Well, Gaz’ s Testimonial game was nice, wasn’t it? 13,000 in attendance, fairly good atmosphere and a goal by Welsh (?) star Ryan Giggs. For me, it was only marred by the Man United fans on the Kop and those there only to see United, when it was Gareth’s big night. I was near the back of the Kop standing in front of two United fans. The following conversation ensued:

MU1: "They're awful aren’t they, I mean 2nd Division? Who’d support a Second Division club?" 

MU2: "I know! Rubbish team! Mind you, that number four looks eager. Who is he?"

Me: "That’s Gareth Owen, the bloke you’re supposed to be here for! And I’d rather follow a team I actually go and watch than sit on the sofa cheering at the TV."

They went to get a pie at half time and didn’t come back…

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As a member of the Wrexham e-mailing list I get to hear a wide-ranging set of points of view. It was said that the 'HANDS UP IF YOU HATE MAN U!' chants were stupid. Well, I for one put my hands up and am proud that I did. One thing I was disappointed to hear was the booing after the 'BRIAN FLYNN’S RED + WHITE ARMY!' It was a night in praise of ten years service, and the team looked fantastic. Why were people booing?

As I mentioned previously, the team looked fantastic. There was a certain depth to the team's play. Carlos Edwards' and Michael Blackwood’s crosses and crossfield passes were awe-inspiring. Wrexham seemed very dangerous down BOTH sides and created many opportunities down the left. Many surges down the left came thanks to the French trialist; he had it all, pace, vision and a certain aggressiveness on the break. If I were boss I’d give him a seven-year contract NOW. Sam and Faulconbridge looked threatening and I think that given time they will be a potent force together.

I think that sums up the night pretty well, apart from acknowledging the awesome reception King Karl got when he walked towards the Kop. It was deafening and I hope he does well for himself at QPR.

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I heard an interesting story the other day. Apparently Joey had been explaining some of the finer points of Second Division footy to Hector Sam, instructing him that if any decision the referee made was controversial or wrong that he should say things like: "Are you ******* blind?" Last week Sam went to the bank to send some money home and was told it would cost £14 to send it. At this Sam stood up and shouted "What the **** are you talking about?" I don’t know if it’s true but it made me chuckle, I guess Joey has that kind of effect…

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Also if you finish this edition of Red Passion before the end of your summer break may I recommend you try The Ancient Druid, the wicked Cefn Druids fanzine.

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Well must be off to get ready for my birthday. You know how it is, lager to drink, people to see…

Keep the faith

Matt Wedderkopp