tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82338747809289578762024-03-13T04:04:31.885+00:00Rich's BlogThe blog of Rich Holmes, commentator for the Wrexham Supporters Association's football broadcast.Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-89748762796752655812008-09-28T00:27:00.002+00:002008-09-28T00:40:31.343+00:00Thanks for giving it a go Mr. Little<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Well, there we have it. On Saturday, 27 September 2008, Brian Little parted company with Wrexham FC by 'mutual consent'. Many fans saw this coming, and are 100% behind this decision. I however, could see it on the horizon, but I didn't think, nor did I agree with it, being so soon.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Mr. Moss had awarded Little with a two-year contract, which he servered what, 11 games of? I know that Little was given the chance to build a squad, and some may say that he was given ample time for this, but I'm not so sure that this was the right way to go. I would have liked to have seen Little given until early January to turn things around. It could have been so easy as well, a couple of wins, and we can be right back up there.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Today's one all draw, was a step in the right direction, I suppose, but there was some talk (including a comment made by Martin Foyle) that the team that played against Torquay was the team that Little was planning on playing. Interesting that a departed managers' team selection would still be used...if true? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">The Torquay game still wasn't good enough, but I'll certainly take a point. We looked more like a unit, but still looked shakey at the back. A direct ball over the top would leave our defenders in a fair amount of trouble. The midfield still looked rather 'iffy', and the strikers worked fairly hard to their credit. Their is much work still to be done, and it's going to take time. But I can't see the Wrexham Faithful being happy with Carey and Foyle at the helm. WHat's needed in my opinion is a total backroom clear-out. This is our chance for a fresh start.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Now that's not to say that I believe that Carey deserves to go. He's been a loyal servant to the club, and I believe that he is 100% Wrexham through and through. But maybe it's time for fresh blood?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I'd like to personally thank Brian Little for his efforts with Wrexham, it's not an easy job, and certainly not one that I would ever want! I just hope that your time at Wrexham hasn't ended your managerial career early. I wish you all the luck in the future Brian, in whatever you do.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">A rather sad and depressed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Rich Holmes</span></div>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-55235933727989533032008-09-12T18:01:00.002+00:002008-09-12T18:04:31.537+00:00New Wrexham FC radio show on Calon FM 105I forgot...I was supposed to add this to my main post today...<div><br /></div><div>Myself and Spencer Harris launch the new Wrexham FC radio programme 'DragonHeart' tomorrow, on Wrexham's community radio station, Calon FM.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can catch the show Saturday afternoon between 1PM and 2PM on 105FM on the Wrexham area, or online at http://www.calonfm.com</div><div><br /></div><div>Rich</div>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-14904572314687778382008-09-12T17:35:00.002+00:002008-09-12T17:57:36.087+00:00Neglect...from both myself and the playersI've neglected this blog for far too long, in fact, I haven't written to it since pre-season (some of it may be due to the fact that I keep forgetting the password!). I could have sworn I had, but there's nothing there since pre-season, so I must have dreamt it. I hope that fills you with a warm, squishy feeling inside, as it comes from the heart, I mean, if I dream of something, then it must be important, it must surely mean something? Yes? No. Thought not!<div><br /></div><div>Our last couple of games haven't been great, and I'm kind of getting that sinking feeling again. One that is all to common for us Wrexham fans. I keep trying to tell myself that it's still early in the season, but I can't see how we can achieve very much playing the tactics, and the players, that we are at present.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't want to start getting on players backs, that's the last thing that I want to do, but sitting up in the press box, it's pretty obvious where we're going wrong. I don't understand how Brian Little can't see what's happening. Now, I'm not slagging Little off, as I think he's doing alright for us, and I genuinely think that he's the right man for the job. He has the experience, certainly, but I just feel like he's missing something. Playing 'hoof-ball' (or 'long-ball' for the more cultured amongst us!) just isn't working. Having Stevie Evans playing the long diagonal every time, without looking up is just giving the ball away nine times out of ten. Our midfiled looks anonymous at best, Kearney works hard, but he hasn't got the right player along side him in the middle of the park. The news that Conall Murtagh is back in contention (give or take a reserve game or two) is music to my ears. Levi Mackin looked ok pre-season and in the first game or so, but know he looks out of his depth. Little has got to give Murtagh (or even Tom Taylor) a run in the side. Murtagh is the man for the job in my opinion, I said this in pre-season, and I'm sticking to it. He's a tidy player, who is good and the ball, has a decent footballing brain, and sweet jesus, can he strike a football. </div><div><br /></div><div>We need to use our wide players more, we're letting teams, both home and away, dictate the play, and everything becomes far too narrow. We're not getting enough service to the strikers either. I also believe that a Louis-Proctor partnership up front would work very well for us, with Whalley out on the wing. Jeff and Mike are the sort of players who, with time, can form a partnership that will allow them to play off each other with great success. Hopefully, tomorow will be the time for Little to introduce this.