and sponsored by Wrexham Lager
Wrexham fans who where their heart on their sleeve
No. 11: Len Willett
Peter Davies finishes his chit-chat with the Wrexham fan who once played for the club, and then emigrated to Australia to play football
What was your career highlight?
'In 1970 I was picked for Australia's stand-by squad for the Mexico World Cup. I had a residential qualification - and this was obviously a great honour.'
How do you view Australian soccer today?
'To be honest I still think it's relatively untapped as a source of players. OK, we know about the Kewells and the Bosniches but, I'm not kidding, Flynn should be looking out there. While I was in Australia I got to know a FIFA coach, Dietmar Kramer. He'd played for Bayern Munich and won three European Cups; he told me that Australia, ultimately, will win the World Cup.'
How do you reflect on your decision to emigrate?
'It was a big opportunity for me. Football was taking off in Australia when I moved there and plans were being made. It took me six weeks to get out there by ship - and six weeks to get back. My wife and family loved it. We made lots of friends and it was a wonderful way of life. The outdoor climate was very agreeable! I got to like to Aussie Rules football and the rugby over there'
Who, over the years, have been your favourite Wrexham players?
'Mel Sutton - unbelievable player; he just bossed everything in midfield. John Roberts gave everything at centre-half. The
late-'70s side was a different class. Before that Billy Tunnicliffe was the first player I really remember, but Aly McGowan was the best.'
What's your opinion of Flynn?
'I wish Flynn would get a bit more involved on Saturday afternoons. All managers should sit in the dugout. Maybe we should just have a cardboard effigy of Flynnie on the touchline! It just concerns me that we never see him during matches. I want him to walk out onto the pitch prior to kick-off and I want him to take visible responsibility for substitutions. I also want him to give players a rocket - in full view of the fans. He's got to be seen to be doing things. I'm sure this would help him and make his job easier. But he's a good manager; he's done well with a small club, and could be plying his trade at a bigger club. He's taken us a long way - and now I want him to take us that extra step further. I also think we need to vary our tactics - they're always the same.'
How do you view Pryce Griffiths?
'I applaud him for bringing financial security to the club; that's quite rare in the lower divisions. But, I think there needs to be an extra push on the financial side. We need good players and sensible signings.'
The current squad?
'I don't like to criticise; I think it's about tactics rather than players. Russell has got a good brain and Connolly was an exceptional player. I also think we miss Humes more than we may think. He was a 100 per cent player and captain.'
What is your opinion of the young players at the club?
'I've been very impressed with Walsh - but he never seems to be very close to the first team. It's difficult to say with Gibson - but the manager will stand or fall on his judgement on young players.'
The future of the club?
'The financial security seems to be there and the building blocks seem to be in place. The key is to blend the youngsters with the experienced players. But, on the whole, I don't think that we can complain about the last decade at the Racecourse - I think it's been a highly successful period.'
You grew up in Wrexham and then returned to the town. How do you view it as a place?
'It's definitely a football town and will always support a soccer club. Compare
Wrexham with, say, Chester or Wigan and you've got three very different towns. I think the town will always pull together for the club.'
Thanks a lot, Len - cheers!
len willett: top trivia
Favourite Premiership player: Ginola
Favourite ex-players: Best, Charles, Allchurch
Favourite current Wrexham player: Carey; before that, Connolly
Favourite all-time Wrexham player: Aly McGowan
Favourite TV programme: Only Fools and Horses
Favourite music: Country and Western
Favourite food: Steak and onions
Favourite film: The Quiet Man
Favourite newspaper: Daily Post/Evening Leader
Favourite politician: Neil Kinnock
Favourite British holiday resort: Pembrokeshire