley, Pejic, Holt, Reed.

With no Ingham, Mark Morris, Wrexham's 37 year old Football in the Community Officer, has stepped into the breach to provide golakeepeing cover on the bench. The full list of injuries is: Michael Ingham, Dave Bayliss, Danny Williams, Dennis Lawrence, Lee Roche, Darren Ferguson, Lee McEvilly and Levi Mackin.

Highlights will be shown on BBC2W at 11.20pm.

Wrexham 1 Lincoln City 1

2006-01-08T10:04:00.000Z

It took a 92nd minute equaliser from Mark Jones, getting onto a square pass from Andy Holt, to salvage a point for Wrexham and avoid a third consecutive defeat. Simon Yeo had put the visitors a goal up shortly after the hour mark.

Team News: Lincoln

2006-01-06T14:23:00.000Z

No Paul Warhurst, who's been released to make way for a new striker (who won't be Tony Thorpe, as Wrexham couldn't offer a long enough contract to Thorpe's needs). Other changes are unlikely, because there's no-one to come in.

Shrewsbury Town 1 Wrexham 0

2006-01-04T15:59:00.000Z

I'm slowly recovering from my seasonal illness (genuine, not alochol-related), but it's not helped when Jon Walters misses three good chances to score, and certainly not when Glynn Hurst scores for Shewsbury in the 72nd minute to beat Wrexham at Gay Meadow.

Team News: Shrewsbury Town Away

2006-01-03T12:03:00.000Z

Danny Williams' red card against Grimsby means that Shaun Pejic, maybe Paul Warhurst or perhaps even Mike Williams will be added to the side for the short trip to Shrewsbury. Aside from that, don't expect any changes, as Lee McEvilly and Levi Mackin are both still out.

Wrexham 1 Grimsby Town 2

2006-01-01T16:53:00.000Z

Sorry to anyone waiting on a match report, illness and electrical difficulties have made it impossible for me to post until now. But you can see the BBC match report here, and get Denis Smith's reaction here.

Happy New Year, by the way.

Team News: Grimsby

2005-12-30T13:53:00.000Z

Wrexham can finally welcome back Jim Whitley and Shaun Pejic, both of whom have now recovered from their respective long-term injuries.

McEvilly and Mackin are still out, but Alex Smith has had a couple of extra days to recover from his cold owing to the postponement of the derby, so is likely to feature.

Former £1m Man Assessed By Wrexham

2005-12-30T13:38:00.000Z

Tony Thorpe, formerly of Swindon, Rotherham, QPR, Luton, Reading, Bristol City, Fulham, Luton and Leicester, has been training with Wrexham.

Although Wrexham's squad (limited to 20 players by administration) is full, Robbie Foy's loan from Liverpool ends soon, and Thorpe may come in as cover for the injured Lee McEvilly.

Frozen Pitch Postpones Derby

2005-12-28T17:07:00.000Z

No derby today, so why not watch a film instead?

Team News: Chester Away

2005-12-27T17:39:00.000Z

Lee McEvilly and Levi Mackin will miss the derby, and Alex Smith might join them if he fails to recover from a cold in time. The team is likely to be identical, or at least very similar, to that which beat Rochdale.

Chester themselves have a number of injury worries, with Chris MacKenzie, Ryan Brookfield, Justin Walker, Gregg Blundell, Sean Hessey and Michael Branch all out.

Wrexham 2 Rochdale 1

2005-12-27T13:19:00.000Z

Wrexham must have spent the early part of this game pondering their Christmas Selection boxes, as they made a slow start. The defence in particular must have still been wondering whether to eat the Buttons or the Curly-Wurly next when Paul Tait got his head onto Gary Jones' cross to put the visitors ahead.

But Rochdale's Gareth Griffiths obviously didn't get the Trinidad & Tobago shirt he had asked for, as he pushed Dennis Lawrence in the box to give Wrexham a penalty, which Matt Crowell tucked into the bottom-right corner to level the scores.

It was left to Darren Ferguson to produce the winner, what those with lower standards might call a Christmas cracker, a 30-yard half-volley which sailed into the back of the net.