</div><div><br /></div><div>The defence is another issue - sometimes we look solid at the back, and other times we look worryingly shakey.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know, maybe we can turn things around tomorrow at home to Ebbsfleet. I hope we do. I wan't a good performance as well. In fact, I'd take an excellent performance and a loss, as that would be a step in the right direction...possibly. We should be beating teams like Ebbsfleet, and I say that with now disrespect to Ebbsfleet whatsoever, but come on, we really should be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well here's hoping for three points, and a decent performance from all tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><div>As my good friend Matt Wedderkopp used to say in his 'On the Kop' feature in the Red Passion fanzine: Keep the faith!</div><div><br /></div><div>Rich</div>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-68115712964476849282008-07-21T16:43:00.002+00:002008-07-21T17:03:31.159+00:00Musings for the up-coming campaign...<span style="font-family:arial;">Well, I couldn't attend the Wolves game due to a prior committment, but I was at the Blackpool game on Saturday. That was an interesting affair. We weren't poor as such, but we weren't good either. The biggest worry I have is the lack of an obvious goal scorer. It may have been a friendly in which Louis took his wild air-shot, but I have to admit, that didn't fill me full of confidence. One thing that he does have on his side however is pace. He seems lightening fast! I still believe that Proctor will score goals for us in the Conference, given the chance.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The other worry that I have is the signing of Kempson. He didn't do a lot to impress me against Blackpool, but I'm not going to judge him on a practice game anyway. The jury is most definately out...for now. I keep remembering about the excitment surrounding our last signing from Shrewsbury, one Mr. Richard Hope. A brute of a centre-back who was a great signing for us. Or so we thought. It's that fact that worries me about Kempson. The majority of Wrexham fans seem quite excited about the acquisition of him, but I can't help but remember the excitement surrounding Hope's arrival. Then again, he can't be 'that' bad, can he?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Kearney looks to be a very shrewed signing by Little, quite possibly the best of the close-season. He impressed me immensley on Saturday, and I think that he will bring a whole new dimension to the centre of midfield for us. The question is though, who will play alongside him? There's nobody who jumps straight to my mind. I don't think Levi Mackin is consistent enough, and he lets his head drop far too often. Fleming did very well though on Saturday, and I'd like to see Little give him a chance.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">So what about our game tomorrow against Crewe? Well I'd like to see Little play a team of 11, who he intends to start the campaign with. The players looked very well conditioned on Saturday, and what we need now is the fine tuning, and you don't get that from playing two different teams over the 90 minutes. Prehaps it's that Brian Little doesn't have a clue who he's going to play as his first team? I hope I am wrong though.</span>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-7681072457908953392008-05-15T11:40:00.002+00:002008-05-15T11:53:18.167+00:00I'm a little late writing this, but...<span style="font-family:arial;">As the title of this blog post says, I am rather late in writing this as it has been covered by so many people, so many times...but like all good (haha) journalists, I shall have my say!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Brian Little announced that </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Neil Roberts, Chris Llewellyn, Mike Jones, Alex Darlington, Mike Carvill, Danny Williams, Jamie Reed, Mark Jones, Josh Johnson, Jeff Whitley, Phil Bolland would not be offered new deals, and loan signings Drewe Broughton, Richard Duffy, Paul Hall, Stuart Nicholson, Danny Sonner, Robert Garrett would not be offered contracts. As well as Sam Aiston, Richard Hope, Michael Proctor, Silvio Spann, Anthony Williams</span> being transfer listed.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Now, I have to say I was shocked, and still am, with the inclusion of Neil Roberts, Danny Williams and Phil Bolland. Neil had a hard time this season, but when he was fit, he gave his all for the cause in midfield. With all due respect, I think he's past it as a striker, but as a midfileder, I think we could of had another couple of seasons out of him. Danny suffered with injuries all season, but again, when he was on the pitch, he made a difference. Bolland was instrumental for us when he came in on loan, and this would have been a lot worse for us if he hadn't have been there for us. I also believe that Whitley deserved another season, or even maybe a month-to-month contract.