Dear Red Passion...

Chris Pinlane responds to your letters

We greatly appreciate the quality and variety of letters we receive. Any correspondence received by RP will be considered for publication - unless there is a note to say otherwise.

It is now Red Passion's policy to forward copies of the most constructive letters published in the magazine to the club in the hope that it may feel able to respond to matters raised. Watch this space.

Please send your letters and any other articles to editor@red-passion.com

LACK OF POLICY

Dear Red Passion

When, oh when, is the Wrexham board and management going to work together to get this once proud club - especially when playing at home and always a difficult team to beat - back to where it belongs, in a higher division and playing among the top teams and not, as I suspect from the first two matches, on a down slide to Division 3. We do not hold onto our best players: look at the past couple of seasons - Marriott, Connolly, McGregor etc. There does not appear to a coherent, coordinated policy with huge apparent differences between manager and board. Wake up Wrexham or it will be too late and I for one will not watch Division 3 football again.

G D Edwards

GP SAYS: Don't be so pessimistic!

GO BRIAN GO

Dear Red Passion

Right, enough is enough. How much longer do us loyal Reds fans have to suffer? Flynn must surely resign now, before he sinks our beloved team back into basement football. He has done all he can as manager of Wrexham; now he must let a more experienced manager take over. In saying 'more experienced', I mean someone who knows more than just Division 3 or 2 football. When we see clubs such as Crewe and Stockport playing Division 1 football, we think 'why aren't we?' Go Brian before you ruin us completely.

Cerys Davies

CP SAYS: But what about Chester and Shrewsbury?

EXTRA TIME

Dear Red Passion

How frustrating is football? With everything else going against the club, three points would have been uplifting against Oldham. Injury time PAH! I am trying to get ten people to commit themselves to buying RED PASSION in Ruthin; if I manage it I will let you know. The club needs you. That would make a good front cover actually.

Mark Williams, Ruthin

CP SAYS: In answer to your question, football is very frustrating.

PASSION REQUIRED

Dear Red Passion

Were the pre-season games yet another false dawn, and are we already a busted flush? Are we fourth from bottom and doomed, or merely eight points outside the play-offs with games in hand? Personally, I would answer no to my first question, and both to the second. Many may already be convinced the season is already over, but they may well be dismissing the Reds a little too early in the season. After all, three league games and our usual early exit from the Worthington Cup are, I believe, too few opportunities to make a valid judgment. True, the overall performances as a team leave a lot to be desired, but many individuals are playing with great credit. Not surprisingly, we are not the only team to have begun rather disappointingly and have 'off the field problems', but who would have predicted that the once mighty Man Utd would be struggling so early in the season and would have sold one of the best defenders in the world after a couple of lacklustre performances and a few hard-hitting comments? Conversely, not even Sam Allardyce would have predicted the glory for Bolton as they top the Premiership. It is therefore important we all remember the old cliche, 'the leagues are a marathon and not a sprint'. Admittedly, it is always rather nice to be close to the tape as the gun sounds and not stuck at the back with all the thousands of amateur runners who are there for a laugh and dressed in a funny outfit!

After our triumph in the Isle of Man Trophy and the friendlies against Blackburn and Man Utd, it would have been all too easy to imagine that our flight to Division One would be relatively easy this season. Alas, my expectations had already been tempered by our past experiences and having a relatively small squad, which often seems incapable of raising its game or changing tactics to beat the thuggish elements that frequent the lower divisions. And so it was to prove against both Oldham and Wycombe. Oldham were a dreadful team until they made their late substitutions. Our midfield, with the notable exception of Stephen Thomas, were too slow, unenthusiastic and uncreative, thus making the Latics' lives too easy. We sat far too deep and allowed Oldham far too much time and space. At one stage I thought this was an end-of-season match with nothing to play for, rather than the first match of a new season when everyone should have busted a gut for their team. Sadly, Ferguson was already showing signs of petulance against Oldham, when a captain's innings was required of him; alas, this unfortunate side of his personality would again raise its ugly head with devastating consequences against Colchester. Flynn must also shoulder some responsibility for dropping five valuable points in those first two games. His decision to select Phillips, and stick with him for the Wycombe match, was unsound; Wayne was clearly unfit and never got into either match, leaving acres of space which my dear old mum could have utilised - and she's 67! Previously, I had mischievously touted Ferguson to take over from BF as manager. Judging by his performances and attitude to date, I would be reluctant to put him in charge of a hot-dog stand outside the ground. Ferguson will soon be enjoying an early break after his misdemeanour, allowing him plenty of time to reflect on his poor start to the season. Wrexham urgently need him to grow up and take charge of the midfield - something which he is perfectly capable of doing - rather than putting unnecessary pressure on his team-mates and fans by acting unprofessionally. Come on Darren, don't let the obvious frustrations at the club get to you; please show everyone just how good a player you can be!

