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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
JOHN CHADWICK
Dear Red Passion
On behalf of John Chadwick, just a quick letter to inform you of my father-in-law's passing away. He was a Wrexham fan through and through who supported the Reds for over 50 years home and away whenever possible. He lived in Market Drayton but still travelled to every home match and he was originally from the Farndon area. He died while on holiday in Arizona in the USA, of a brain haemorrhage on Tuesday 11th September. He was a reader of Red Passion and he sat in the Sainsburys Stand - same spot all his life along with his son and daughter and his grandchildren, Jamie, Josie, Owain and Luke, and also the younger ones, Tristan, Callum and Sasha. They will all carry on to be devoted Wrexham fans just as he was - they will be proudly wearing there Wrexham shirts to his funeral and the music will be Men of Harlech.
From a family of 100% Wrexham fans, we thank you for your excellent mag and keep up the good work.
Thank you.
Tracie, Paul, Stacey, Steph, Julian, Carol and all the grandchildren
CP SAYS: Sincere condolences to all your family.
WFC HELP GROUP
Dear Red Passion
You may be aware from reading the Wrexham Topica list that I have suggested a group of volunteers be formed in order to offer Wrexham AFC help in any areas that might benefit the club. I have just spoken to Dave Bennett at Wrexham, and he's enthusiastic about the concept of the group, stating that he feels such offers of help will be gratefully accepted. Please email me on robowen@cwcom.net or give me a call on 01606 853306 if you feel able to help.
Many thanks.
Rob Owen, Weaverham, Cheshire (via email)
CP SAYS: Best of luck.
ME AND DARREN
Dear Red Passion
Just a small note to thank Ian Hughes for giving me a mention in his match report of the Hull game viz. '…the bloke in the Paddock who informed Fergie that he "should have gone to Wigan" was certainly bizarre. So much for constructive criticism..." Unfortunately, due to the nature of corners (and the fact that we were once again chasing the game after another inept performance), I could not really take Fergie aside for a constructive chat. Besides, my 'bizarre' shout was not criticism of Fergie but a statement that perhaps with hindsight he should have chosen Wigan over struggling at the Racecourse. Now of course my opinion has changed; his performances up to now have been so poor that I don' t think we would miss him, and unless he picks up he is just more dead wood in the midfield making up the numbers and costing the club a whole lot of money. So whose pen is twitching wanting to inform me of Wigan's equally poor start to the season?
Simon Williams
PS. Rather than give my opinion on Flynn's departure I would like to wish good luck to whoever takes over the hot seat.
CP SAYS: Thanks for letting us know it was you!
WFC IS STAGNATING
Dear Red Passion
DON'T PANIC! Prior to travelling to Tranmere for the first time in over 20 years, I flicked through a new book which lists some of our great cup victories. My eyes were immediately drawn to our League Cup game against Spurs, back in 1976. I remembered vividly 'wagging' school - courtesy of a sick-note off my dad - and joining the hundreds who travelled down to The Smoke by train to see arguably the best- ever performance from a Wrexham team. The first 45 minutes were, in my opinion, the best display of football by any British team as the players gave 100% and totally outclassed Spurs by leading 3-0. Although they pulled two goals back, it was a thoroughly well deserved victory, better even than the famous 2-1 victory against Arsenal because we had played excellent football throughout the Spurs game, and had not just caused a major upset through an excellent Mickey Thomas goal. I wondered, could we ever achieve that level of excellence again?
Patently, the performances and results against both Tranmere and Peterborough suggest not. Ironically, approximately the same number of supporters had travelled to Birkenhead as came to the home game; that was the lowest gate in the entire league, reflecting the growing despondency at this once proud club. Thankfully, Flynn and Reeves are no longer here and I sincerely hope that our new manager has the wherewithal to turn the club around. But before looking to the future I would like to express my views on the Flynn/Reeves/Jones partnership.
Personally, I think that the club has stagnated these past four seasons and that the management team was principally at fault. Many claim that Flynn has been an excellent manager, and without him the club would have been in a far worse situation than it already is (sic). Instead, much of the blame is neatly transferred to the Board, with Pryce Griffiths and David Rhodes being nominated by many as the real villains of the piece - admittedly, the Chairman has taken his eye off the ball this past 12 months, but I suspect that his ill health has not helped his or the team's cause. However, in order to offer some reasonable analysis of Flynn's stewardship I believe it essential to differentiate between his managerial and coaching achievements during these past 12 years. In Flynn's defence, it would be fair to say that the training facilities at Colliers Park are first class, and that three quarters of the Racecourse is now at a very high standard for a Division 2 club, and at an acceptable level for a Division 1 club. Admittedly, the Kop leaves a lot to be desired and would have to be redeveloped should we ever consider regaining the title as the natural venue for all Wales Internationals, and sort out our finances. So, if Flynn's role in these developments was as instrumental as many claim then he does deserve a great deal of credit.