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The transfer listing of our top scorer Michael Proctor was also a bit of a shock, ok, he wasn't a prolific scorer, nor will he ever be, but he was the only player who ever looked like really scoring.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Richard Hope deserved his transfer listing, he was poor for us this season. Simple as.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Still, I'm sure (or do I mean hope?) that Brian little knows what he is doing, after all he is an experienced manager. I have every faith that he is the right man for the job, but it would be nice for us, as fans, to actually see some positives coming from him this close season...something which is severely lacking at the present time.</span>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-46998091824983064442008-03-24T18:41:00.002+00:002008-03-24T18:52:21.890+00:00I don't believe it!Well, that was shocking wasn't it? How many chances did we want?<br /><br />It's the same old story, isn't it? We play well, create chances and fail to score. At least we got a point today, usually we lose this sort of game. It's not good enough. Definately two points dropped today.<br /><br />I was still fairly confident of us maintaining our league status before this weekend, but after the defeat away to Brentford and the stale-mate at home today against Dagenham & Redbridge, I'm afraid to say that I think we are going down. I hope that I can be proved wrong though, obviously!Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-20478580895915227892008-03-22T18:19:00.003+00:002008-03-22T18:35:04.211+00:00I thought this was about football...?<span style="font-family: arial;">Well I was going to talk about the game today, but after reading the 'match thread' on 'red passion', I'm a bit annoyed to say the least.<br /><br />Once again,. I get ripped into for doing the commentaries...it's a shame I wasn't actually doing it today though isn't it? Club Secretary, Geraint Parry covered the game for Wrexham World today, and had to put up with using a standard telephone line, which is not ideal for football commentary.<br /><br />Also, it's stated on the Red Passion message board today details of a private conversation that myself and a member had concerning my commentaries, it's good to know that confidence can be broken on RP.<br /><br />It is stated that I don't take too kindly to name calling, but when I was called 'a mumbling incoherent buffoon', I feel that it is my human right to be a little bit aggrieved by it.<br /><br />I don't have to provide anything for Wrexham World, Wrexham AFC, of Radio Maelor, but I do for free in my spare time, just the same as Mark does. In fact, the Wrexham World broadcast is the Hospital Broadcast, so Wrexham fans are actually lucky to get this service, rather than Premium TV just using the BBC radio feed, like they do for so many other clubs.<br /><br />I'll state again that the minute that Mark tells me that he's unhappy with what I provide for the hospital broadcast, then I'll step down, but I will not be bullied out of it be people on Red Passion who obviously need to grow up and do something with their lives.<br /><br />Oh, as it's already been cited, and for those who are interested, here is the private message conversation that was had on Red Passion. Obviously, the first message is at the bottom.<br /><br /></span><strong></strong> <hr style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --> <!-- message --> <div>Hello Rich<br /><br />I guess we shall have to agree to disagree. I certainly haven't got a grudge against you, I don't even know you as a person.<br />I stand by the spirit of what I said, I can't understand what you say, though I can understand Mark.<br /><br />The only solution in future I guess when you are commentating will be for me to switch to the oppostions commentary.<br /><br />As before, I am sorry I caused you offence, a bit thoughtless of me, but I am sure you know how a lot of Wrexham fans feel at the moment.....frustrated. It must be worse for you, being at the 'pointy' end!!<br /><br />Happy New year to you also<br /><br /><br />Paul<div style="margin: 5px 20px 20px;"> <div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom: 2px;">Quote:</div> <table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset ;"> <div>Originally Posted by <strong>wrexham till i die</strong></div> <div style="font-style: italic;">Hi Paul,<br /><br />Apology accepted for the name calling.<br /><br />How does my admission that I'm not a play-by-play commentator jutify what you have said? The commentary I provided was not helped by the fact that the wind was blowing right across the stand and across the microphone.<br /><br />Again, I must say that it only ever seems to be the same couple of people who ever complain. Where as other people can easily understand what is being said.<br /><br />We always make recordings of the games, and we nearly always listen back to them either in full or in an edited down format. You saying to me that you're not happy is not going to stop me doing what I do. At the end of the day, if Mark wasn't happy with my efforts, then I certainly wouldn't still be doing it. However, Mark is very happy with what I have added to the broadcast.<br /><br />The bosses at the radio station that I broadcast on in Warrington are very happy with me, as are the people that I write freelance for. It's only ever the couple of people on RP that have a problem with me...interesting that...<br /><br />Anyway, that's that...I'll say no more.<br /><br />Happy New Year to you and your family.