Although it was an awful result, the 5-2 defeat at Wycombe was potentially not quite as bad as it seems. There often wasn't a great deal between the two teams, except that they took all their chances, while we, as usual, did not. If there had been a greater hunger and urgency around the box - and a touch of luck - we could have won 6-5. But 'might have beens' aren't good enough. True, we have missed Trundle tremendously these first four games, but it would be expecting too much from Lee to score all our goals. The others must sharpen up and be prepared to have a shot at goal more often. Although Faulconbridge continues to work hard, and score a few goals, he too must improve his game this season and form a better understanding with Trundle.

Defensively we have not shone so far, but it would be wrong to lay much of the blame on the defence itself: Rogers will become an outstanding keeper; Lawrence may well be making the occasional howler, but he too is putting in some really good work and seems to allow Carey far more time than last season when Brian had to cover for all the back-row; young Holmes has a touch of class that Hardy could only dream about, and can but improve. That leaves the problem of right-back. I personally thought that Warren played reasonably well for the first 65 minutes against Oldham but he did look rather weary and indecisive against Eyres. Against Wycombe he took a nasty knock to his head early on which could not have done him much good. Unfortunately, I missed both the Worthington Cup debacle against Hull and the Colchester match so cannot comment on Edwards' performances there accept that Carlos is very fit and always helps out defensively. Let's hope Warren responds well to the challenge and has another try at right-back fairly soon.

There has been so much bad news off the pitch it is difficult to know what to say, so I would just like to make three quick points: firstly, I do hope that Pryce Griffiths recovers quickly from his recent bout of ill-health. He has worked hard to keep the club afloat these past years and the strain would be enough for many a younger chap. It would probably be best for all if he could secure a speedy hand-over to a successor who also had the interests of Wrexham AFC at his forethought, who could also inject some much needed cash into the club. Secondly, also sad to see Tony Humes depart from the Youth Academy, he was an excellent centre-half in his day. The Academy is the cornerstone for the club's future as we cannot expect to pay out vast sums for new talent. Instead players must be identified at an early age and allowed to develop away from the clutches of the bigger clubs. It is therefore essential we get someone in to replace Humes quickly; someone who can command the youngsters' respect while developing their skills. Surely Russell is the ideal man for the job. His natural enthusiasm for the game is immense and he could produce the type of homegrown players that we so desperately need at the Racecourse. Finally, I know money is tight, but the Chairman may have made a huge mistake in not supporting BF's attempt to attract Jim Whitley. It all smacks of an unprofessional approach from behind the scenes, with the whiff of panic emanating from the Boardroom. Although not a fan of BF, I do think he was let down badly by the Board.

In summary, three league matches down but 43 to play. Lots of opportunities to improve our performances but only if BF picks the best team, and they give 100% throughout the matches. Our next game is at Notts County - my only true 'home' game. Without Carey, Ferguson and Chalk it will undoubtedly be hard to come away with all three points. But if the travelling Red Dragons fan club gives as much support as they did at Wycombe - not to mention a bit of help from Lady Luck and, of course, a touch of magic from Trundle - we could witness the beginning of a much needed revival.

Kevin Wynn, Lincoln (via email)

PS. Just got back from watching us go down to a 2-0 defeat at Barnsley. Again there were some very good performances, notably from the Trinidadian trio and Blackwood, as BF experimented with five across the back. Alas, our midfield was again poor and never really controlled the game. Trundle is still a bit too static but, saying that, he could have got a hat-trick if he had been up against a lesser keeper than Andy Marriott. Rogers also played very well and I do not think we need spend any of our vast treasure-chest on a new keeper. No, the two areas that need bolstering are right-back and a winner in midfield to play alongside Stephen Thomas. Once again, I appreciate the coffers are bare but if our weaknesses in these two areas were addressed quickly we could begin to play to our full potential, and start winning matches decisively and regularly. Keep the faith, but more passion is urgently required.

CP SAYS: I like the word 'passion'

FAIR DRAW

Dear Red Passion

Phew! What a curtain-raiser! The Red Dragons and the Latics certainly like to keep their fans on the edge of their seats! The game seemed to hinge on two incidents: the bloodied Garnett's temporary withdrawl and Duxbury playing out of position, resulting in the Oldham midfield being overrun. Suddenly Latics concede two goals!

Then the very influential and impressive Ferguson is withdrawn, whereupon the tide turns and the Latics become rampant! Still, I feel that a draw was a fair result and there are encouraging signs for both clubs. This was my second visit to the Racecourse in two weeks. I had the pleasure of attending the Wales v England rugby league game on a fine Wrexham evening. May I thank all involved at the club for a very well organised occasion - my first experience of the PGS.

All the best for the season to WFC and RP and hope to see you all at Boundary Park in January.

Paul Smith, North Wales Latic

PS. Liked the new match programme - very informative and well presented.

CP SAYS: Yes, see you in January!

RUSSELL, OWEN ETC

Dear Red Passion

I would like to respond to Mike Hughes' letter in RP31. Mike's comments are in bold. My responses are in normal type.

'Simon Irving is of course right to say this is all about opinions and to encourage contributions to RP but perhaps he needs to sharpen up his opinions so they at least stand analysis to some degree.'