However, it is pointless having good facilities if the manager does not use them to assemble and then coach a good squad of players to the level of excellence which is demanded of modern, professional players. Therefore, while Flynn may deserve some credit as a manager, I honestly believe his coaching skills were much over-rated as he certainly did not succeed in producing the quality of football which is required for a Division 2 outfit trying to escape to Division 1.
The club's worsening finances had required Flynn to reduce his professional squad down from approximately 27 to 20 during the summer. Admittedly, this was far from ideal, but it was a constraint that he had to manage well. Although there was a reasonable clearout of players, we retained many players who were beyond their best and others who had little scope for improvement. Hence we were left with just 20 professionals, many of whom are simply not good enough to be playing for Wrexham AFC. Meanwhile, we brought in one player on a free transfer - thankfully, Holmes has proven a good addition to the squad. Personally, I expect to be entertained for my £14 entrance fee and not have to endure watching our aged and fragile midfield being overrun by a more athletic and organised opposition. Some people leapt to Flynn's defence by saying Wrexham always play neat, attractive football, as seen against the Premier League and Division 1 clubs. Agree entirely! The lads always up their game and play consistently well against the likes of Man Utd (albeit in friendlies), West Ham, Birmingham etc. But back in the rough and tumble of Division 2 - which is our principle arena - we consistently under-perform.
We played poorly last season in the main, and if it wasn't for the emergence of Trundle we would not have finished so high in the league. Please remind me, was it solely Flynn who introduced Trundle to the Racecourse or was it the Chairman who said we must have him? Our start to this season began well in pre-season, but once again we failed to perform when it really matters. The Flynn/Reeves/Jones announcement that they would not renew their contracts at the end of the season was more of a challenge to the Board than a statement of fact. Fortunately, the Board did not allow a drama to develop into a crisis and duly insisted that Flynn and Reeves should leave the club immediately, and that Joey should temporarily hold the shop while a replacement was sought. Joey is a hero at the club, both with the players and the fans. However, he has stated quite categorically that he does not want to become the next manager. Joey is an honest and forthright character and we should respect his wishes. Personally, I think Joey could best serve the club by taking over the talent-spotting role that was previously held by the late Cliff Sear. Furthermore, Joey could combine this with watching our future opposition before our matches in order to develop sound plans and tactics to ensure we are better prepared to win our matches. Let's hope we do not lose his services completely.
There is a great deal of speculation as to who will be appointed as the new gaffer. Whoever is selected will have a difficult job, as he inherits a squad of players who have little self-confidence and which contains too much dead-wood. The spotlight is now on David Rhodes and Pryce Griffiths to chose wisely, and in the process hopefully regain some degree of respect from the fans. Furthermore, they must make all efforts to make available the resources to bring in a couple of new faces asap, even if they are just on loan. With the right man at the helm we can hope the club will climb steadily up the league to a position of safety. Then, he can rebuild the squad to his requirements and hopefully make a concerted push for promotion next season. Any new manager cannot turn the club around on his own; he needs a far greater show of determination from his players, and they in turn need a bigger and louder gate at our next match against QPR.
I therefore urge all those who have drifted away from the club these past seasons to turn up against QPR and give them the encouragement they so urgently need. As to who the mystery man will be, we can but guess. At least some promising names have been mentioned so I hope they are not just media speculation. Previously, I had hoped that Ian Rush would be our man but it seems he isn't interested, although the latest rumour that the owner of TNS might buy the club seems promising. After all, Ian Rush has just joined TNS as a non-executive director. There are some possibilities among our senior professionals, but I believe we cannot risk putting the club into a more precarious state by appointing one of them just yet. Instead, if Rush remains elusive, my option would be to appoint Joe Royle for the next two years and allow him to develop the squad to get them fitter, better organised and more focused for their difficult job ahead. Meanwhile, he could take on the best of Russell, Carey or Ferguson as his number two. As an aside, if we are to sort out our midfield I would proffer the following line-up to the new incumbent: Gibson on the right-wing, but he must become fitter and last the entire game; Edwards at inside-right where he could run all day and be more effective when attacking; Ferguson at inside-left, if he speeds up and grows up; and finally Thomas at outside-left because he is potentially one of our better players.
The photograph of Flynn and Reeves leaving the Racecourse for the final time spoke volumes to me. Looking at their body language we had one individual who was down and depressed, while the other had a psychotic grin on his face, as if he had just won the Lottery. Burnley are quite welcome to Flynn and his coaching methods. Finally, having just listened to the excellent radio version of 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy', I think it apt to repeat the warning on the front of that great intergalactic encyclopaedia: 'Don't Panic!' Well, not just yet at least! Ever the optimist, hope to see all 10,000 of you at the QPR game.
Kevin Wynn, Lincolnshire (via email)
CP SAYS: I'm not panicking - yet.
