The big interview: Jenny Cantwell meets all-time Racecourse icon Dixie McNeil
Background: No introductions necessary. Dixie is a legend. A man that
most Wrexham fans would have in their Best-Ever Wrexham XI.
Setting: Jenny meets Dixie. Jenny asks Dixie lots of questions.
the past…
What are your main memories as a Wrexham
player?
‘Obviously getting promoted to Division 2; the fabulous FA Cup
runs against a lot of good First Division sides, and beating most of them; the great pride
in the dressing room amongst the players before and after games, especially when playing
in front of big crowds; also the European ties were special.’
What are your main memories as a Hereford
player?
‘Again promotion to the Second Division in a side that virtually cost
nothing to assemble; being top goal scorer in the Football League two consecutive seasons;
also being frightened to death by manager John Sillet when we lost!!’
What is your most memorable personal
footballing moment - as a player?
‘Playing my 500th league game against Leicester City, proving that after two
free transfers you can still prove people wrong - Leicester gave me my first free
transfer!’
What is your most memorable footballing moment
- as a manager?
‘For all the wrong reasons, losing at Leyton Orient in the play-offs; I felt
dreadful for two days. Also the great display over two legs against Real Zaragosa. The
team played with flair, skill and determination and we were so unlucky to lose on away
goals.’
Which do you think was the greatest goal that
you scored for Wrexham?
‘Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup replay at Newcastle. Also the first goal in my
debut match against Bristol City.’
How did you feel about your departure from
Wrexham?
‘Very sad. I still felt I could have done the business - scoring goals -
even at 36. Players these days have become far fitter and also look after themselves
better and therefore can play longer. When I left as the manager, it was for the right
moral reasons - players have to be treated properly - but I regret resigning, especially
after getting beat in the last play-off game at Leyton Orient; however some pride I do get
is seeing Cliff Sear and his staff bringing kids through the youth system which I
started.’
What have you done since you left the club?
‘I went as assistant manager to Coventry City. Then I worked as a business
development manager for Marstons Brewery for six years. I’m now working for myself
combined with some radio summarising for BBC Wales, something I really enjoy doing.’
the present…
How often do you see Wrexham these days?
‘Quite often, probably 15 games a year.’
How much contact do you have with the club,
players and management?
‘All the staff at Wrexham have always made me feel welcome, from Pryce
Griffiths, the Board and also Brian, Kevin, Joey, etc, etc. I often speak with the players
after matches and they come across as a nice set of lads.’
In one word, how would you describe Wrexham's
98/99 season and why?
‘Disappointing - too inconsistent and the obvious problem of not scoring
enough goals. I feel that even when they are playing well, they don't kill off
teams.’
What do you think of the current team?
‘At times they can be the best in the league but they do not do themselves
justice in the games against poorer opposition.’
Who is your favourite all-time Wrexham player?
‘Arfon Griffiths - guts, determination, skilful, good passion, hasty. Played
with pride and passion. Also a very knowledgeable person regarding players’ strengths
and weaknesses.’
Who is your favourite current Wrexham player?
‘Kevin Russell - you sign a player for £10k and he not only plays well but
scores lots of goals, especially in the play-offs against Scunthorpe. He always gives 100
per cent in both training and matches. He always liked to finish training with a 15-minute
finishing session, especially heading. You can see how good he was - he lost all his
hair!!’
Do you feel football is becoming much more
money and business orientated and more and more detached from the actual game?
‘At all levels the finances at the club have to be looked at. It’s all
about the confidence directors have in the manager to spend money, get a successful side
and then the gate monies balance out the books. However, with all the revenue coming into
the league through Sky etc, yes I do believe that it will become even more business and
money orientated.’
What’s your opinion on Wales having to
play some of their Euro-2000 qualifier games at Anfield instead of in Wales?
‘From a financial point of view, it makes sense to play at a large venue.
However, I think they should have looked at playing at a Welsh ground if possible. I think
they obviously made the mistake of assuming they could come away from Anfield to another
venue after the Italian game.
the future…
What do you think Wrexham need to do to get
promoted/get to the play offs next season? (This question was asked pre-season).
‘I think the club has to bring in at least three or four new players to
stimulate the current playing staff. Competition for players is a must. I always feel that
we need someone to play naturally wide on the left to give us a bit more balance. Also a
natural centre-forward and, because of Andy Marriott's departure, another goalkeeper
regardless of whether Mark Cartwright stays or goes. When I was managing the club, that
position was a bugbear but it is vital for the defence to get the right man in goal.’
If the chance arose, would you manage again?
‘Yes. Obviously when you have been involved in football from the age of 17
as a professional playing on until your 36 and then managing, it’s hard to get it out
of your system. Anyway, I love it.’
Will you have your own brick in the new stand?
‘Yes I will. It was a birthday present for me - don't know what the
inscription is though!?!’
Finally, what’s your opinion of Red
Passion?
‘Very good. Opinion is what makes the world go round.’
Thanks a lot Dixie!