David and Cindy

It was with a degree of disappointment that I read comments by Mr David Rhodes in a recent match programme relating to the alleged spread of 'misinformation' in local newspaper articles. While not directly quoting or referring to the author or paper in question, reading between the lines it is quite obvious that Mr Rhodes was referring to Red Passion editor Peter Davies' column in the Wrexham Mail in which he raised two problems he had observed first hand: namely that of the condition of the Crispin Lane turnstiles (and the confusing 'BOYS' sign above one particular turnstile) and the matter of separate adult and child entrances (and parents' concern about sending their kids through a different turnstile to the one they themselves were entering). The actual subject matter is now irrelevant, and was to some extent addressed by Mr Rhodes in the article he chose to pen. What grates is that he felt the need to accuse the editor of spreading 'misinformation', claiming that a quick call to himself would have resolved the issues concerned. Readers of Red Passion may well be aware that during the last two years many ideas and suggestions aimed at improving attendances and generally improving the club's public relations have been put forward to the club. These letters, with very few exceptions, have gone answered, and by and large the club has very rarely taken the trouble to even offer the courtesy of an acknowledgement. Indeed, Mr Rhodes himself has in the past admitted to a friend of mine that he rarely replies to supporters' letters. He, therefore, should not be surprised if fans choose to exercise their democratic rights - and vent their feelings in the press. Nor does Mr Rhodes have any right whatsoever to try and stifle debate when he has himself not shown any real willingness to communicate with supporters.

On a brighter note, Wrexham's new Commercial Manager Cindy Toth is now in post and is already making her mark at the club with the promise of newlines in the club shop. In the last issue of RP this column called on the club to make a sensible appointment and, while a new post for her, Cindy does have experience in marketing, which can only be a good thing. All at RP wish her the very best in her new post and look forward to dealing with her over the coming months and, hopefully, years.

One or two small points of order, which need pointing out and have obviously escaped the relevant person's attention relate to the scoreboard. Last season RP paid a sum of money to Allan Thomas in order to sponsor the 50/50 Draw - and in return we received a credit on the scoreboard at half-time. This season a new sponsor has come along and taken over this sponsorship. The question which the new sponsor must be asking is: why does Red Passion still appear on the scoreboard as the sponsor of the draw? Hardly an encouragement to throw your money at the team, is it? In addition, most fans will, I'm sure, be aware that the club's youth teams have now reached 'Academy' status. Why then does the scoreboard still announce a sponsor for the club's 'Centre of Excellence'? Surely a case of the club spreading its own misinformation.

Perhaps I'm being a little pedantic but as the saying goes: If you can't get the small things right…!

Paul Lindsay

It is now Red Passion’s policy to forward copies of this regular PR column to the club in the hope that it may feel able to respond to matters raised. So, the club has just received photocopies of the PR columns published in RP Issues 13-19. Watch this space!