<br /><br />Kind regards<br />Rich Holmes<br /><br /><div style="margin: 5px 20px 20px;"> <div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom: 2px;">Quote:</div> <table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset ;"> <div>Originally Posted by <strong>taffycox@manx.net</strong></div> <div style="font-style: italic;"> First of all, allow me to apologise for the inappropriate choice of words used in my post, borne out of frustration. There was no call for personal namecalling, so I hold my hands up on that.<br /><br />However, I do stand by my comments that I found it nigh on impossible to understand anything that you said, and that also goes for the occasions when you summarise when Mark Griffiths does the commentary.<br /><br />By all means continue with your efforts, though your admission that you are not a "play-by-play commentator" does somewhat justify my observations.<br /><br />It is just an internat forum...... and nothing more (as you imply).<br /><br />Like I said, I apologise for the ill chosen words. though you might consider making, and then playing back, a recording of your next endeavour and see whether you are happy with it?<br /><br />Regards<br /><br /><br />Paul Cox</div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div></div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div></div> <!-- / message --> <!-- sig --> <div> __________________<br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Maybe I'm just as bad for making that public, but I'm fed up of it all to be honest, there are more important things in life, and I have enough to deal with at the moment as it is.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, I'm off now to probably regret writing this. Oh well, it's not like I'm not used to abuse.<br /><br />I look forward to Monday, and a vital three points for Wrexham<br /><br />Regards<br />Rich<br /></span></div>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-63219800530467488162008-03-17T01:13:00.003+00:002008-03-17T01:24:04.074+00:00Can we do it?It's been a hell of a long time since I've actually written anything in my Wrexham FC blog, but sitting at home on a Sunday night/Monday morning kind of inspired me to sit back down and type...once I'd remembered the username and password that is!!<br /><br />I've not been around much recently due to personal problems, but I was at Chester last weekend, where we took a much needed three points. It wasn't the prettiest of games, but we won...we scored two goals...and that was worth much more than just playing well.<br /><br />It was refreshing because we often play quite well and take nothing. Whereas against Chester, it was two poor teams, in a poor game. We took our chances (for a change), and they didn't.<br /><br />The win over Bury was crucial this Saturday, and I'm gutted that I missed it. Now we need to look forward to this coming weekend, when we play Brentford, another must win game, although I'd take a point as long as we beat Dagenham On Easter Monday.<br /><br />So, can we do it? Can we beat what seems like certain relegation for a second season on the bounce? Well I bloody well hope so! A couple of weeks ago I was pretty much resigned to the fact that we would go down, but now, now I'm not so sure! I don't think my heart could take another game like the one we played against Boston on the final day of last season!<br /><br />Hopefully, I'll get back into the habit of writing these things more often again, but until next time, take it easy and keep the faith.<br /><br />RichWrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-2669927993038024632007-08-30T00:32:00.000+00:002007-08-30T00:51:53.834+00:00The mystery of team selections<span style="font-family: arial;">Having had just over 24 hours to reflect on the 5-0 spanking we received from Aston Villa, I can't help thinking that maybe things would have been different if we had have fielded a full strength side.<br /><br />Before you start thinking that I'm slating Brian Carey, let me categorically say that I am not, and that I fully support his as manager of Wrexham. I just think that his team selection for the Villa game was a little odd.<br /><br />Brian justified it by telling the media that Saturday's game at home to Hereford is more important, and that he wanted to rest players in preparation for that, and I can understand that. What I don't understand is that if you're going to pick a youthful, lightweight looking side, then why not include some older, more beefy players on the bench? Danny Williams for example, we missed him immensely. Poor Levi Mackin looked lost without someone like Danny alongside him, to guide him through the game against classy premiership opposition.<br /><br />To be fair, the team held there own for the first half hour of the game...then when we conceded, our heads dropped, and we never really recovered from that. That's when the likes of Danny Williams and Neil Roberts really add something to the side.<br /><br />Putting Proctor up front on his own didn't really work all that well either. I really like Michael, I think he's a really good player, but with him liking to come back and help out in midfield (not totally a bad thing), he's leaving a vast open space up front where he should be, thus meaning that we often gave the ball away.<br /><br />Llewellyn and Spender linked up really well on the right flank, and Eifion did well on the left.<br /><br />Mark Jones managed his first full game of the season, and he did ok, though he told me after the game that he felt tired towards the end. Hopefully we'll see the Jonah that we all know and love sooner rather than later.