Red Report

From Optimism to Dejection

By Simon Irving

Where we are at - a close-season update:

Red Report is a month-by-month update on what I gauge to be the common opinion of many supporters regarding the club and all that's going on within it. Every month opinions change and every month new facts come to light - my scribblings are ultimately just my opinion though, and RP warmly welcomes any articles putting forward differing views. Remember though, each Red Report is compiled two weeks before publication and two weeks is a long time in football - by then even MY views have changed and things have moved on!

The Club: Oh dear. I would expect that many contributors better informed than me will have plenty to say on the goings-on in the boardroom in this edition of RP. I'll just say that (at the moment) I can see both sides of what little of the story I would profess to have understood! I get the impression that we had an astute businessman, Mr Farrell, on his white charger, with some big new ideas and initiatives (some good, some perhaps not so) which were the basis of a plan to stabilise the commercial and financial environment of the club. He seemed dedicated to turning us into a company that could more ably fund itself, by operating smarter in terms of merchandise, the image of the club in North Wales etc. This breath of fresh air was seen as (at least part of) the reason why we convinced the likes of Ferguson to stay on. We appeared to be getting our act together 'off the pitch' and were showing signs of ambition to achieve promotion. Maybe Mr Farrell moved too quickly - certainly in his approach to the existing board. He was perhaps too honest and forthright in his views in the press about 'passengers who just want to turn up on matchdays for lunch and to watch the game and that's all'. Also whatever the nature of his plans to bring 'other associates' on board, it was maybe a little too much too soon. He appeared to be 'taking over', whether that be in the literal sense or just in terms of being the 'new man trying to help as quickly as possible, as much as possible'. Whatever, he has now gone.

To review 'the other side', one really feels there has been an element of mistrust of 'the new face', the pace and degree of change, the destruction of the cosy comfort zone around the boardroom, the closing of the ranks; they wouldn't 'be friends with him', they felt he was planning a complete takeover with his new associates in tow. As to Mr Griffiths himself, I have always maintained that here is a man who is no 'sugar daddy', doesn't have millions to spend, but does truly love the club - he has always resisted any attempts by would-be investors to get involved if they showed signs that they would not have the club's identity and interests at heart. I think he 'smelt a rat' somehow, he didn't like the way things were going and I doubt we'll ever really get to the bottom of this. I suspect that we are now resigned to more of the same at the club for the next few years - the need to sell to survive (what price Macca, Trundle and Fergie over the next season or two?); no signs of real ambition now and also a likely return by Mr Rh***s and his pompous arrogance.

Some season ticket holders are already regretting their haste. I truly believe that Mr Griffiths, whatever has gone on, has acted in the best interests of Wrexham FC and its proud history and will continue to do so. Now though we can only imagine what might have been had we not resisted the winds of change when they came in the shape of Mr Farrell.

The Squad: One new face, a Nationwide rookie from Man City and the departure of seven players from our hideously oversized squad. Few prisoners were taken and perhaps one or two real shocks/mistakes?! I expect we will sign maybe two more players, a goalie and a forward.

The Management Team: BF was apparently quite keen on the way Mr Farrell was operating - the New Dawn etc. What the reaction will be to his departure is hard to fathom; at this level I suspect they will just carry on as usual. Good luck to BF, KR and JJ in their quest over the coming season. I was interested to hear the Bolton Chairman's comments after his club's promotion to the Premier League. He was saying how pleased he was with Sam Allardyce and firmly believed that he had the best in the business, alongside excellent, long-serving excellent managers such as Dario Gradi and Brian Flynn. I think a little respect is due now for the work of BF and Co., considering the perilous state of our finances and poor attendances. If you pay peanuts you get monkeys. I think we're lucky to be where we are all things considered and a lesser management team would have carried us to relegation last season.