My opinions don't have to 'stand analysis'! I can argue them, but if someone believes differently that's their privilege. RP is a vessel for 'spouting off' our opinions, and I will continue to do that! Anyone with a different opinion that they believe 'stands analysis' better is more than welcome to enlighten us all! At the end of the day there are many many differing opinions right across the spectrum about every facet of the club and it's players; if everyone believed the same
things, and nobody says anything controversial, how much duller would being a Wrexham fan be?! 

'Let's deal with the column first: His assertion that his opinions shift is not reflected by his view on Rooster, which seems to be relentlessly positive regardless of the facts.'

Tough! I like Rooster: he works hard, he is a model pro, he fires up the players in the dressing room, has bags of experience, reads the game well, and (perhaps more realistically this season, coming on as a sub for the last 30 minutes rather than playing so many full games) he can turn a game on its head with his directness! Other fans such as Carl Tunnah also respect Rooster and believe he has performed well over the past couple of seasons, and I do too! If his career begins to flag badly during this season, I will of course begin to deride him, but not until! I will remain relentlessly positive about Rooster until I personally feel the need to do otherwise.

'…nor his comments on Hardy and Owen, which seem to miss the big picture i.e. the performance of individuals is down to more than just their ability.'

Not quite sure where you are coming from here. Off the pitch Phil is renowned for enjoying himself at times (don't know if that is true) and off the pitch Gareth had a hard year apparently (again I don't have all the facts, just rumours) so those are factors which relate to their performance being down to more than just their ability. As for ability itself, Gareth was capable of greatness, albeit inconsistently, as he would often admit himself in the press. I stand by my comments - I think we could still have benefited from retaining him though. I'm SURE he could have really come good this season. As for Phil, many fellow supporters I have spoken to agree that he has continually struggled at this level and was just a shade out of his depth...not much, just a shade. To hope he would aid our promotion push would be hope only; he's gone now anyway! We'll see what Vale make of him. I personally doubt whether he will be a regular but we must wait and see.

'Poor old Rooster comes in for a hammering from many so I'm (almost) loathed to add my voice to them (to an extent) but it has to be said that although the effort is never less than 100%, the outcome is now usually negligible.'

I concur to a degree - he is perhaps on the slide now and I expect we'll be seeing less of him on the pitch this season but he just keeps on coming back whenever he gets written off, doesn't he? I'm not ready to write him out of the script just yet - I feel he still has something to offer. Glad you agree that the 100% workrate is always there though...good call.

'Russell frequently reacts to what is going on around him five seconds after everyone else and often creates a huge hole in midfield for the opposition to pour through when his colleagues back off a situation to cover elsewhere because they expected Rooster to get a tackle in or at least be aware of the danger in a situation when in actuality he doesn't move.'

Those are words which I feel better described Hardy (at left back obviously)! That aside, I know what you are saying; he is more effective as an attacking midfielder than a defending midfielder, where, as you say, his tackles/danger awareness aren't always there. Agreed to a point. I see him more as a 'going forward' man though. Maybe Flynn does too, but admittedly that does leave a hole alongside DF. In summary, unless Rooster has a free role behind the front two, we probably have other players more suitable to play alongside DF this season.

'Sit in any stand on the halfway line and spend ten minutes watching his pirouetting on the spot as the play goes on all around him and it eventually becomes a bit embarrassing.'

Well, see above really, I think he is more effective with his head down going forward and looking around for forwards to knock crucial through-balls to. What amazes me is that if I had written the words 'becomes a bit embarrassing' and 'doesn't move', I would expect a tirade of letters complaining that I'm slagging him off! Sometimes it's hard, Mike, to criticise a player without sounding like you are doing exactly that (slagging), but that's the way it goes - every player is open to different interpretations of their good and bad points, and RP will be a better and more enjoyable fanzine to read if more articles come through rather than just letters - an ongoing spectrum of analysis, rather than one-off counter-attacks!

'Just to reinforce the above. His best two games of the past two seasons? Middlesbrough and Man Utd. What do they have in common? They're both Premier League and they both have midfields that let you play rather than the Division Two ploy of closing down the space. I'm not saying he lacks class but he is of no use to us now other than for as a model professional.'

I like the Premier League point - very true. It is true of most of our team though, as well, I think. It is the same 'syndrome' as the Tranmere Rovers scenario where, for the last 10 years, they seemed to perform brilliantly in the major cup matches and against higher-class opposition rather than against their peers. We are the same. When we play Halifax etc we seem to struggle...when we play Man Utd we're on fire! I don't think it's purely an attitude thing (though in one or two cases it possibly could be, I don't know). It is much more likely to be exactly what you say - that we play a style of football that suits the Premier League more than the hustle and bustle of the lower leagues! Rooster loves space and time too, as you say, but I don't think he's alone in that. Let's just wait and see what happens - as I stated earlier, he has a habit of proving his critics wrong. He's been a few fans' 'player of the year', or thereabouts, for the last couple of years - incredible but true! It's a bit unfair to say 'he is of no use to us now'. If I put that about a player in my Red Report, I'd be hammered in the next issue by angry supporters! See, it's easy to sound more negative than you actually really feel - words are sometimes a very tricky thing to play with! I think so and I am learning with every month how to adapt and improve.