CLUB SABOTAGE
Dear Red Passion
I'm so angry at what is happening at WFC. Making Flynn, Reeves and Joey the scapegoats for a deliberate sabotaging of this club is appalling. Letting so many of our best players go in the summer, and not even selling them for peanuts, but letting them go out of contract, what on earth is going on? I'm convinced the new 'board' is running down the club in order to make a lot of money selling it on to some 'independent' investor or developer. I don't think it fair to blame Mr Griffiths completely as he has stood by WFC for many years and as just one man, who isn't Jack Walker or Al-Fayed, he hasn't really done that badly for us, has he? The people running the club now have no passion for us, only for their pockets. I notice that many other fan comments quite rightly mention how we have always pushed for a 1st Division place. Well, this season it'll be a bloody miracle if we survive with a place in the 2nd. I wonder if the 'board' have anyone in mind to step in at the eleventh hour and save the day - I understand that Darren's dad will be unemployed next year. Surely this has no relevance at all...
Shirley Berwyn (via email)
CP SAYS: I can tell you're livid.
PRYCE MUST SELL
Dear Red Passion
After a pre-season of turmoil it now appears that the end of an era beckons. Joey Jones, Flynn and Reeves are leaving. Others have also left in the last few months stating that the club is basically not being run on a sound basis. The question now needs to be asked: can they all be wrong? If Pryce Griffiths felt a passion for the club, he should now step aside and admit that he has taken the club as far as he can, and let someone else run the club. But I am afraid that will never happen because basically he does not give a **** if Wrexham have a football club or not. Does he really think the crowds are going to return to the club while the turmoil within the club continues and it loses staff all over the place? I should think there are more staff in the corner shop than at the Racecourse at present. And is it not amazing that at a time when the management staff are going, Rhodes and Griffiths are unavailable for comment - another case of burying their heads in the sand. It is so sad to see the club this way. I live in Perth in Western Australia and Red Passion keeps me up to date with the goings-on around the club. Maybe now Pryce has passed his sell-by date and a great deal of new blood at board level should be introduced before it is too late. He has gone on record saying he would sell. Now let him prove it.
Yours
Tony Roberts, Perth, Western Australia (via email)
PS. Come on Geoff (Farrell) your club needs you now.
CP SAYS: Hope all is well in Oz.
RED REPORT (1)
Dear Red Passion
I feel I must respond to Nick Beattie's article in RP32. His comments are in bold. My thoughts are in normal type.
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 agree that it is overlong. I will be looking at ways to make it more dynamic hereon. In all walks of life, there is the potential for continual improvement, and my article is certainly under review - I will be remodeling it. I disagree with the 'insulting and destructive' comment. That is a generalisation, as many of the players (Robin, Rooster, Dearden [yes, I know he's gone now], Trundle, Fergie, McGregor [ditto] etc etc) received nothing but praise. I think the term 'brutally realistic' would be a better summary, though as I have stated previously, 'realistic' in my view only - everyone has different opinions and that's what makes football so great! Where would Match of the Day etc be if all the pundits agreed entirely on every issue? Sure, in hindsight, a few of my pen pix of players have looked 'destructive', but that wasn't the intention and hopefully I appear less destructive in more recent issues of RP. I often wonder what some readers would make of an article in this style which praised every player to the skies - would it really be a true picture of a club that has stagnated somewhat in the last few years in terms of league position (though off the pitch things have progressed well)? We do have frailties in the organisation and I have tried to pinpoint those. However, I take on board the 'insulting' comment, and I hope that, at least in my part of future Red Reports, you will see a more respectful approach...I can't promise that my opposite number, John Gibson, will be so accommodating though...he has an acid tongue at times!
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. I share my views with approx six fans who I work with, plus the stewards and programme sellers on the Kop, and approx 15 different clusters of fans who I chat to at times who stand on the Kop too. Not the world's biggest cross-section, but enough to gauge the opinion of fandom to a degree. Is my judgement so poor on players? Have I been misguided in my praise for McGregor when he was taken from under our noses by Burnley for being such a success? Am I wrong about Trundle, Gibson, Ferguson etc? Was I wrong to berate Hardy, Williams, Bouanane etc? Mr Flynn appeared to agree. Sure, one or two of my judgements could be considered unsound, but it's all a matter of opinion, and again, I state that opinions change over the course of a season...
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 think I am entitled to a 'sudden reversal' - that's my privilege. RP is all about different opinions and again I say that opinions do change. Sure, ST was unduly 'dismissed' by me, due to the fact that he appeared to be a long-term injured passenger...the reality is that he has since returned, reminded us all of what he can do, and is now in most people's eyes one of the most exciting players at the club. We have had players in the past who showed early promise, such as Jon Cross and Scott Williams - they failed to progress unfortunately. I was beginning to think that we had a possible repeat of this with Steve, but thankfully for him (and us all!) he has bounced back and firmly rammed my criticism down my throat. I'm glad. Really! As for your Mr Flynn comment, yes, he does know more about it than me but as he didn't have time to write such an article for RP on a regular basis, you're stuck with me! He was quite correct in his faith in ST. That's why he was the manager and I have to pay to watch his team! He did indeed know a hell of a lot more than we do about his players! The goal v Man Utd was special but I'm more interested in Stephen's general play during recent matches - and on that basis he has been quite excellent throughout...that's the key thing.