Team News: Rochdale

2005-12-24T12:07:00.000Z

I doubt I'll be posting tomorrow, so here's the latest squad details for the Boxing Day visit of Rochdale to the Racecourse:

Levi Mackin and Lee McEvilly are both definitely out. Dean Bennett should be back, and Alex Smith and Dave Bayliss could go either way.

The squad in full:

Michael Ingham, Michael Jones;
Dave Bayliss, Danny Williams, Dennis Lawrence, Shaun Pejic, Paul Warhurst;
Mike Williams, Lee Roche, Dean Bennett, Simon Spender, Andy Holt, Alex Smith, Darren Ferguson, Mark Jones, Matt Crowell, Jim Whitley;
Jon Walters, Robbie Foy.

Merry Christmas to all.

Some Christmas Cheer

2005-12-22T14:53:00.000Z

It seems that Wrexham might not be thrown out of the Football League even if the club is still in administration come June. The BBC reports on the story here.

From the BBC: Club owner wins right to appeal

2005-12-20T14:36:00.000Z

Wrexham Football Club's owner Alex Hamilton has won the right to appeal against a court decision handing over the freehold of the Racecourse Ground to the club's administrators.

Red Alert: Throwing In The Towel?

2005-12-18T10:41:00.000Z

It seems that Wrexham might be losing a blogger. I hope not, as Mark's postings have always been a lot more lucid (if a little less frequent) than mine, and I'll miss reading them, as well as the feeling that I'm not the only one doing this.

If you're reading this, Mark, don't do it!

UPDATE: It seems that this is not an isolated incident: are people going off Wrexham?

Darren Fergusion Interview

2005-12-18T10:24:00.000Z

Just found this - looks interesting. Don't have the chance to watch it at the moment as I'm trying to watch Liverpool Vs. Sao Paulo over the net, but it seems like it might be worth a look.

Carlisle United 2 Wrexham 1

2005-12-18T10:10:00.000Z

It was a tale of two penalties, with Wrexham taking the lead early in the second half through a penalty, converted by Matt Crowell.

Kevin Gray headed an equaliser for the home team before Chris Lumsdon, who had fouled Jon Walters for the first penalty, took advantage of another (slightly dubious) penalty, leaving Denis a little on the disappointed side: "I'm getting fed of saying we should have had points at this or that away game, it's up to us to get those results", he harrumphed. Probably.

Team News: Carlisle Away

2005-12-16T12:18:00.000Z

Lee McEvilly is an obvious doubt, but he may be available depending on the severity of his injury, something which is as yet uncertain.

Dennis Lawrence has pulled a muscle, whilst Robbie Foy has been ill, so both may not feature. Mike Williams is likely to fill in for the former, whilst Jim Whitley, Shaun Pejic, Paul Warhurst and Andy Holt all came through a midweek reserve match unscathed, so could be involved.

McEvilly Injury

2005-12-13T15:20:00.000Z

FROM THE OFFICIAL SITE:

Lee McEvilly's contribution to the side looks like being cut short for the next month or so, as a morning x-ray has revealed a stress fracture of the right foot.

The striker had been suffering some discomfort for a week or two and following Saturday's match arranged to see the club doctor for further investigation.

The doctor pinpointed the problem and has now arranged for a CT Scan to see if an operation will be necessary.

This could hardly come at a worse time for the ex-Accrington Stanley forward, who had just settled back into League football and starting scoring on a consistent basis.

In the last eight games he has notched seven goals and that will take some replacing.

Fellow Fans In Exile #10: Andrew Pollard

2005-12-13T15:16:00.000Z

What's your full name?
Andrew Pollard

Where are you exiled?
Aberystwyth (about 62.9 miles from the Racecourse)

What have been the best and worst things/experiences about being an exiled fan?
There isn't really anything good about being exiled. The bad things about being exiled are obvious. You don't get to go to the games, you don't get to do all of the match day rituals of a pre-match pint in The Turf, the programme, the dodgy burgers, the game, the post-match pint. Then there is the feeling of a lack of action in cases like the Hamilton affair and the whole messy business. Sure you can make donations and talk the good talk, but at the end of the day you can't get to the marches or the protests or the fundraising events. I've tried to get to as many of these as I can but being a University student and having a part-time job means that I haven't got the time. I'll be in University all week, then add on another 25-35 hours at work each week, including having to work every weekend. That is the negative side of being in exile.