<br /><br />Pejic had a stong game at the back, and he was my man of the match. He was solid, and his distribution was good as well.<br /><br />Steve Evans however, didn't impress me. In my opinion, he looked like a bit of a liability, and my first choices for centre backs would be Pejic and Hope.<br /><br />It will be interesting to see how we done against Hereford with our 'full strength side' on Saturday. If we slip up, Carey won't be able to complain, and maybe it'll leave a sour taste in supporters mouths, after the weakened team on Tuesday evening. Several supporters have told me that they felt annoyed by the fact that we didn't play a full team, and felt robbed that they had to pay full price to watch a half strength Wrexham side. Villa were there for the taking, but we didn't capitalise on it.<br /><br />It is also good to see that Juan Ugarte and Matty Crowell are starting to make there comebacks in the reserves. Both came through 90 minutes in a 'behind closed doors' friendly against Stockport. Matty even scored the games only goal! New signing Silvio Spann also played 60 minutes of this match.<br /><br />Lets hope that Carey and Weaver can get the lads confidence back up after the embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Villa, and we can take 3 points of Hereford on Saturday.<br /><br />See you at the Racecourse!<br /><br />Rich<br /><br /><br /></span>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-44005595761807661322007-05-10T15:00:00.000+00:002007-05-10T15:18:31.156+00:00What does the future hold?Well, quite simply, we did it! We held on to our league status by beating Boston 3-1 at the Racecourse last Saturday. Was it a great achievement? No. We can't be proud of the fact that we were staring relegation in the face. The win against Boston was a good one, don't think I'm taking anything away from the players, the second half performance showed guts and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">passion</span>. What worries me is the fact that it takes a goal against us to get us going. This shouldn't happen.<br /><br />Brian Carey has been officially announced as our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">permanent</span> manager today on a 2 year deal. Is this a good call by Nev and Geoff? Who knows. I'd like to think so though. Brian has make a few changes around the club, bringing in Andy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">O'Boyle</span> for example, which nobody can argue with. What gets me is the fact that we didn't have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dedicated</span> fitness guy/sports scientist before.<br /><br />The signings of Williams and Proctor on loan were inspired signings for Brian, and they certainly did the job for us late in the season. Both of whom have expressed on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">numerous</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">occasions</span> that they wish to join us <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">permanently</span>, and I have to say, Id be straight in there with a contract for the pair of them. Williams is fantastic at commanding his box, and Proctor looks creative both on the wing and up front.<br /><br />Brian has released Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ingham</span> and Lee Roche, this says to me that he must be totally confident of securing Williams signature for next season. I'll be honest, I'll be sad to see Mike go, but can understand why Brian has let him go. Roche I'm not surprised with at all, he hasn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">featured</span> for the last 6 games, and has been plagued with injuries. One thing that does worry me, is that he's offered contracts to everyone else...the team that nearly got us relegated from the football league. Hopefully Brian has made a good judgement call here, and hasn't screwed up.<br /><br />It's going to be interesting to see how many accept their contracts, and how many refuse and put in transfer requests, I'm thinking that maybe Danny Williams and Chris Llewellyn will be angling for a move, I do really hope I'm wrong however!<br /><br />Let's hope that we are never in this situation again, and that we're challenging for a play-off place at the very least next season. It's a big ask, but it's what we HAVE to aim for.<br /><br />Enjoy the closed season!<br />RichWrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-53329592375344857152007-05-03T17:50:00.000+00:002007-05-03T17:54:48.536+00:00<span style="font-family:arial;">Wrexham go into their game at home against Boston United on Saturday needing only a draw to secure our Football League status...with over 9000 tickets sold already, I hope to God that Brian Carey is telling the lads that he expects nothing less than a win, as whenever we need a draw, we lose. Boston are travelling with only eight professionals, the rest of the squad will be made up of the youth team. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It's also been announced recently that Boston will enter into a CVA (Company Voluntary Agreement) on Saturday, and the 'vote' will be timed according to how Boston are performing on the hallowed turf of the Racecourse Ground. On Wednesday of last week, Boston's creditors and shareholders agreed that the club should enter the CVA, which is similar to administration and also carries a compulsory deduction of 10 league points. The creditors agreed to accept 47 pence for ever £1 of monies owed.