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.
...and where did Ridler, Gareth and Danny finish up? At clubs in a remarkably similar position to the 'graded' level I rated them at! Sure, the LoW may sound a little demeaning but it is actually a good league and a perfect stamping ground for our young players to gain experience...Walshie benefited from some time at CQ Nomads, plus Kris at R&D in the Conference too. These 'gradings', while they obviously raise 'hate' within you (a term I tend to reserve for more important things in life than a fan's opinion in a fanzine), are just a finger-in-the-air marker for the operating level the player 'appears to be' currently playing to. It is only my opinion though, and the 'gradings' do fluctuate wildly with every issue...performances can vary vastly from one month to the next, player by player. So can my performances as a fan writer in our fanzine!
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.
Strange, I seem to recall stating, 'I actually felt he did OK. I think Danny does have something to offer', in relation to his 'end of the season' performances, and 'DW facing us before too long, and playing decent football'! Thus, I actually agreed with you! He must have given BF a headache indeed, and he did look classy and combative! Agree with the rest of your commentary there too.
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.
I would be delighted to eat humble pie regarding Warren - definitely! Is a 'run in the reserves' for a short term that bad a thing? What's wrong with being in the reserve team?! I was thinking in terms of a midfield role at the time, where we were very congested, squad-wise, and felt that David's 20-minute appearances were not really doing him much good...it's hard to adjust to the pace of a game, coming on as a sub continually. He had a solid season at full-back last year in the Reserves, sure, but we hadn't originally brought him to the club for that role. Now though, following the departure of Roche, the right-back berth is available, and David's experience in that position will now stand him in good stead...he too looked accomplished there during pre-season. As for the 'committed Wrexham fan' comment, I have been watching them since 1978, along with many other local clubs too. Perhaps that makes me a little less than 100% pure Wrexham! Perhaps I am not qualified to give my opinions in RP because I don't watch the Reserves on a regular basis or watch the Academy team or whatever. I would love to read the feelings of 'committed Wrexham fans' in RP who have this 'deeper knowledge' of the club...maybe you fit into this category? You have a PC with the ability to email articles as well as letters. Thus, I look forward to reading your efforts! Why don't you come and join us?!
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 the place and that they are good enough.
Oh? I too would like to see the Holmes-Blackwood combination develop...it looks like a quality mix on the left. What of Chalk-Carey-Russell-Phillips? Are they not up to the job, and should they make way for the 'good crop of young players'? I would prefer to see a mix of both young and more experienced players...are you writing those four players off? Why? Perhaps an article on the merits of your point would make excellent reading in RP.
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.
I disagree with Mr Hansen, sorry. I think that Leeds United et al, were hard done by with his comments. My belief is placed firmly on the philosophy that you can win things with kids, provided you don't cram a team with them, but bring them on, a few at a time, and give them experienced partners on the pitch. Pretty much what you said. Of course they will be inconsistent and make mistakes. A player who didn't make mistakes did nothing! My fears are simply based in the fact that our squad is lacking just a few more experienced 'old heads' to help the younger lads along. As for the possibility that the younger players may get disillusioned, I hope and believe that they are made of stronger stuff than that! Just in case we do have any sensitive ones in the ranks though, I have indeed revised my approach, by and large (but not entirely!) with regard to criticism and negative destructive comments...happy to climb down on that. No problem.
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.
The editor doesn't really have any choice as to what he publishes, so long as it is just about printable. RP is a vessel for the fans to air their views, witticisms, drawings, anything, in relation to Wrexham FC. If a fan such as myself sends stuf' in, he'll print it...if you don't like that, skip the offending article/s and read the 'good bits'! Better still, enlighten us all with your literary and judgemental brilliance yourself! As to Mickey and Dai, Mickey has his own column written in his own favoured style and probably doesn't have the time or the inclination to write such a report. I'm sure Dai is also similarly placed. So, until we can enlist the help of fans like you Nick, who 'know what they are looking at', there will still sadly be plenty of room in the pages of RP for guff like Red Report by Simon Irving! I encourage you to elbow me out if you like! Get cracking...!
Simon Irving, Connah's Quay (via email)
PS. As Red Report seemingly annoys you so, at least it appears to have the kind of content which inspires you to provide feedback and you obviously do read it thoroughly too. If an article angered me to this degree, I think I'd have begun to ignore and skip it by now - in reality, it seems to fire your enthusiasm for writing and that must be a good thing. It has provoked debate! Seriously though, thanks for your letter - no-one, certainly not me, is beyond criticism. Enjoy the season. I really do believe we're coming good and it is indeed our small crop of young lads, with that essential blend of experienced 'old heads', that are giving me the positive vibes. Good luck to all our young players. Really (!)