General: The doom merchants will be out in force now that the club has slid back down the steep hill of progress it was trying to climb. Personally I was fairly optimistic for Season 2001-2 in early May. We'd finished last season reasonably well (the visit to The Mem aside) and with a few tweaks to the squad, Mr Farrell's initiatives, and the (likely) shape of the teams we would be facing next time out. I thought we were well placed for a top-six push. Unfortunately since that time we have seen the departure of Mr Farrell, the departure of one or two useful players, and the crystallisation of the opposition for next season in the shape of Huddersfield, Tranmere, QPR, Stoke, Reading, Wigan, and Cardiff. Add to that the emergence of Blackpool, Bournemouth, Port Vale etc, and it all starts to look like we're going to be in for another tough season. Everyone knows we need to tighten up the defence and continue to score a fair quota of goals. Certainly our home form needs more consistency. I'm afraid my optimism of a month ago has turned into a mood of near-dejection in all honesty. I know the management team and the players will do their damnedest to avoid a repeat of last time out but unless the remaining couple of signings are real quality (no, no, not Clayton Ince) then I can only see more of the same. I think by October we will know.

Red Passion and the Match Day Programme: I can see the fanzine going from strength to strength: plenty of contributors, a very fair price (which some fans would pay more for - excellent), and many interesting articles showing the full spectrum of fans' views on given subjects. The programme has deservedly won many awards in the past, but while recent years have seen a similarly beautifully-produced and colourful publication, the format and content have felt far too 'samey' from one game to the next. It didn't seem to matter what was happening at the club from one week to the next - the entire season's programmes were potentially (apart form the news page and the stats) seemingly almost all ready for print in August! Too many articles about past seasons' glories, too many pages dedicated to the opposition, and not enough topical discussion focusing on the real issues going on at the club. The editorial team can be rightly proud of this glossy production, but it just needs the 'monotony factor' removing from it via the introduction of some one-off topical articles and more variety. As it stands though it is still one of the 'best in class'.

The Players:
(Player/Best Position/Division Best Suited To)

Dearden (GK/Div 2): Well…I have to say that of the seven who left this to me was the second biggest shock. He had really settled in well, was experienced, solid, dependable, had safe hands, superb distribution, a great rapport with the fans and was presumably not over-paid. Admittedly, he's not the kind of keeper who you could see in a Division 1-bound team (couldn't deal with crosses, capable of the occasional howler), but he was more than adequate for Division 2 mid-table teams. Perhaps there is the rub - we're aspiring to promotion and he didn't quite fit the bill. Whatever, it was a very bold decision by BF, but I do hope nothing had 'gone on' (as seems to happen so often when BF surprisingly rejects a player - remember the departures of KD's predecessors Morris and Marriott - both a bit unsavoury). I am sorry to see him go and I hope and trust he finds a club soon - I would expect he will settle nicely somewhere in the Cambridge/Oxford/Wycombe/Luton area. Good Luck Kev and thanks for all your efforts. I expect many more years in the Nationwide from you yet…sniff.

Walsh (GK/Div 2): As KD has gone and KR is in the background, it would seem that unless BF finds the goalie he wants at the right price (and wages) then David will be the man between the sticks next season. Frankly this scares me; he's clearly still learning his trade and lacks experience and the track record of many of his peers in our Division. I hope for his sake that next season sees another keeper installed as No.1 with DW getting a reasonable share of games to give him more experience and to gradually bring him on. If it is done this way I believe that twelve months down the line he would be more solid. Maybe he's ready now - good luck either way. It's going to be an interesting year for the lad.

Rogers (GK/Div 3): Currently the forgotten keeper of the Racecourse; even PW seems to get more mentions in the papers etc than Kris. I guess his future will be firmly determined by whether BF finds a new No.1. If he doesn't, and DW struggles, KR would probably be given some opportunities. If we DO have a new signing I think that with DW in second spot KR's chances will be slim. The potential is definitely there, as it is with DW. The next 12 months will be crucial to how that potential is developed and realised.

Whitfield (GK/LoW): Apparently PW is to be loaned out next season. If so, the learning curve is clearly going to be a sharp one for the young goalie. The League of Wales is a fair standard and the experience will be good. In Paul's absence I guess the Academy will be singing the praises of yet another good young keeper next season?! We're not short of them are we?!