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If Boston are winning, then the 'vote' (which will be done by proxy voting) will be held off until after the final whistle, meaning that Boston stay in the Football League and will start next season on minus 10 points. However, they have stated that if they look 'dead and buried' with minutes left to play, the 'vote' could be cast before the final whistle, meaning that the points deduction will come off this seasons total, meaning that they will finish bottom of League 2.You can imagine the situation, 2 minutes of injury time left, Wrexham winning 1-0, Boston enter the CVA and then score 2 very late goals, which would have then relegated Wrexham if they hadn't have entered the CVA. To me, this situation is an absolute joke, not only are they trading illegally whilst knowingly insolvent, but they're also using the CVA to their advantage. The Boston Chairman said today that they could have entered the CVA last Wednesday, but they've held it off. This is cheating the system pure and simple. Wrexham had to go into administration has our debts had been engineered to ensure the club had to fold, we took the 10 point deduction and were relegated by only a few points come the end of the season. But the people running Boston United, who it has been said are 'shady characters', are once again taking the law, and the league rules into their own hands.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Football League have been made aware of this. Will they do anything? Will they hell.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It's going to be emotional on Saturday, I don't know whether my heart will be able to take it. If we lose, there will be riots. One thing is for sure though, the atmosphere should be electric. As usual, I've been reading the forums on Red Passion this week, and the thread discussing where people are coming from, and the sacrifices they're making to get to the Racecourse on Saturday makes me so proud to be a Wrexham fan. Let us all just hope that we the result we need come 5PM on Saturday!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Come on the town!</span>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-33704830319560657862007-04-28T10:04:00.000+00:002007-04-28T10:05:57.668+00:00Grrr...Looks like I'll be listening on Wrexham World today as I can't get hold of my mate who was supposed to be driving me. :-( This is a knightmare.Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-40506522552998273392007-04-27T18:24:00.000+00:002007-04-27T18:45:02.940+00:00Walsall (away) and a brief look back at Shrewsbury and the inside of my mind.Well, one point from the Bescott tomorrow and our Football League status is safe! It's 3 wins on the bounce now, and the lads must be full of confidence going into tomorrow's game.<br /><br />I thought that we'd beat Shrewsbury, and I feel that we can beat Walsall as well. I'm not as confident though as Bury beat them last weekend, but still, if we go out there and play like we are capable of, then we are more than capable of brushing them aside.<br /><br />I was so jealous on Tuesday evening, the Wrexham fans went wild when Michael Proctor smashed the ball off the underside of the cross bar into the back of the net, and the scenes at the final whistle almost brought a tear to my eye.<br /><br />So tomorrow, there's a possibility that I'm going to leave the commentating to the ever professional Mr. Griffiths and join the Wrexham fans in the away end. It's been a couple of seasons since I watched Wrexham from the terraces rather than the press box, and Tuesday night was the first real time that I felt left out of the celebrations, and Rich Williams from the Evening Leader said the same thing, before and after the match! I did give out a little yelp (for want of a better description) on Tuesday night, and I did jump to my feet (much to the displeasure of the Shrewsbury directors the row in front of me), but then so did the Radio Wales commentators! My Dad told me that he was listening to Radio Wales on the way home from work, and when Proctor scored the winner, the commentators on Radio Wales didn't have a clue who scored, because of the celebrating they were doing!! Happy days!<br /><br />Fear not though, I will be returning to the mic for the Boston game! I've come to enjoy the work I do with Mark, it's a great honour for me to help Mark provide this service (and even more of an honour that he asked me back after my first attempt!!). I had a shocker on Tuesday night, I can admit that, my head wasn't on the job at all, plus the fact that I held the lip mic too far away didn't help matters! I'm really enjoying the other media work that we're doing (if you can call it that!) such as the podcasts, the vlog and this very blog!<br /><br />So back to tomorrow's game, I'm predicting a 2-1 win, with Danny Williams and Michael Proctor to score, accompanied by a passionate performance from the lads. One thing that I'm not impressed with though, is the £18 to get in!!<br /><br />C'mon the town!<br /><br />RichWrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-2302824496379259072007-04-02T11:07:00.000+00:002007-04-02T11:25:41.942+00:00Mansfield game<span style="font-family:arial;">That really has to be 2 points dropped. Mansfield came for a draw, and we let them dictate the play. They were there for the taking, and once again, at home, we failed.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Still, there was positives, Matty Done was absolutely fantastic for the majority of the game, Garrett did alright, as did Mike Williams and Proctor was looking good before he was taken off. The clean sheet is also a big bonus!