'Now I don't know what inside knowledge you have here, Simon, and maybe you're not at liberty to say, but what exactly is the factual basis for your assertion that he has "marvelous football knowledge" that might be later put to use at Colliers Park. My guess is that Russell (and Carey) have been retained as an influence on the younger players rather than for influence on the pitch.

As Austin Powers would say: 'Oh behave'! We can't afford to pay playing staf purely to be icons to influence younger players! Come on! If that were the case, Peter Ward would still be with us, and a few others too. BF and co obviously feel that he can still influence things on the pitch too - I agree with them again. As I said earlier, it remains to be soon though, this season, and I'll be in there with the cutting remarks if he starts to lose his way! Until then though, I expect he will be playing his part in the first team every Saturday in some capacity. As for my comment on his 'marvelous football knowledge', I have watched the way he reads the game, shares his experience, gives advice, marshals those around him etc etc, and he clearly (to me anyway) has got it upstairs! That's just my opinion though. If you 'guess' that he 'has been retained as an influence on the younger players rather than for influence on the pitch', then how can you say that he doesn't have 'the knowledge'? To influence the younger players , he must have valuable experience to share and continue to share at Colliers, which is what you have just agreed with by your 'guess'! Knowledge and influence are linked, as far as I'm concerned.

'A number of the older and younger players were witnessed giving him a right verbal rollicking during a number of appearances last season as he was simply not doing the basics let alone providing a "touch of magic."'

Yes, I saw some of those rollickings - these things happen in certain games, but I'm going for the longer-range view that, overall, he does much more good than harm. There are often heated exchanges on the pitch among our players, sometimes involving the keeper or the defenders too - it's all part of the game. He isn't perfect, sure, but who is! (Yes, I agree, before you say it, that I should carry that philosophy on to the younger players too and accept that they too make mistakes. My feeling there is - yes - I have been too hard and not given youth a chance at times, but I'm modifying those thoughts and feel that the younger players, just like Rooster, must be given more patience and elbow-room to learn. I stand corrected, definitely.

'Hardy? For the most part I agree with everything you say but you fail to mention the fact that the major problem and real tragedy in his case was not so much being out of his depth as spending over seven years without a decent left-sided midfield player in front of him to prevent him being exposed. Your mate Rooster would wander infield leaving the whole of the left flank exposed and when Connolly was there then the defensive cover was excellent (a much under-rated part of Karl's game) but there was extra pressure too because Karl was getting through so much defensive cover thanks to others wandering away that there was still no left-sided attack. Phil Hardy was often skinned very badly in the last two years but it was almost inevitably by someone running through a left midfield that didn't exist. It took me a while to figure it out but he started to try and turn attackers onto his right foot, which struck me as bizarre until I realised that, naturally left-footed or not, if they went at his left it was one on one whereas, if he turned them infield, then they would be running into the precise place where the midfield had wandered off. Not as inept as you suggest.'

Crikey, you really are sold on Hardy aren't you! Whatever, that's a very constructive opinion you have just delivered - that's yours! Good stuff. Mine is that regardless of who did or didn't cover for him further up his flank, he was still a player who backed off all the way into the six-yard box, rather than put a challenge in, and was destroyed by wingers with pace. Flynn obviously felt that he had no more to offer us or at best was a 'nice to have', but we couldn't afford to keep too many of those on, so either way BF let him go and many other fans appear to agree that he had to go too! I'm not sure that I agree with the quite amazingly cerebral tactic which you believe he employed regarding forcing the opposition onto his right-side etc. If he did, then very good, but ultimately, for me personally, he wasn't up to the job for a promotion push - could be right, could be wrong. We shall watch his career at Vale Park with interest.

'Owen? Where have you been? Perhaps living close by?'

Oof! That hurt.

'How could it have been a shock? He has never had a great Division Two season. He had spells but ha never strung together a rock-solid season of the type Ferguson or Brammer has done. Why do you think Dazza is here? The writing has been on the wall ever since he failed to up his performance level even slightly after the arrival of Ferguson as his main competitor.'

I agree entirely and I'm sure Gareth would too, that he indeed has never had a rock-solid season in the mould of DF, DB, or even Bryan Hughes too. That's why he continued to be in and out of the side. I think we kept him for so long because BF and many many others all knew that, somewhere in his armoury, he had the skill and potential for sheer brilliance. Frustratingly for him, and BF, it just didn't happen often enough - my feeling simply was that I wanted that potential in our squad so Wrexham would benefit when he hit his highs. At the end of the day, though, in hindsight, yes, it hasn't looked good for a few years and BF's patience ran out. Pity - sometimes great, sometimes found wanting, that was Gareth. I still believe he will come good though and will hit the headlines with Doncaster this season (albeit in the Conference of course, a lower standard somewhat).

