The only way is up

By James Morris

'Poor'. 'Shocking'. 'Disappointing'. 'Rubbish'. All words I've recently heard to describe last season. I'm sure every Reds fan will agree: it's not been great, has it?

In all honesty, looking back at the relative success of recent seasons, it could in fact be seen as the most disastrous campaign since the absolute basement finish of the 1990-91 season. Of course, everyone knows we bounced back from this with that win against Arsenal, and I'm hoping desperately that we can do that again this coming year, but clearly, one game does not a season make. And after the relegation near-do of the year just gone, we simply have to improve, or we will end up dumped back in Division Three, which would be a catastrophe after all the good work done at the club, both cosmetically and on the field, in recent years.

For me and, I have to say, a number of other dedicated supporters I have spoken to, the game that summed up the season and proved to be the final kick in the teeth was the WPC Barry game. Everyone I spoke to on the Mold Road before the game (where I'm permanently to be found hawking fanzines to away fans) openly expected Wrexham to come a cropper; and I must confess - I agreed with them. What on earth has happened to the 'Fortress Racecourse' attitude? It's glaringly obvious something is amiss when a significant number of fans are expecting to get beaten in, lest we forget, a cup final on their own turf. And, not only were we beaten, but we were outplayed and basically shown up by a non-league outfit. Which, rather neatly, brings me to my next point - motivation.

Or should I say, lack of it? It's plainly clear that half of the players, some weeks, just don't look to be arsed about playing for Wrexham, and lack the passion and pride to be wearing the shirt. Now, I don't generally make a habit of getting on players' backs (except Cartwright's!) because I could never have the skill and intelligence to play at this level, but when half the ground can see in matches like the Wigan fiasco such a lacklustre and passionless display, you do have to wonder. Flynn is rightly not renowned for his motivational skills, but if Joey can't get your arse into gear, then you must have a problem!