‘‘I know everyone is waiting for my big mate Rushie to score his first goal, but everyone’s got to be patient. I know he wants the club to do well so much. He’s adapting to a new environment and my view is that the other players in the team aren’t supplying him with the right service. He’s not just turned into a bad player. He’s still fit and he’s still a very clever, intelligent player. I don’t think he’s depressed by his lack of goals.

Maybe he’s a bit frustrated, but to be honest he’s not had many chances. You’ve also got to remember that the teams that Wrexham play raise their game because they know Rushie’s playing. He’s a marked man – often two defenders are put on him. I know he’s enjoying the coaching and he really wants to be a manager one day – maybe in a couple of years. It might be Wrexham, it might be elsewhere, but I know he’d love the Wales job. We’re big mates, but I’m not sure he’d ask me to be his No.2. Knowing me, I’d go and do his scouting and never come back!

The Cup victory over York was a big lift. I really think Wrexham need a big run in the Cup. The fans just aren’t coming through the turnstiles at the moment. I know some people think that the club isn’t ambitious enough, but I know that people like Joey are desperate to get the club out of this division. Joey and Brian want it like hell. Nobody should give up.

I don’t think I’ve seen Wrexham play as well this season as they did against York. They worked really well and made a lot of chances. Somehow the Cup really makes Wrexham play well – and I should know that better than anyone!

I think Brammer’s playing really well at the moment. He’s battling well and he reminds me a bit of my mate Dave Batty. He’s done well, and in the future he might get a chance at a higher level, playing with even better players. I also feel that Ridler’s* looking a good player at the back these days. And obviously Carey and Humes, when they’re fit, also look strong. Roberts is battling on and Karl’s always likely to produce something out of nothing. It was a great goal he scored against York – I really like him as a player.

It’s Scunthorpe in the next round of the Cup, and if we don’t win that, well something’s wrong. Then, I’d like us to get a big club. I’m happy though – Chester are already out!

As an Evertonian, I was very interested to see the Duncan Ferguson deal go through. That guy causes big problems to opposing defences and I rate him very highly. His aerial power is immense and in the current market I guess that seven million pounds is about right for someone of his calibre. Each team really needs someone like him. As a midfielder I used to like having a big man upfront – it gives you a good get-out ball when you’re in trouble or when there are very few other options. You can over-play it to someone like Ferguson and maybe at times Everton were guilty of that. Newcastle will be a big challenge for him. Everton might also benefit – they won’t be a one-man team anymore. They’ve done pretty well when he’s been missing before, so maybe it will be good for both parties. Gullit knows his football and he must know what Ferguson will bring to his team. Ferguson and Shearer together will be a fearsome combination because they’re both extremely physical players. If they hit it off it could be a masterstroke of a signing.

I was pleased to see my old mate Dave Batty get a move back to Leeds. He was a young lad when I had my brief playing spell as a thirtysomething at Leeds United. He was a great lad – I really like him and we’ve stayed in touch. You need someone like him in your side. All those 10-yard passes he plays are vital. He also gets stuck in. You need your destroyer-type players like Dave to complement the creative players. He also scores some decent goals.

I know he has his critics but he’d always be in my team. He’s a fantastic lad. I speak to him regularly. A great guy too to have in the dressing room – he’s got a lot of experience. Maybe four and a half million quid is a bit much for a 30-year-old, but there’s a lot of money going around, so maybe it’s a fair price. He’s not been affected by the penalty miss. He got up and took the penalty – he’s a strong character. He’s not been destroyed by the whole experience. Nothing bothers him; he’s a really tough Yorkshire character.

I’ve been working for the BBC at the recent Welsh Premier Cup games. The problem with that competition is that it’s just not drawing the crowds – hardly anyone turns up. The atmosphere’s poor and I suppose that for some players it’s hard to get motivated. I think Barry in particular played some good football at the Racecourse. They were very impressive in the first half, with Wrexham eventually coming to dominate the second period.

There might be a motivation problem for some teams, but the prize money is pretty good. I think actually that the smaller clubs are raising their game in the competition – it’s a good opportunity for them to prove themselves. I think the bigger teams, on the other hand, are using it as an opportunity to experiment, which I suppose you can understand. Me and Joey would have had no problem with a competition like the Welsh Premier Cup. We’d have played all the time if we could have! As long as there was a ball we’d be up for it! We just loved playing – anytime, anywhere.

You’ll all know about Dai Davies’ controversial remarks on the telly. He’s always been a controversial bloke – I wonder what the BBC thought. I was sitting next to him – and even I was shocked! That’s just Dai though. He speaks from the heart: some people like it, some people don’t. You can’t please everyone all of the time. He’s honest and he’s willing to take the stick that might come his way. I obviously played a lot with Dai – he was a great organiser, a great motivator and a great talker. I don’t think Dai and the FAW will be exchanging Christmas cards this year…

In between TV appearances and commentary jobs I’m managing to play the odd game of football for Amlwch on Anglesey – under the guidance of manager Tommy Charlton and his assistant Nigel Ault. Obviously, the TV and radio work is taking precedence at the moment, but I do like a game when I can fit one in – I need the money! I played two weeks ago and we won 4-1. I couldn’t really believe it because I’d just come back from Dublin with Joey and Rushie, and I think I was still a bit worse for wear…!

The three of us were doing an after-dinner event in Dublin. It went alright, and we were really looked after. It was in a pub – of all places – and we just said our bits and then answered questions. Joey and me were a bit in the shadow really because Rushie is a legend and a star in Ireland. It was a good night overall.

I enjoy doing the after-dinner stuff with Joey and Scoot. We’re going down to Swansea to do a charity do soon – and Vinnie Jones is going to be there as well. That’ll be a big one! Joey is brilliant at these after-dinner events. He’s a natural. I’m a bit more of a rebel and I just sit there and watch him! We’re a double-act. He’s the sensible one, and I’m the mad one, but we’ve done fairly well.

Joey’s my best mate, but I’m not sure I like that bobble-hat he was wearing the other Saturday. All those strange colours. I think it would be better if he put that hat over his face!

Cheers,