'Now, onto your comments to CL Edge. There were many worrying aspects to your comments but perhaps none more so than your assertion that: "We need REAL QUALITY players if we want promotion. It's the fact that we're happy to settle for bringing on too many young hopefuls etc. that has caused us to be stuck in Division 2, peering nervously at relegation from time to time. So, that would be the Division 2 that we have actually spent most of our existence in regardless of the type of team we have had? That would be the Division 2 that we only got out of once (in the right direction!) after the injury-prone young players with little experience like Thomas, Whittle, Lyons, Dwyer and so on had actually been given time to learn and to grow into their roles and to learn their job. I saw Mickey Thomas back in 1972 and he was actually fairly unimpressive. Sorry Mickey, we should have stopped you there and then! Sorry Dave Brammer, we should have let you go before you learnt to be so consistently good game after game! That would be the Division 2 where our lowest finishes since '93 were when the average age of the first team was at its oldest since we came up as opposed to the Division 2 where we missed the play-offs by narrow margins using a majority of young home-grown players? Go check it out, it's true! Your implication seems to be that quality only comes from outside the club and that the very dedication to youth that at least gives us a chance of a future (both footballing and financial) is not delivering the goods.'

Excellent summary of the merits of developing youth - yes, agreed, entirely. My point lay in the words 'too many', Mike - a sprinkling of experience and a dash of youthful exuberance is the best mix. My fear was very firmly based in those words 'too many' - experienced players were leaving and we appeared to be replacing them with our (in many cases rarely tried) younger players. Bring them on, yes, but a few at a time, and pitch them with the 'old-heads'. I don't want a whole host of them thrown in at the deep end - that's the point I was trying to make. I should have used the words 'real experienced quality players if we want promotion' - players who have been there and done it. With those type of players on the books, they would provide excellent foils for the younger players coming through, to share the responsibility and share the knowledge. I recognise that this can cost money but there are occasions where such players are available and all too often slip out of football when they really still had plenty to offer. The CLEdge issue regarding Steve Thomas is what fired this debate really and the fact that ST was the 'forgotten youngster' in the squad. Since then we have all been reminded (some of us needed to be - apologies) of just what a great prospect he is. In fact, from what I've seen in every game since I wrote that piece, he hasn't looked like just a prospect - he's looked like the finished article. I'm not doing a U-turn on ST (or Ozzie/Ossy or whatever to his friends) simply because I have been challenged regarding my comments on him - I have done a U-turn because I have, completely and utterly, been thoroughly thrilled as well as surprised at what he has in his repertoire. I was wrong. Cool. I am happy to be so! He has been outstanding during pre-season -absolutely! If other players prove me wrong after I criticise too, great, we're on the road to promotion! At the moment he is the only one to really turn me through 180 degrees though, and well done to him! I stand totally corrected. End of story. Dave Brammer had plenty of experienced help alongside him in the midfield - that's what brought him on. We need that mix of older and younger players to make masters of the apprentices! I take on board your point about when we finished badly, using a very experienced team. Again, I agree, but hark back to saying again that we need a blend of both. That season we went too far in the other direction, definitely.

'Sometimes Simon you have to speculate to accumulate. I have no interest in defending Steve Thomas per se but it seems to me that attacking the very fabric and lifeblood of the club is not just negative but demoralising for all concerned.'

Agreed - I hope that I haven't been seen as purely doing just that though - it's more a case of what I have highlighted earlier - a nice, steady flow, but not too 
many in one go! Enlist the aid of a few season pro to help bring them on and share the responsibility - we have a young team now, overall, but I just feel that we must not take the blooding of youth into the team into overdrive - gently does it and they'll come on just great and will be up there with the Dwyers, Whittles, Noddys etc. Just NOT TOO MANY AT ONCE please! I WANT them all to succeed not fail! I don't want to demoralise them and my comments will be more carefully thought-out to ensure this in future. 

'Just an opinion of course. Keep 'em coming.'

Nice one Mike. Super stuff - some really good points, well presented. Some of what you have said will be embodied in my psyche (!), some will be left as 'your opinion' and 'not mine', but thank you very much for your thoughts - the editor of RP is delighted with the debates now brewing up and it is all part of fandom and the beauty of being a Wrexham supporter. Enjoy the season - I intend to. My 'tail is up' after pre-season.

Simon Irving, Connah's Quay

CP SAYS: If any RP readers disagree with any views broadcast in the magazine, they are very welcome to send in their own counter-articles.

CRISIS CLUB

Dear Red Passion

A football club in crisis. Not a protestor in sight, no placards, no banners, no children, no 'beep if you support us' signs and, no, this isn't outside the Deva stadium, this is Wrexham FC. There have been some fans, hundreds, if not thousands, who have protested about the management of the club for a few years. These protestors are affectionately called 'the stayaway fans'.

