Neil Roberts, who has joined Wigan Athletic for a reported £450,000, is the latest in a long line of home-grown players that Wrexham have sold in an effort to balance the books. The list of young talent departing the Racecourse includes, in recent seasons alone, Bryan Hughes, Dave Brammer, Neil Wainwright, and now Roberts, in combined deals which have netted the club over £1.5 million and which are seen as essential to help counter the effects of money lost every week on gates that are among the smallest in the Football League.

Neil Roberts joined the club on YTS forms from school in the summer of 1994, winning Welsh Youth Cup honours in the following two seasons, before being rewarded with a professional contract in the summer of 1996. His debut, however, did not come until September 1997, when he made his bow as a late substitute against Chesterfield. Roberts made his full league debut against Carlisle at Brunton Park where he scored both goals in a 2-2 draw. He retained his first-team place and went on to establish himself as a first-team regular for the rest of the season, gaining a call up to the Welsh U21 squad, (although he was forced to withdraw) and capping the year with a Welsh Invitation Cup winners medal against Cardiff at the Racecourse.

The following season Neil was again selected for the Under-21s and made his debut as a sub against Italy at the Racecourse. Injuries unfortunately blighted the latter part of last season and he spent much time on the sidelines, supporting the team from the terraces and stands as he had done as a boy.

I spoke to Neil on several occasions towards the end of last season and the early part of this season, and enquiring about his fitness, I got the impression that, into the last year of his contract and with the arrival of three new strikers in the summer, he was a little worried about his future. He need not have been! Mark Hughes turned his season on its head by calling him up to the full Wales squad for the European qualifier against Switzerland and surprising the whole Racecourse - and probably Neil himself - by bringing him off the bench, with the ensuing cheers raising the stand roofs. As befitted a proud Welshman, Roberts fought for every ball in the short time he was on the pitch with the same passion that he demonstrated while wearing the red of his hometown club.

The move to Wigan came somewhat out of the blue, as many fans did not consider Roberts to be the finished article yet. Given that fact that most onlookers would agree that the figure offered by Wigan was a generous one, the club could not afford to turn it down. It is a testament to Neil’s loyalty and love of Wrexham FC that his first question when the offer was put to him, was to enquire if the move would be in the club’s best interests, before considering his own position. The only disappointing aspect of the move was that it was not a bigger club than Wigan involved. Neil will have to wait for the opportunity to demonstrate his skills on a larger stage.

With no disrespect meant to the other players, in terms of commitment and attitude, Wrexham have probably lost their best player. Roberts was a fan as a boy, and was desperate to do well for the team. It was obvious when watching him play how much being in the team meant to him. In 83 games he played (plus 23 as a substitute) he scored a respectable 27 goals for the club, a return of almost one goal in every three starts.

Wrexham fans and Red Passion wish Neil well at Wigan and assure him of a warm welcome on his return to the Racecourse in the future. RP

All contributions to this regular HWFA slot are very welcome