Who's your favourite Wrexham player of all time?
Deryn Brace! There are a lot of players who stand out for me, Karl Connolly, Steve Watkin, Bryan Hughes, Brian Carey, Tony Humes, and I even had a soft spot for Chris Llewellyn. For me it has to be Deryn Brace though, just
edging out Bryan Hughes. I loved Deryn, absolute legend! The attitude he had and the pure determination and commitment was amazing to see. The lad had so much enthusiasm for football and for the club, it was sad to see him retire so young. One of my favourite moments ever happened due to him retiring though. Being down in Aberystwyth I went along to Aber Town against Haverfordwest, who Deryn was managing. Me and a fellow Wrexham fan mate of mine got to meet the great man in the bar. He brushed off his chairman to talk to us bumbling fans about the good old days at Wrexham. Absolutely top man! Out of the current crop of players I would have to say Jonah right now, the lad is just so good. He reminds me a lot of Bryan Hughes, which is definitely not a bad thing!

Which has been your favourite season supporting Wrexham?
1996/97 season I'd say. The whole FA Cup run was great stuff, and we played some good football all season. Was gutting to miss out on the play-offs again! We had such a good, solid team then.

Have you developed a soft spot for any of the teams in your area since being exiled?
If any team it would Aberystwyth Town. I used to go and watch them whenever I could and also played for a supporters club team at one stage too. The best thing about the Aber games was that you would see so many ex-Wrexham players floating around the Welsh Premier League. As mentioned, the best bit was getting to meet Deryn Brace and have a proper chat with him for a good 10 minutes or so. Another highlight was watching Aber against Caernarfon last year and getting to give Dave Walsh some abuse in goal.

How often do you get to see Wrexham play/how do you keep up with results and news?
I keep up to date mainly via the Internet. I check Red Passion and the bbc website several times a day to keep up with all the latest news, as well as catching any games that are on TV, such as the FAW Premier Cup. Also one of
my mates texts me and keeps me up to date with the scores when I'm in work. As for getting to games, I'd normally say about 5 or 6 a season, although I haven't been to any this year. At the moment my first game of the season is
set to be Torquay at home on October 15th. After that I don't know when I'll get to go next, most likely it'll be the Christmas period games, it all depends on how generous work are feeling with regards to time off.

Wrexham 1 Notts County 1

2005-12-10T22:34:00.000Z

Wrexham recovered from a late setback to salvage a draw, with on-loan striker Robbie Foy equalising in injury time after Jake Sheridan had given the visitors the lead on 84 minutes.

Lee McEvilly had previously had a goal disallowed for Wrexham after five minutes.

Team News: Notts County

2005-12-09T12:02:00.000Z

Still no Jim Whitley, Andy Holt or Levi Mackin; Shaun Pejic's doubtful; Robbie Foy's over the flu and may feature.

In other news, Dennis Lawrence will find out who Trinidad & Tobago will be playing against at next year's World Cup Finals, as the draw is made tonight. You can see it live on BBC 2 from 8:15pm.

Wrexham 4 Mansfield Town 1

2005-12-07T11:09:00.000Z

An extraordinary turnaround saw Wrexham recover from conceding a 40th minute penalty (when Danny Williams brought down Richard Barker, who later scored the penalty, in the box) to win 4-1.

Williams himself got the equaliser less than five minutes after the restart, getting his head onto Matty Crowell's corner.

Jon Walters was involved in all of the other goals, setting up Lee McEvilly and Mark Jones either side of getting on the end of a pass from Darren Ferguson to score himself.

Team News: Mansfield

2005-12-06T13:56:00.000Z

The only change likely from the squad that faced Boston is the possible return of Paul Warhurst from injury. Levi Mackin and Andy Holt are both still out.

The Mansfield game is the first of two for which Adult ticket prices in the Kop are down to £10, with juniors paying just £1. The offer requires that tickets be purchased at least two hours before kick-off, and will continue for the Notts County game.