CP SAYS: I can only reiterate what Simon keeps saying. If you disagree with what he, or any other RP columnist writes, please feel free to respond with your own articles.
RED REPORT (2)
Dear Red Passion
My turn, my turn! I would like to respond to Simon Irving's letter in RP32. Simon, you may have read my ongoing ding-dong with The Cefner about Flexsys and may have wondered why it petered out. The answer in short is that I felt The Cefner started well but faded badly by failing to address the majority of my points in response to his arguments and I thought it would be more annoying for him if I just didn't take it any further (hope he doesn't think he's smoked me out now!) So, first of all, major congratulations and respect on taking me on point by point. I disagree with the majority of what you say and found your column in RP32 equally lacking in rigour and factual accuracy but there you go. My opinion. There's no point in responding to you point by point as we'll take over the fanzine (but if we ever meet at a game!)
However, I just want to pick up on a few things: (1) Accepting opinions don't have to 'stand analysis' is a very dodgy argument. The fact you defended, expanded, and re-thought your opinions and analysed mine in the same way kind of ties you up in knots really. (2) I have to disagree that RP would be better with more articles than letters (and I say that as a fellow article writer) as the spectrum of provocative views and analysis we both seek appear as much in both. (3) I'm not sure I wish to be 'embodied in…(your) psyche'. I'd settle for being 'embedded' but aren't there laws against things like that? (4) I think we should explain to the readers that we're both from Connah's Quay. It's a local thing!
Also, a wild guess about the ranting, argumentative, incoherent 'Cefner' who took me to task for challenging his opinions about why his beloved Druids were quite right to take the money and change their name with little regard for (or understanding of) the issues surrounding sponsorship? Would this person by any chance be related to the ranting, argumentative, incoherent John Edwards whose dialogue with dearly departed Christian you kindly printed last time out? Could they in fact be one and the same?
OPTION ONE I am wrong. You are two completely different individuals with entirely different views on the same subject and I, of course, unreservedly apologise for any confusion on my part. OPTION TWO I am correct and your two letters to Christian managed to take the exact opposite argument to the one you engaged me in. In any event, I think the least I should expect is a response from each of you! Just wondering?
Cheers
Mike Hughes, Salford (via email)
CP SAYS: I'm sure The Cefner might like to respond…
THE OTHER RHODES
Dear Red Passion
Recent articles in Red Passion regarding readers' experiences of matches abroad have put me in mind of a game I saw in Rhodes in 1981. Myself, my brother and a friend, being young, free, single and bored with our jobs, had decided to work our way round the Greek islands and see where we ended up. As it turned out, work came a poor fourth after what became the three principal aims of the trip: 1) To drink lots of alcohol 2) To laze about in the sun and 3) To entice girls into our arms. Two of these were achieved with the minimum of fuss - you can guess which one was unsuccessful.
Anyway, on arriving in Rhodes we discovered that the local side, Rodos, had been promoted at the end of the previous season and were now in the top division, rubbing shoulders with Panathinaikos, AEK, Olympiakos and Co. They had lost their first game, away from Rhodes, but there were high hopes for the first home match against Larissa, a club who still feature occasionally in the UEFA Cup. On the day of the game we made our way to the quite delightful stadium, paid 300 Drachmae (about £3 then) and were greeted by quite the greenest pitch I think I have ever seen. It must have been watered incessantly, bearing in mind the heat to which it must have been subjected to on this very hot island. We took our seats level with the halfway line - for about two minutes - before being ejected by indignant locals, who flashed what must have been season tickets at us. After this had happened half a dozen times, it dawned on us that ALL the seats were reserved - so we ended up sitting on the steps between banks of seats. As there were dozens of others doing the same, we were hardly conspicuous - and Rodos were presumably thousands of Drachmae better off. Can't imagine that happening at Highbury somehow. We were entertained by the rhythmic clapping and chanting of the home fans. Larissa, a club from the far north of the Greek mainland, had brought no support.
My memories of the game are, understandably, clouded by the mists of time, but include what were then regarded by the British as integral parts of the game as played by Johnny Foreigner - diving, writhing about, theatrical appeals to the referee and crowd, forwards not tracking back, and deafening roars for a penalty every time contact in the penalty box was made. A bit like Old Trafford today, in fact. At half-time Rodos were two goals to the good, both being greeted by scenes of pandemonium and at least three laps of the pitch by the jubilant scorers. Half-time updates from elsewhere came over the tannoy and I can recall a collective gasp at 'AEK-octo' meaning 'AEK-eight'. I dread to think what the final score was.
