Proctor refusing to rule out Wrexham future

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

29 April 2008

MICHAEL PROCTOR has not ruled out playing for Wrexham again.

Striker Proctor is one of five players under contract that have been made available for a free transfer by manager Brian Little as part of his planned overhaul of the Wrexham playing staff in the wake of relegation to the Blue Square Premier Division.

And although Proctor, who has two years left on his contract, believes it was inevitable Little would make changes to the squad, this season's leading scorer with 12 goals would be happy to return after the summer and help Wrexham try to win promotion back to the Football League.

"I think it was inevitable the club would have to adapt for next season," said Proctor today.

"Wrexham were relegated and the manager has had to make decisions based on that.

"The gaffer has had a lot of difficult decisions to make and I am sure he has got more to make over the summer.

"We knew there would be repercussions after going out of the Football League – it was obvious there would be changes.

"I have to accept his decision, get on with it and see what happens over the summer.

"I am still contracted and if nothing happens I am more than happy to come back for pre-season training. It is a great club that deserves to be in the league.

"I was part of Wrexham going down and if I don't hear of anything in the summer, I would like to help them come back up."

Proctor, who has played in the Premiership with Sunderland, helped Wrexham avoid relegation last season during his loan spell from Hartlepool.

Then-boss Brian Carey snapped up Proctor last summer after he was released by Hartlepool, but although the 27-year-old has ended the current campaign as top scorer, he has found himself in and out of the side.

And although he is willing to stay at The Racecourse, Proctor admits he would leave if the right move materialised: "As a squad we have not performed this season," he added.

"We have done okay in the odd games but have been too inconsistent over the season. We have to accept there will be changes to give the club the best opportunity of coming back up.

"Some of us have been made available and I will see what other options there are.

"If something comes about, I will be sorry to leave the club because it is a great club, and I think they will have a fabulous chance of coming back up.

"If I have to leave, I will be sorry but if I am still here, I will come back for training and do my best to get Wrexham back up."

Anthony Williams, Sam Aiston, Richard Hope and Silvio Spann are the other players to have been placed on the transfer list by Little, and the five have been told not to report for training this week as they contemplate their futures.

Goalkeeper Williams has not featured in the first team since New Year's Day at Chesterfield having seen his place taken by Gavin Ward, who penned an 18-month deal after being brought in from Chester CIty in January.

But the former Wales under 21 international insists he is willing to fight for his place at Wrexham.

"Whether I go or not is another thing," said Williams.

"I have got a family that has settled here. We are very happy here and don't want to move further afield, and moving to another club might mean relocating.

"If someone comes in for me I would have to consider it as I am on the transfer list.

"It would have to be the right move for me. I am not in a rush to go because I like the club and the area.

"I have not given up on playing here and if I stayed, I would fight for my place.

"Personally I still feel I am the best keeper at the club and I don't see why I can't stay and give it a good crack next season.

"If I do stay I want to prove a point to people."

Williams, another loan signing who helped Wrexham avoid relegation last term before signing permanently following his released by Carlisle United, understands that Little has to make changes.

"There will be casualties when a new manager comes in and Gavin has been at a few clubs with the gaffer," added Williams.

"I think he has tried a lot of systems, formations and players out but it has not really worked.

"We will have to wait and see what happens now next season.

"I think it was expected to be honest that players would be put on the transfer list.

"For a club that has got relegated, and nearly went down last season, the manager was going to get rid of players. It needed a clear out."