Roche (RB/Div 1): He had a fairly solid season and while there were a few stinker games, he had many more outstanding ones to compensate. There is clearly a future for Lee in football - perhaps not at congested United but maybe in Division 1 at Stockport or Crewe or somewhere. I think if we were to tempt him back here permanently, we would have to treat it as a major coup, all things considered. Good luck, whatever happens.

Holmes (LB/Prem): BF believes he could be the answer to our left-back problem and we certainly have one. There's a 46- game slot available (plus cup runs) for the lucky winner. Let's hope the lad settles in as well as Lee Roche did - there's a big difference between Man City Reserves and Division 2, but if the potential is there the management team will make sure it is nurtured. Until we see him we have to expect the best. Welcome on board.

Hardy (LB/Div 3): All season (in fact ever since we stepped up from Division 3) Phil has struggled. It wasn't a total shock when we heard he was off, but he was a real Wrexham clubman, always tried hard, but ultimately just wasn't quite robust or classy enough for this division or the next one up. All those years of service counted for naught when the chips were down, and without a testimonial game he has now gone. It all feels a little unsavoury and leaves a lump in throat to see him go, but the enduring image of him being drawn out of position or being left for dead by wingers is the one that remains. Thinking back to the early days, I recall Rob Jones going from Crewe to Liverpool and I was convinced that the Reds should also have come in for our Phil for their other full-back berth. It didn't happen and things stagnated. Good luck Phil and thanks for all the efforts.

Hannon (LB/LoW): Our very own young Darren Anderton has had to retire from the game, at professional level anyway. There must have been potential for him to have got this far, but it obviously wasn't to be - good luck for the future.

McGregor (CD/Div 1): We have him signed up for now but I think we will lose him if we don't show progress next season. Obviously a lot will depend on Mark's own personal form too, but he seems to be developing into something special and will want to be starting Season 2002-3 in Division 1 - elsewhere if we don't make it. Contracts are there to be torn up! I expect next season will be one of steady further improvement for the likeable lad.

Carey (CD/Div 1): I was slightly surprised to see that the Incredible One has been re-signed. While he has been absolutely awesome during his time here, and is in my (and everyone else's) best- ever Wrexham XI, I suspected he may have come to the end of our bit of the road. I'd love now to see the injury/injuries leave him alone for a year or two now, so he can settle down to an ever-present season ahead of top commanding performances. Hope so. The Rock.

Lawrence (CD/Div 2): No-one knows much about the big man yet really, although he was awarded Player of the Tournament or something over in the Caribbean recently (apologies - I don't recall the exact award). Our League is clearly going to be a whole new ball game, given our appalling weather etc, but if the skill is there, then he'll do just fine.

Roberts (CD/Div 2): Nestled in behind the perhaps obvious main three central defenders comes a trio of potentially excellent younger ones. Steve is one of them and the coming season needs to be one of realisation of his aspirations. No more injuries please, just plenty of progress and the chances will come to shine in the first XI.

Moody (CD/Div 2): For Adrian read Steve really. Injuries and suspensions to the first-choice three will open doors for the younger ones to step in and learn the trade. Adrian is expected to do well from what we have seen to date.

Pejic (CD/Div 2): Big Shaun will be hoping for further opportunities to gain experience and hone his talents ready for the (inevitable) departure of MM and BC at some point in the coming years. From what we have seen, Shaun completes a trio of excellent prospects in this position.

Ridler (CD/Conf): Not really a surprise departure when it comes down to it. There was plenty of tigerish determination about Dave but a hell of untidiness about everything he did. The do-or-die attitude all too often seemed to lead to either suspensions, mis-kicks, bad distribution or a general lack of accomplishment. He was always useful cover but there's not really any room for passengers at this level. His wealth of experience will serve him well; like I say there was always a grit about Dave's play though - a real trier. For that we thank him and wish him well.