During the interval we were treated to entertainment of a different kind. A man I can only describe as Quasimodo's slightly more mis-shapen twin brother worked his way up and down the aisles, selling bags of peanuts from a huge tray. We had had previous experience of him. While we had been enjoying a beer outside a taverna the previous day, he had been sweeping the road and depositing litter in one of those hand-carts British roadsweepers used to have - except that he was actually clearing litter instead of leaning on the hand-cart à la Brit council worker. Every now and then he would dive into a shop, shout something unintelligible (even to the shopkeeper) and grab something - a bread roll, souvlaki or bottle of water -which he would then consume without paying. None of the shopkeepers did anything to stop him - presumably they were too scared. Anyway, 'Quasi' did a brisk trade selling his wares, but as he reached the bottom of the steps, the crowd in the stand rose as one to pelt him with the (unopened) packets of peanuts, accompanied by bellows of approval. 'Quasi', unperturbed, then picked up all the packets and stacked them painstakingly back onto his tray before disappearing. Presumably the nuts were for re-sale at the next home game. They are probably still being re-sold today.
As I recall, Rodos sat on their two-goal lead for the entire second half until, in injury time, the centre-forward and local hero, offside by a country mile, went round the goalie and was brought down. The ref awarded a penalty and bedlam ensued. The beleaguered official had to be rescued by the full complement of police (about 50), some with guns drawn (they had spent the previous 90 minutes watching from the perimeter and sunning themselves). Order was restored and the local hero put away the penalty. The police were back on immediately as the Larissa players again surrounded the ref, a scenario repeated yet again at the final whistle. I can only assume that Larissa were trying to get the game abandoned as they hadn't looked like scoring all game and would have lost, albeit only 2-0, even without the penalty.
Sadly this was our only visit to the stadium. A few days later we had moved on. And it was a short-lived stay in the top flight for Rodos. Purely by chance I saw the final Greek league table for that season and they finished bottom, while Larissa were in mid-table. To the best of my knowledge, Rodos have not returned, although I would be happy to be corrected. Larissa, as I mentioned earlier, still crop up from time to time while teams like OFI Crete and Heraklion, also of Crete, have proved that smaller island teams can still compete with the major forces of Greek football.
Happy daze
Alun Thomas, Stamford, Lincs
CP SAYS: Nice story!
THE BOY KRISTIAN
Dear Red Passion
I'm not sure why I'm writing this letter and don't expect to see it in print, but I've been a Wrexham fan for six years and experienced highs (Wrexham 2 Middlesbro 1) and lows (the painful cup exit at the hands of Chesterfield) that have left me both singing in the streets and drowning many a sorrow.
I think the motivation behind these words lies in the game I witnessed against Port Vale the other night. It was a game that left me thinking and led me to draw a few conclusions. The thoughts I have been left with are much like the unfamiliar state of affairs at the Racecourse: a jumble of unfathomable information that lacks both direction and control.
I don't understand how a club as strong as Wrexham could have reached such a dire state of affairs in such a short time and with such little notice. Maybe I walk around with my head in the clouds and, in doing so, escape the obvious and inevitable. If this is the case, then the fault is mine. I don't want to jump on the bandwagon, and admit to knowing little about the state of the Wrexham board and Chairman. However, I can't help but see the effect the unrest at the top has had on the players and management team alike (goodbye Flynn and good luck). Just this morning I was telling my friend (a happy fan of the Shrewsbury variety) that we were too good a team to be relegated. How could we with such talent on the wings and power upfront? But the proof is in the tasting (or the viewing in this case) and the defensive display against Vale demonstrated that we may well join the Third Division if changes aren't made at the back (and we know how likely that is with the club's current financial instability). I won't stay away from the games, but don't expect a quick turnaround, not this year. The weaknesses and unrest are too apparent throughout the entire structure at WAFC. I've heard that Pryce Griffiths loves the team passionately. Then why not take whatever steps are necessary to save the club? I'm sure such a passionate and knowledgeable football entrepeneur as Pryce knows what these steps are, and even if this includes opening up to the fans, he should be prepared to do it (principle be damned). People are nervous because nobody knows exactly what it is that's going on; he could fix that with a single press release (to Red Passion, of course).
One of the few positives I've been hit with this season (not including Trundle's excellence) is the revalation that will be Kristian Rogers. I myself criticised his inability to deal with crosses at the start of the season and winced at his lack of presence in the box. In just a few games this year he has developed from a potential star into a well deserved first-team player. Now all he has to do is get the defence to listen to him from time to time. He shouts and shouts but with little joy. Kristian is our player of the season so far (early as it is) and his defence should start paying him some attention; he may surprise them, he has me. I've a child on the way in seven months and have decided that if it's a boy it's middle name will be Kristian - not relevant to the game but a high point on which to end this brief (ish) letter.
Thanks for reading all the way to the end. I shall be putting pen to paper again at some point in the future (unlucky for you).
Good luck Wrexham - let's see some improvement.
A loyal fan (through thick and thin)
Shay Brightman, Wrexham
CP SAYS: Speak to you soon, then.
RP COMP WINNER
Dear Red Passion
Can you believe it? An autographed copy signed by the great (should that be unpredictable!) man himself! My girlfriend, a Racecourse virgin until this season, will be very pleased - for some inexplicable reason she loves our Gallic mystery man (Emad, Emad, He's mad, He's Mad!) but hates Ferguson (best midfielder in the division!) with a vengeance.