Fellow Fans In Exile #9: Richard Ellis

2005-12-01T11:11:00.000Z

What's your full name?
Richard Robert Ellis

Where are you exiled?
Stretford, Manchester (around 39.7 miles from the Racecourse)

What have been the best and worst things/experiences about being an exiled fan?
Best: Having an excuse not to go when we are doing badly. Worst: Long hours involved traveling to and from games.

Who's your favourite Wrexham player of all time?
Dixie McNeil

Which has been your favourite season supporting Wrexham?
77/78, my first year supporting the club.

Have you developed a soft spot for any of the teams in your area since being exiled?
No, but I look out for Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle results.

How often do you get to see Wrexham play/how do you keep up with results and news?
One home and one away game per calendar month usually. I keep in touch with goings on through gossip and the website.

Racecourse Days & Nights #2: Wrexham 1 West Ham United 1

2005-11-28T14:13:00.000Z

(FA Cup Third Round - January 4 1997)

There must be something about the fourth of January. On the fifth aniversary of victory over Arsenal, the Racecourse once again welcomed top-league opposition for the FA Cup Third Round. The pitch was blanketed with snow, and Hammers boss Harry Redknapp was less than pleased that the match went ahead. He remarked after the match that "no one could play football on that surface". Wrexham, on the other hand, had few problems adjusting to playing on frozen snow, and took the lead within five minutes of the kick off.

Bryan Hughes popped up to head the goal, after Brian Carey had redirected a Gareth Owen corner across the face of the goal. West Ham were spurred into action by conceding, and managed to level just before the break. As Andy Marriot strayed off his line, Hugo Porfirio (who Redknapp famously claimed had "never seen snow" before that day) delicately placed a spectacular lob into the Wrexham goal, from 30 yards out. Honours even at half-time.

In the second half, West Ham completely dominated the play, and the trio of Porfirio, Michael Hughes and Steve Jones created chance after chance without managing to score. Porfirio looked like he might score another spectacular strike, but his overhead effort went wide. Wrexham held on, however, to force a replay. After the game, Bryan Flynn admitted that West Ham would be favourites in the replay at Upton Park, but Wrexham once again confounded expectations, going on to win that match 1-0 on a run all the way to the Quarter Finals.

Click here for more.

Boston United 2 Wrexham 1

2005-11-27T10:06:00.000Z

A Julian Joachim double meant that Lee McEvilly's goal, set up by a pass from Darren Ferguson, counted for nothing.

Denis Smith felt hard done by, claiming "we have been the better team but failed to turn that play into a win."

Team News: Boston

2005-11-25T11:42:00.000Z

No loan signings before the deadline, so the squad is unlikely to change before January. Andy Holt and Levi Mackin are still out, and so unavailable for the trip to Boston. Shaun Pejic and Jim Whitley are also both out, but near to match fitness, while Paul Warhurst has recovered from his groin strain, and should feature.

Bit Of A Slow News Day...

2005-11-22T11:03:00.000Z

Not much has happened since the weekend, so there's not much to talk about. I'm hoping to get the rest of the 'Fellow Fans In Exile' and 'Racecourse Days & Nights' posted soon, but I'm getting bogged down in other things to do. Hopefully there should be something special for Christmas, too, but don't count on it.

Wrexham 1 Peterborough United 1

2005-11-20T10:15:00.000Z

Wrexham had already missed plenty of opportunities to take the lead by the time Danny Crow scored a scrappy 59th minute goal to give Peterborough the lead

But Wrexham's luck changed when Sagi Burton put the ball into his own goal following a Mark Jones shot hitting the upright, and the game finished one-all.

Team News: Peterborough

2005-11-18T10:51:00.000Z

Dennis Lawrence is back in Trinidad celebrating World Cup Qualification, so won't be available for the visit of Peterborough United to the Racecourse. Paul Warhurst may also be out, but will be given time to prove his fitness, while Alex Smith's return from illness means that there will at least be enough defenders to give Denis Smith some sort of choice.

Dennis is a World Cup hero

2005-11-17T11:12:00.000Z

Wrexham's World Cup Qualifier, Trinidad & Tobago write footballing history.

Congratulations to Dennis Lawrence, and the rest of the Trinidad & Tobago team, on qualifying for next year's World Cup.