Ferguson (CM/Div 1): Darren was clearly irritated by the nonsense about management; he naturally wants to continue playing for many many years before worrying about such things as that. Just because Sir Alex has been successful as a manager does not mean Darren either wants to be, or could be, a similarly successful manager anyway! Silly talk. Meanwhile, on with the show and DF will be desperate to make the step up to Division 1. Realistically he needs to reach that level in 12 months time before the clock actually does start to tick on him. I hope both he and we make it. I fear he would have to consider his options, contract or no contract, if we can't deliver Division 1 football to a player who clearly belongs there.

Thomas (CM/Div 2): About a month ago I was served a tasty slice of humble pie from one of our fellow supporters. He was quite correct in his assertion that I was misguided in my comments about ST. His delivery of said pie was pretty shabby but I still ate it and it was quite delightful. Steve had been out so long I'd forgotten how good he was; his closing performances of the season were very strong and the lad does indeed have a promising future. A good season ahead is expected and I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes first choice alongside DF in the middle (hope he's not played wide).

Chalk (CM/Div 2): Hard to say just how heavily involved Chalkie will be next season. I'm convinced he is a real favourite of BF's - probably down to his attitude and commitment. I'm sure he will get his fair share of games, hopefully sitting in the midfield where he seems to be most effective.

Russell (CM-S/Div 2): The evergreen Rooster will be with us for many years to come, playing a smattering of games followed by a likely involvement at Colliers perhaps. He has marvelous football knowledge and this can still be used to good effect in a back-up role for the strikers or midfielders when we need that touch of magic and directness. Respect.

Phillips (CM/Div 2): The talent is beyond doubt. The commitment is without question to the cause of his beloved Wrexham. It's time to get those prayer mats out now and do the business on Waynne's behalf to ward off the cursed plague of injuries. Just think, if Waynne can shake these problems it would be like signing a new £500k player! It really would. Let's hope so; it could make a real difference to how next season pans out. Best wishes.

Barrett (CM/Div 3): Another season beckons and another chance to prove himself. I believe that PB does still have something to prove - there's never really been a run of games where he's made us all sit up and take notice. Perhaps the coming-of-age may be in the season to come.

Warren (CM/Div 3): Not entirely convinced by our bench-warming young prospect from the Emerald Isle; perhaps a really good solid run in the reserves would be best or even a loan period; then onwards and upwards into the first team if the omens are good. Sitting on the bench and having the occasional 20 minutes is neither here nor there; it will be interesting to see what develops but considering who has been released, the fact that DW was kept on is a clear marker that the lad must have something good to offer - it's all a question of unleashing it at the right time maybe.

Williams (CM/Div 3): Well, after the surprise of KD the perhaps non-surprise of PH, DR and (injured) KH, here's a man who I suspected throughout last season was on his way out. The loan period at Doncaster didn't seem to result in much and then the run in the first team towards the end of the season, which I suspected was a last long hard look at him. It turns out that was indeed the case although I actually felt he did OK. I think Danny does have something to offer. Good luck Danny - realise your potential.

Owen (CM/Div 3): This is one where I cannot find the words. I'm not really interested in the 'five minutes and I was shown the door' stuff because however BF chose to deliver the savage blow the upshot was never going to be an easy one to swallow. Thing is though, I truly feel that of the seven who departed and the many who have gone in previous years (such as Deano), this was the biggest shock. After a year of rotten luck (understatement methinks) for my fellow Quay-ite, I would have thought that Gareth's experience, tenacity, love for the club etc would have bought him another 12 months at least. He did have a poor playing season overall, yes, and looked like a midfielder who would command a regular place in a Division 3 team but would only be back-up in our division. Thing is, that was just one poor season. We KNOW he can do better and there is no reason to believe he wouldn't have a super season next time out. I am gutted for the club, the fans and for Gareth himself - he was treated unceremoniously and unfairly. My little marker next to Owen says Division 3, but these can quickly change when a player hits a rich vein - and Gareth is always just on the edge of his next rich vein; inconsistent yes but an inconsistency fluctuating somewhere between average and brilliant. I'd rather he was on our books than someone else's when he hits his 'brilliants'. It damn well hurts to see him go. Good luck and best wishes to you and your family Gareth. You won't ever be forgotten here.