Marc Thomas, Leeds (via email)
CP SAYS: Hope the signed Emad front-cover is now on your living-room wall!
INJURY RULES
Dear Red Passion
Can anybody explain the rules for dealing with injuries to players on the pitch? I thought players with injuries had to be taken off the pitch - on stretchers if necessary - to allow the game to resume. This does not happen all the time; in fact in most games I have seen, whether live or on TV, most injuries are treated on the pitch. However, what I find most puzzling is that some players are then allowed to carry on playing, while others have to go off the pitch only to come back on after the game has restarted. If a player is injured after being tackled, winning a free-kick and he has to go off the pitch after treatment, then his team are a man short while the free-kick is taken, which seems unfair to me. I believe that in Rugby League players are treated on the pitch while play carries on. I would be interested to hear any other views on the subject.
Yours sincerely
John Funnell, Buckley
CP SAYS: Do any readers have any thoughts?
SKINT CLUB
Dear Red Passion
If you thought that events at Wrexham were depressing, then read this…I work for an office stationery supplier in Chester. Anyway, last week someone that works behind the scenes at Chester FC came in for a printer cartridge and when I told him that they were £20, the poor chap produced a bag of 20 pound coins and told me that it had taken the club TWO WEEKS to save up! I thought Wrexham had financial troubles. Incidentally, my boss told me that local businesses have started refusing CCFC cheques.
Ed Jones, Chester
CP SAYS: No, things aren't that bad at WFC - yet.
STERILITY UNLIMITED
Dear Red Passion
I heard the comments of the RP editor on MFM regarding the news that BF will 'retire' from WFC at the end of the season and which was confirmed in the Evening Leader. He quite correctly said that Flynn had brought stability to the club for some 12 seasons and WFC without BF was unimaginable. However, it has to be said that part of the problem for BF, KR and JJ is that stability isn't sexy, it doesn't sell tickets and it has not brought enough success on the pitch. For stability also read sterility and stagnation. The level of support they received from WFC fans at their recent testimonial match was a clear indication that a watershed had been reached. Even allowing for pre-booked holiday arrangements and the usual botched advertising by WFC, the crowd was surprisingly low. The unspoken truth is that many people stayed away because they were not prepared to show support for the present regime, and that includes PG and the rest of the board. Many people, myself included, viewed the end of season debacle which saw seasoned pros like Dearden, Hardy and Owen thrown out of the club as yet another example of BFs poor man-management skills.
These decisions support the widely-held belief that BF can be a spiteful man who can bear a grudge against individual players who upset him in some way and this was his way of getting even! Even if economies were needed in the playing staff, and last season's squad was ridiculously over-manned with mediocre players, recent performances and results have underlined the stupidity of these decisions. The McGregor episode further illustrates his shortcomings. A vital young player such as McGregor should have been signed to a five-year contract 12 months ago. He should not have been made to wait until his contract expired before being offered a new one. BF must take some responsibility for losing this player because he would have known his real value to the club both as a player and as a saleable asset. He would have been aware of the protracted negotiations that took place at the end of the season and surely could have stepped in even at that late stage to advise the board, even if he was not involved in negotiating the final contract. Anyone who has been manager of any organisation for any length of time will have failures. The problem for BF is that his failings have been exposed to public view. The Ian Rush affair and players who were signing but never did eg. Elliott and Rammell to name but two. Players who did sign and shouldn't eg. Bouanane, Lowe and Ryan to name but three. Let's also not forget his support for Cartwright that ended in his ignominious dropping and ultimate disposal and his spats with players like Marriott and Wainwright who both begged to be sold and were. This season the Whitley episode showed what a mess the club was in. But, in my opinion his greatest failing has been his inability to build a good rapport with the supporters. For example, he has steadfastly refused to sit on the bench during games preferring instead to sit in splendid isolation in the stand. This appears to separate him from the action and certainly seems to restrict his input into substitution decisions. This has rankled many supporters especially recently with our poor home record. He also seems to support some players like Chalk through thick and thin, yet has barely disguised contempt for others. Poor old Owen fell into this latter group. This is not an endearing quality. The result of this decision is that we now have a lame duck management who have nothing to lose or gain from this season no matter where the club finishes in the League. Any criticism of team performance can now be deflected on to the Board and their decision to economise. It will be interesting to see how the public react through the turnstile for the rest of the year. This has all been pretty negative so far but there is no doubt that Wrexham FC have performed better under Flynn's stewardship than the Board have any right to expect. Money talks louder in football today than it ever has and WFC have very little. I only hope that we do not have to suffer a return to the basement to complete the circle from where the Flynn story began 12 years ago. Early indications are not promising as this looks to be the poorest WFC squad for some time! I'll still be there supporting on the Kop, but I'm not sure that I still believe.