These protestors often write into the local papers with their rants, sometimes wildly off the mark, sometimes very close to the point, all carrying the same theme: 'there is a need for change'. I am not personally an anti-Flynn/Griffiths stayaway protestor. I go to the game what ever, more out of habit than gaining any enjoyment from watching my team, because usually by the end of November I have a good idea of whether we will have a cup run, or be condemned to another humdrum year of mid-table obscurity, better than battling against relegation, but without the excitement of pushing for promotion. The club seemed to be abuzz with excitement towards the end of last season due to the arrival onto the scene of three men, Geoff Farrell, Christian Smith and The One and Only Lee Trundle. Farrell had been at the club for a while but towards the end of the season began to make some great inroads in gaining supporter confidence; Smith sang all the right hymns regarding the marketing and image of the club; and Trundle scored goals: spectacular goals, volleys, bicycle kicks, he set the place on fire. And then it happened, true to form, Farrell was forced out, Smith rapidly followed and we go back to being kept in the dark, as we were before they both arrived. The club also released six players and brought in one. I honestly feel that the only way forward is for the Griffiths family to sell up, at a realistic price; the new owners could then make up their minds as to the capability of the manager and would ultimately decide if he was good enough, or not. New owners, with a cash pledge for playing staff, would increase the attendance by 50% at least. Until that happens I fear the worst; people like me will carry on turning up week in week out, listening to the chairman moan about the thousands of stayaways and watch their team in freefall, while the stayaways will do exactly that.

Jason Roberts

CP SAYS: Understandable thoughts.

SPOTTED!

Dear Red Passion

I have 'Spotted' two Wrexham players recently: Steve Thomas buying mushrooms, bananas and broccoli in Tesco. Kevin Russell in Toys 'R' Us in Chester. I hope these are published. I am a big fan of Wrexham as I am a Wrexham ballboy.

Bye

Jack Moulton, Age 11

CP SAYS: Jack - your 'Spotteds' are so good we are publishing them twice. See also Spotted. Keep in touch!

BIG IN AMERICA

Dear Red Passion

Felt this needed a mention in your excellent fanzine. After visiting New York for a week primarily to attend a wedding on July 4 in Central Park, I was more than gutted to be leaving; so on the final day I wore my Wrexham top to get some photos taken by famous landmarks. It was three hours before leaving the Big Apple when myself and a few friends decided to have a horse carriage ride around Central Park. When the ride was over we all got off the carriage and made our way to the Plaza (most expensive hotel in NY) for a posh p***. While we were walking to the hotel this guy stopped me and shouted in a thick Noo Yoik (that's how they say it) accent: 'How dare you have the audacity to wear a Wrexham soccer top in Noo Yoik City.' I was totally gobsmacked. He then preceded to tell me that 'Wrexham were crap' and that 'they must have only sold about 900 of those shirts'. I could have fainted and nearly did when he asked me 'whose that guy…Joey...Joey.' I replied and said 'that's right, Joey Jones'. He then told his mate who was by him that Wrexham Lager wasn't very nice. We were in a rush to go to the hotel and then get a cab back to the hotel where we were staying, then off to the airport and back to dear old blighty. Therefore I couldn't talk to him and quiz him more. I was totally blown away by it all and it finished off what was a completely surreal holiday for me. I also got on Philadelphia live morning television and mentioned Wales and the presenters knew where it was, calling it a beautiful country!

Keep up the good work on the fanzine. Prediction: 5th place finish this season 

La Lucha Continua 

David Hughes

CP SAYS: Great story!

'DESTRUCTIVE'

Dear Red Passion

Among the articles I don't look forward to reading in RP (apart from stuff about Flexsys Cefn Druids) is Simon Irving's Red Report. It's not just that it is over-long, drawn-out and dull. It is actually insulting and destructive.

I don't know with whom he shares his views, as he claims they are widely held by supporters, but his judgement is so poor on players, as your correspondent Mr Edge pointed out in RP30. His sudden reversal on Stephen Thomas demonstrates this. Brian Flynn has been telling us for some time that Thomas, badly hit by injury last season, is a real prospect. I think he knows more about it than Mr Irving. Ossie's form at the end of last season has been re-confirmed this year, and the papers (and Sir Alex) generally claim that his goal against Man Utd eclipsed even that brilliant free kick of Veron. 
I particularly hate his 'grading' of players as 'Division 3', 'Conference' or 'LoW', especially when applied to young players, of whom there are many in the squad. His reading of the Danny Williams situation is so far from the mark it is laughable. The 'last, long hard look' at him in the first team at the end of last season, if it was that, would have given BF a real headache, because Danny began to look a classy and combative player, drawing real media attention. The manager alluded to 'other reasons' for the release, and these lie in DW's personal lifestyle clearly. These are the reasons why he made less than expected progress at Liverpool and at Wrexham, and the manager's decision was a brave one, from which the player must learn. 

Mr Irving also slights David Warren, suggesting a run in the Reserves would do him good. Well, Joey Jones will tell you that they gave him just such a season at full-back in the Reserves last year, and they were excited by his showing. I suppose, as a committed Wrexham fan, you're not expected to know that. I suspect that Mr Irving might be eating humble pie there before long as well.

The starting line-up against Blackburn was very exciting, if it reflected the manager's thinking about the possible shape of the team. The performance in the first half, before a lot of changes, was also promising, especially the Holmes-Blackwood combination down the left. We have a good crop of young players, and I for one want to see them rather than Chalk-Carey-Russell-Phillips, given they have earned their place and that they are good enough. It is only in building a squad of talented young players that Wrexham can progress to the next stage. Mr Irving seems to echo the Alan Hansen theme, that you can't win things with kids. Look how wrong he was about that! Young players need good coaching, good examples around them, and the opportunity to develop experience and confidence. They are sometimes inconsistent and make mistakes. They need support and encouragement, and if they read Mr Irving's assessment in RP (and they surely do), they must get very disillusioned. If you want to publish such a report, get Mickey or Dai to do it - there'll be plenty of talking points and at least they know what they are looking at.