Gibson (RW/Div 1): Robin is on the threshold of stardom - next season could be the one where he comes into his own. The skill and pace are there and a decent run in early season will see him prove himself to be a real asset who is operating in a league which he and Wrexham should walk away from…if he had the right players with him. Go Robin Go! (Down the wing I mean, not from the club!)

Edwards (RW/Div 2): Has had a settling-in season. Flashes of inspiration and directness which we lacked from most of our midfield and a fair crosser of the ball. Hopefully he will come into fruition next term. It will be a real ding-dong battle for the right-wing berth with Robin.

Blackwood (LW/Div 3): After a season of injury, Michael must feel mighty relieved to still be on board when you consider who has been shown the door. BF has placed a lot of faith in him and I mean a lot. We want to see more confident, direct approach play from Michael next term - there was far too much hesitancy at times during his 2000-1 appearances. The good thing for him will be to steer clear of his favourite room (the treatment one) and start making the difference; if he does then there is a left-wing berth available all season for his exclusive use - if we choose to play with two wingers. The chance is there Michael…take it and show us all what Villa invested in and what we can reap the reward of!

Bouanane (LW/Div 3): So it's Au Revoir to the Mad Banana. The excitable ones in the crowd will be mystified by his exit but the more cerebral supporters will see the axing by BF as ultimately the correct decision. He just sort of ran and ran didn't he? Completely wild, unorthodox, capable of the unexpected, call it what you want. The trick is the final ball didn't ever really get delivered - the runs often ended in dispossession and the full- back role was never suitable. I think we have released a bit of a rough diamond but a diamond that was probably too rough to spend the time on trying to hone to perfection. I guess it's back to France for Emad - exciting but scary.

Trundle (S/Prem): Potentially the most valuable player in our entire division. Trunds now has a decent pre-season run of challenging games to get himself prepared for making the major impact which is possible. Noticeable is a real temperament problem but I guess we have to accept this is part of his game. I think that if we hope to see a glut of goals from Lee, then inevitably we have to accept that there's a fair chance he'll receive a fair wedge of cautions and dismissals too. Aside from the goalkeeping position, Darren and Robin, the fate of Wrexham next season will rest squarely on how Lee performs. It's vital that he gets his quota. If we can perhaps sign a prolific, experienced forward to accompany him upfront, that too could help our cause no end - it would take the pressure off him and the focus of the opposition off him, and also give him someone who he can respect and learn from. Good luck, Lee! He can go to the very top if things work out right for him; he really is that good. He's even starting to head the ball now!

Faulconbridge (S/Div 2): Hard to say what the future holds for the Falcon. I think he'll be in and out of the starting XI and will get a reasonable number of goals without really setting the world on fire. He tries hard and the fans like him. Not the ideal foil for Trunds but the same could be said the other way round too. Another year of consolidation for Craig.

Morrell (S/Div 3): Who knows how things will pan out for Andy? On his day he will score. When it's not his day he'll run 24/7 for you but won't be able to score for a gold clock. Very willing but maybe just a shade out of his depth in our league. We would all dearly love to see this likeable lad settle in and start scoring regularly - it could answer our search for a partner for Trunds when the Falcon/Trunds partnership isn't working. We will see!

Sam (S/Div 3): Hector like Dennis and Carlos will be looking to get among the action over the coming season after a year of consolidation (then obscurity). An early direct style was soon replaced by uncertainty and an unwillingness to shoot. Perhaps next season he will come good. Last season was ultimately a disappointing one after early promise. Hector is almost the forgotten man of our four regular forwards (discounting Rooster), so if he actually gets cracking it would be like a new signing. Come on Hector - let's see those post-goal celebrations again…and again…and again…

So I fear we are in for a tricky season given the strong opposition and the boardroom antics, but looking at our squad IF we get the right goalkeeper in, the right combination upfront with Trundle and a solid start from midfield and defence, we might just breed the confidence early on to really go for it. Good luck lads.