Best wishes
Wyn Fisher (via email)
CP SAYS: I guess you're pleased BF has gone now, then?
THE ARMY CALLING
Dear Red Passion
All right lads, my name's Stu Roberts and I'm a proud member of the Red Army. Unfortunately, I'm in the army and obviously live away from home, down in Aldershot. Because of this I don't get to as many games as I'd like - in fact, I probably see about twice as many away games than home. Every game is away really. It may not sound many to people like yourselves, but out of all the teams in the English league I've been to 35 grounds, some of them many times - 17 of those are in the Second Division now. Like I say, it may not sound many to you, but I'm bloody proud of it and my friends and family think I'm barking mad. You're doing a great job lads, keep it up.
Keep up the good work.
Stu Roberts, Aldershot
PS. Due to work commitments in Northern Ireland, I am unable to watch Wrexham for the next few months. Withdrawal symptoms have reached a new high and I just had to watch a game. Not quite the same as watching Wrexham, but Linfield was the logical team to watch. I arrived at Windsor Park early with a Millennium edition shirt as a momento for the club. After explaining the situation to the bouncers on the turnstiles I was treated like royalty - hosted in the club bar with an awesome view from a 'BOX' type gallery and the Guinness free flowing, my day was outstanding! The natives were as friendly as any one could ask and the game flew by. Glen Ferguson was the man of the match in a 3-1 victory over top-of-the-table Coleraine. He was a different class and would fit in tremendously at a club like Wrexham. (Maybe worth taking a look at him!). Thumbs up from me and a big thank you to Linfield Football Club!
CP SAYS: Wrexham fans get everywhere…
NOTTS 'STEWARDING'
Dear Red Passion
I along with many other Wrexham fans was amazed, annoyed and surprised at the attitude of the stewards at Notts County who would not listen to reason at all, and were more inclined to wind up people even more. In all of the away matches I have been to, I have never witnessed such behaviour from stewards like that before, and never hope to again.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Stephen David Kent, Marchwiel
CP SAYS: Here here!
OUT OF AFRICA
Dear Red Passion
How are you? How is Wrexham playing these days? I hope they are doing well. My name is Maxwell Matimati. I am a young boy aged 15 and currently in Form 2 at Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I have supported Wrexham for three years but the problem is that I don't have someone who can update me about all the news and results. So, can you please publish my letter in your fanzine so that I can find a friend who can help me with news concerning Wrexham.
Lastly I wish you the best of luck.
Thank You.
Yours faithfully
Maxwell Matimati
CP SAYS: Maxwell's address is 1928/29 Mabutwera Camp, PO Box 10, Mpopoma, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Africa.
A JOEY STORY
Dear Red Passion
Herewith a short reminiscence from an exiled Leeds fan (and closet Red). The time: February 1994; the place: Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge, Anglesey; the occasion: Bangor Rugby Club annual dinner; the speaker: Mr Brian Flynn, esq. An excellent evening was capped by BF's after-dinner speech, particularly a memorable Joey Jones quote (read on). During a pre-season tournament (possibly in Spain - the passing of time plays tricks on the memory) some of the lads had gone out for a few drinks, as footballers are wont to do. Apparently, BF had kept (fairly) sober during the course of the evening, and as 'lights out' beckoned, up staggered Joey Jones, feeling the worse for wear. Now one of the players (Steve Watkin, if memory serves me right) was in Joey's bad books - 'That Steve Watkin, just look what he's done! He's been sick all down the front of my shirt', said Joey, 'I reckon we should dock him a week's wages'. BF, always a model of diplomacy, felt it wise not to argue the toss at this juncture. He helped Joey to get undressed and into bed. Next morning, JJ had one hell of a hangover. However, he was still scathing towards Steve Watkin, and determined to exact some financial retribution from the offender. BF, however, suppressed a smile, he knew Joey too well: 'I've thought long and hard about the matter', he said, 'and I think we should fine him two weeks' wages, considering he shit in your pants as well!' Audience in uproar, a classic! Wishing all the Reds good wishes for the season, and may RP go from strength to strength.
Yours in sport
Ceris Phillips, Penmaenmawr
CP SAYS: Nice one!
KC IN LONDON
Dear Red Passion
Just a quick note of possible interest. My father, Garnedd Williams, from Bala was participating in the British Brass Band Championships at the Albert Hall in London recently. Their competition was on a Saturday morning last season. They then had a free afternoon and my father, along with four friends, decided to pay a visit to Loftus Road (most of the corporate Premiership grounds being sold out months ago so that moneymen can make deals and entertain their clients!) Snide remark, I know, but probably true. So, my father ended up at QPR v Burnley. Burnley were the better side and deserved their win - QPR seemed to be a side lacking in confidence with Karl Connolly having a fairly ineffective game, as did the rest of his team. But he seemed to be settling in OK.
Yours
Meirion Williams, Shaftesbury, Dorset
CP SAYS: D-Day = October 13th!