Yours sincerely
Nick Beattie, Alltami, Nr Mold

CP SAYS: Simon will respond in RP33

FAW & UEFA

Dear Red Passion

Having just read an article describing the FA of Wales' capitulation over Wales' three senior clubs' attempts to regain a doorway to UEFA competition via the Welsh Cup, and David Collins' comments that the proposal was turned down by 16 votes to 6, I feel incensed that we should be subjected to such weak representation from them. He said: 'We discussed the matter in great detail, but UEFA have drawn up a strict new licensing procedure for entry into Europe. We looked particularly closely at the clause which states clubs must be playing football in its entirety within one boundary.' Surely that same rule can be interpreted as all LoW teams playing away at Oswestry Town being barred from entering or winning the Welsh Cup for the same reason, as would Monaco be barred from the French Cup, together with all French club sides who play at Monaco's ground. Should Glasgow Rangers, Celtic or any other Scottish club beat Berwick-on-Tweed, away, in the Scottish Cup, would they also be barred from European competition on winning the Cup? And if Arsenal should be so lucky as to gain revenge at the Racecourse over Wrexham in the FA Cup this season, would this mean them being disqualified from Europe too? Can you imagine any other European country's FA interpreting this, a) in the same manner, and b) giving up without a fight in the same way as Collins and his colleagues seem to have done? (Collins insisted though: 'We will continue to monitor the matter with UEFA and discuss the situation again, should they relax the regulation.' Aw, shucks! Let's lie down and be tickled!) Bureaucratic rules like these were designed to be applied by imbeciles, who value political power above sport, surely? We in the UK are laughed at by the French, the Germans, the Italians, and others in Europe for the way we bow to the rules applied by our European neighbours, whether those rules involve buying straight bananas instead of banana-shaped ones, or losing our fishing rights off the coast of Britain. They have ruined our commercial fishing industry. Are we going to allow them to continue making our standard of football a laughing stock too? Wrexham, Swansea and Cardiff may not be in the same class as some of the UEFA clubs, but we're no worse than many of them, whereas some of our junior clubs are totally out of their depth. Wales' image in Europe (and the rest of the World) as a footballing nation is poor, and it won't get better without allowing fair competition to take place. The incentive of possible qualification for European competition for players that are considering contracts with our three clubs can only enhance those clubs' attractiveness to them and, who knows, we may see the day when a future Michael Owen prefers to play for Wales instead of choosing England if we fight for a higher profile and capitalise on that. Maybe that day will be the one when we succeed in reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958. Strong representation is essential for us, both on the pitch and in the FA of Wales HQ. Collins and his colleagues claim to be concerned about the former. I doubt we'll ever achieve that, unless they also give us the latter.

The Daily Post reveals that Rangers and Celtic seem to have the blessing of UEFA to leave the Scottish league system, and to join the English Premiership instead. I feel that this adds insult to the injury inflicted by the FA of Wales in their recent dismissal of appeals to support the campaign to allow Wrexham, Cardiff and Swansea access to Europeean competition through the Welsh Cup. As a result, I have written to David Collins at the FAW today. My letter read as follows:

'I read today that both Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic have an agreement with UEFA, which grants them permission to join the English Premier League system if they so choose, yet appears to maintain their ability to compete in Europe at the same time. As this matter relates closely to the issue of your deciding not to pursue the ambitions of the three Welsh Nationwide teams to compete in Europe on a seemingly level basis (I have read nothing to suggest that the two Scottish teams would be barred from entry to Europe should they enter and win a Scottish Cup), I am including in this letter the content of an email that I sent to "Red Passion" (the Wrexham AFC Fanzine) on 20 August following their website's publication of your comments. The email was based largely upon a response I made to you on your website's contact facility on the same day. It is disappointing that, while you solicit public opinion in this way, you do not acknowledge receipt when such opinion is offered. I'm sure that you will appreciate that this can only increase the frustration felt by those of us who care enough about football in Wales to voice our feelings, yet, unlike you, have little or no power to exercise in promoting it. I am led to believe that there is now an 'accommodation' that the Welsh clubs in the Nationwide League can qualify for European competition through the English league system, but I can find no reference to this information being provided to us by you. It seems to have taken a Scottish radio station to inform the public of this. There follows the text of my email to you of 20th, followed by the closing paragraphs: 'Why have I bothered to write to you about this? As I have already suggested above, it is my firm belief that Wales deserves the best representation of its footballing skills in order to promote itself outside the Principality. It also requires that representation to further its cause within Wales itself. I hope, most sincerely, that you will therefore reconsider your decision to abandon all support for the most successful Welsh clubs to be Wales' representatives in Europe, and - at the very least - be prepared to negotiate positively with UEFA in the same way as our Scottish cousins have had the courage to so do. Merely repeating your hope that the situation may change in future could only be regarded as platitudinous weakness, unworthy of the spirited nation that you represent. It would be encouraging to receive your views on the situation, taking into account the apparent success of the Scots' method of dealing with the licensing procedure, and offering some hope that you will now reconsider your decision. I wish that I could rid myself of the feelings of doubt I have about the latter, however, but I live in hope.' 

