Millennium men

As Red Passion’s one concession to the Millenium, we asked Gareth M.Davies - co-author of the highly acclaimed WFC Who’s Who, The Racecourse Robins from Adams to Youds - to select his ‘Wrexham XI of the Millennium’. It was a tough task…but Gareth eventually managed it. Here he introduces his side:

“The players I have picked come mainly from Wrexham sides I have watched myself. There are many others who would, no doubt, be included in others’ ‘All-Time XIs’ - Alf Jones, Tom Mathias, and the rest. As you’ll see, I’ve been unable to separate some players - and the overall balance of the team may not be quite right. However, I had to include those players I’ve always admired! In formation it’s:

TEAM OF THE MILLENNIUM

Davies

Davies

Roberts
McGowan/Jones Dwyer

Sutton

 Griffiths

Thomas
Shinton

Weston/McNeil/
Bamford/Bennett
Ashcroft/Steel

Subs: Schofield, Evans, May/Fox, Barnes, Kinsey/Whittle

Manager: Gareth M.Davies

  1. Dai Davies - Selected for his organisational skills, presence, command of the penalty area - an extra defender if there ever was one! Gives credibility to the saying: ‘There is more to the custodial position than just shot-stopping’ (Andy Marriott take note!)

  2. Ally McGowan/Joey Jones - Unable to split them. Both had such a command of the right-back position in their own style of play: McGowan for his heart and reliability, and Jones for his strength of character and determination (same thing if you like!)

  3. Alan Dwyer - Converted from a midfield role, he was a huge success at left-back. A two-for-the-price-of-one defender, often supporting the forwards so well, he was a vital member of the ‘77/8 side.

  4. Gareth Davies - A great reader of the game. An unhurried type of player who always looked in control of the situation. Cleared up at the back so well.

  5. John Roberts - A massive presence in the Wrexham rearguard. Strong as on ox and an inspiration to the rest of the team.

  6. Mel Sutton - Wonderful understanding with Shinton. He ‘made’ the winger at Wrexham with his pinpoint passes down the right-hand side. He was often underrated, but his creative play was appreciated by many observers.

  7. Arfon Griffiths - ‘The Great Maestro’ or ‘Little General’ was an inside forward/winger of the highest possible class, and will always be remembered as one of Wrexham’s finest creative players.

  8. Mickey Thomas - Full of industry and flair, one could never leave him out of any Wrexham XI. Always likely to win a game out of trickery and, of course, one of the true characters of the game alongside Joey (sadly ‘characters’ are now few and far between - it’s now a rarity to see a smile in the game these days!!)

  9. Don Weston/Dixie McNeil, Tommy Bamford/Gary Bennett - Sorry! Unable to split them due to the different eras they came from, different styles of play etc. All prolific in their own right, it would not be right to leave any out!!

  10. Billy Ashcroft/Jim Steel - Both very vital targetmen: something that every team needs, especially if bogged down with limited tactics (no names!!). Every team also needs options.

  11. Bobby Shinton - Full of flair and imagination, his exciting wingplay was a joy to watch and not short on workrate.

SUBS

  1. Johnny Schofield - Brave and reliable.

  2. Mickey Evans - Dependable.

  3. Eddie May - Great rock in defence, as was Alan Fox who should have gained a full Welsh cap (can’t split them).

  4. Ken Barnes - Wing-half play of the highest class.

  5. Albert Kinsey/Graham Whittle (both on a par) - Opportunists who could score out of nothing.”

The Racecourse Robins from Adams to Youds, by G.M.Davies and P.Jones, is on sale at the club shop, all good bookshops in Wrexham, and can be ordered from Gareth on 01407 760576