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'm looking forward to visiting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Macclesfield</span> on Saturday, it's a game which is a classic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">relegation</span> '6 pointer' and there's two possibilities...the game will be fantastic, or it the game will be absolutely dire. As long as Roberts and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McEvilly's</span> injuries aren't too serious, and that Whitley's virus <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">disappears</span>, then this should be a game that we take 3 points from. I'll say it again, SHOULD take 3 points from. I do fear that we will miss Danny <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Williams</span> though. For this game, more than ever, I'm waiting anxiously for the referee's appointments to be released by the football league. Surely we can't be screwed again?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'm not going to talk about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Accrington</span> Stanley, because I don't want to waste me time writing about a club who cheated, and then tried to cover it up. Bugger, I just did.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">So yeah, free coach travel to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Macc</span> for the first 1000 supporters to buy their tickets. Lets hope that we have at least 1500 reds at Moss Rose this coming Saturday.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Have a good week</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rich Holmes</span>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-56037947551983842942007-03-24T21:27:00.000+00:002007-03-24T21:38:40.368+00:00How wrong was I?<span style="font-family:arial;">Yesterday I wrote that I thought that we would lose against Bristol Rovers today. Now, I don't like being wrong, in fact, this is the first time that I've been wrong about anything! But boy, if this is what it feels like to be wrong, then I want to experience it more often!<br /><br />I couldn't make it to the game today due to a prior engagement that I couldn't get out of, and I am absolutely gutted that I wasn't there.<br /><br />This win was just what we needed, it's going to lift the players and lift the fans, and hopefully get a few more people at the Racecourse next Saturday!<br /><br />We're now one point behind Boston, with equal goal difference and a game in hand, this really is in our hands now. We need to make sure that we give 100% for 90 minutes every game.<br /><br />It's also nice to hear that we didn't pick up one single yellow card (or red!) today!<br /><br />We simply must beat Mansfield a week today, and I think that will. This is the turn of fortune that we needed so badly. Let's just hope that I'm right about this, and not wrong (again!).<br /><br />Enjoy the rest of your weekend!<br /><br />Thanks for reading<br />Rich Holmes</span>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233874780928957876.post-27859990730555395262007-03-23T20:13:00.000+00:002007-03-23T20:56:57.495+00:00Who said it would be easy?<span style="font-family:arial;">It's never easy being a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wrexham</span> fan, especially when we're sitting in 23rd place in League 2, but the players now need us more than ever to be the 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> man. This was evident against Bury, 6500 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wrexham</span> fans, on all sides of The Racecourse, getting behind the lads from the 1st whistle right up until the last. All the players were grateful for the fan's efforts, and it's important that the fans turn out in large numbers again against Mansfield on Saturday 31st March, no matter what the result is against Bristol Rovers tomorrow (I personally think we'll be very lucky if we come away with a point). I'd hope that everyone who was at the Bury game (obviously, I understand that people may have other <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">commitments</span>) will try their hardest to turn up again, as the spirited display by the 9 men in red shirts was absolutely fantastic. And better still, it's only going to cost you a fiver again! I was jealous that night that I wasn't in with stands with the fans, singing my heart out for the lads, the atmosphere was electric.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Everybody seems to be saying that every game is a 'must win' now, and well...I can't disagree and I'm sure that whoever reads this ramble of mine won't disagree either! It's quite simple really, if we don't win games, then we won't stay up. This is a fight until the death, I'd really hoped that we would have been safe by now, but this is going to go down to the wire.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We survived Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Gut(t)<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">erman</span>, and we can survive this. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wrexham</span> Football Club must stay in the football league.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So, let's hope for a point or better tomorrow, it's going to be a tough one, but if we play like we know we can play, then we could get a result, but as I said earlier, I think we'll be very lucky to take a point.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Let's all get behind the boys.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks for reading</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Rich Holmes</span>Wrexham Supporters Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111418105823195185noreply@blogger.com0