Should I receive a reply from that Ivory Tower in Cardiff, I will let you know.

Yours sincerely, 

Rob Owen, Weaverham

CP SAYS: Keep us posted.

WYCOMBE WOE

Dear Red Passion

Here we go again. It's not looking good. Two games gone - five points off the leaders. From what I saw at Wycombe, we're in big trouble. At Adams Park, if only Carlos had tried a shot when five yards out instead of p****** around, it might have gone our way. The chances we missed against Oldham and Wycombe go into double figures. When we go behind we go to bits. Where's the commitment? Why is there no understanding in defence? Why can't we defend a corner? Rogers said he'd been working on his kicking. It's still ******* *****. By the way, we all have two feet. The distribution from the back is very poor; we lose the ball too easily and the opposition are always back at us straight away. Rogers has made some great saves but Joey's got to sort out the defence. (Stay behind at the training ground until you learn to defend! See you in a few months then!) Now I'm going to pick on one of our hardest working players. I'm not happy to say this, Craig, but in the first games of the new season you should have had a shed-full of goals. I feel that if you had put the chances that have come your way in the back of the net, we would have maximum points.

To the 11 players on the pitch, I say this: we pay good money and travel miles to see you play. Do you want it as much as we do? No, you don't. Prove me wrong. No wonder you're not getting you wages! You don't ******* deserve them! Get your fingers out, lads, before it's too late!

R.Griffiths, Cowley (ex-Ruthin)

PS. Why doesn't Flynn come down to the dugout instead of hiding in the stands?

CP SAYS: Keep calm.

MAJOR DILEMMA

Dear Red Passion 

Our son has played at Beechwood United for the last three seasons, making this his fourth in the Halton & District Junior Football League and ours the most successful Under-10s team ever in Halton. They won the league, three cups and also the Liverpool FC Festival of Football 2001 at the Acadamy earlier this year, and never lost a game all season. Halton Borough have now introduced an Under-11s schools representative team to play in the Vernons League in Merseyside. Five of our players have been selected from 160 boys throughout Halton and are due to start their season on 16 September. The reason I am writing to you is because the reps team play Saturday morning at the same time as the Halton League. As a club we have asked the Halton committee if we could play our league games on a Sunday so the boys can represent their borough on a Saturday. The committee have said their is no way we will be allowed to play the games on a Sunday and now these 10- year-old boys have got to decide which team they want to play for. If they play for the borough, the best team in Halton may have to fold, but if they decide to play for Beechwood, they will miss out on playing a better standard of football at better venues with better facilities. I don't think it's fair asking the boys to make a decision like this. There is no reason why they can't play on a Sunday other than a few members of Halton's committee deciding between themselves that they can't. These boys have been scouted by Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd, Everton, Tranmere, Wrexham etc and now may have to pass up the opportunity of even more scouts recruiting them if they decide to stay loyal to their team. What is your view? Do you think the committee is wrong with their decision and could we look on your support to help our boys stay with their team?

I would be very grateful for a reply. 

Yours

Martin Mulvey

CP SAYS: 
If anyone can help martin, please write to him c/c RP editor@red-passion.com

JOHNNY HONOUR

Dear Red Passion

I am writing to you on behalf of many Wrexham supporters in the Sainsburys Paddock who feel very strongly that WFC should honour their long-serving groundsman Johnny Edwards with a well deserved Testimonial. Johnny has by now probably given the club around 30 years of devoted service. He is an expert at his job, always keeping the Racecourse playing surface in a marvelous condition whether it be for football or rugby.

Through all the trials and tribulations at the club, this man has stood out. He is always there doing his job in a brilliant fashion. When visiting teams and fans visit the Racecourse, they always pay high compliments about the playing surface at the Racecourse and this brings lots of praise to the club. Johnny has more than earned the right to have a Testimonial from the club and we feel it is long overdue because no matter what happens on the field of play, or off it, in the near future, we will still have the best playing surface in the Football League. So please, Wrexham FC, honour this man sooner rather than later and make the fans happy.

Len Willett, Wrexham.

CP SAYS: The campaign begins here.

LOVE MATCH

Dear Red Passion

You may or may not recall, but I'm the 'Mad blonde Saddler' who made an appearance in RP27, looking for one of her old Uni friends, the 'other Carl Griffiths'. Well, I'm emailing to give you a brief update on the situation...Have you thought of running a lonely hearts section in RP, because I think there is a case for aving one. Basically, I met up with Carl back in June for a drink. When I said in my letter that I wasn't after his body, I guess I was lying, because we've been a couple for six weeks now! Strange how these things turn out, isn't it! Since then, I've been to Wrexham a few times, and the Turf is fast becoming my local! Good luck for the coming season!

Sally Hooker, Walsall

PS Barry Horne update: We let him go during the summer, after he played a grand total of 34 minutes of first-team football. I have no idea where he is now.

CP SAYS: Touching story.