Racecourse News Roundup
28/03/01
Another axed in Commercial Department shake up
Antony Griffiths - axed
(Picture taken from Wrexham AFC's
official web site)
Tonight's Evening Leader in the story "Second sacking at Racecourse" reports that Wrexham have sacked another member of its Commercial Department. This time it's Antony Griffiths the Club Shop and Away Travel Manager.
33-year-old Griffiths has been given seven days notice and now joins ex-Commercial Manager Cindy Toth who was dismissed last Friday.
Gwersyllt-based Griffiths claims that he was given no explanation for his sacking and that Managing Director David Rhodes gave him his seven days notice without warning on Monday.
The Leader quotes Antony Griffiths as saying: "I’m devastated at losing my job. I’ve been here for six months after giving up a secure job at Sharps and I’m still in shock, to be honest".
The Leader also quotes Managing Director David Rhodes as saying: "The club is currently restructuring its Commercial Department and the decisions to part company with Ms. Toth and Mr. Griffiths are part of that restructuring".
Wrexham's third Commercial Manager in seven months, Christian Smith, is set to start work on Monday morning and according to Club Director Geoff Farrell: "will be looking at the team he has inherited and will be recruiting staff for his Department".
The Leader reports that Promotions and Gold Bond supremo Phil Sadler is set to stay on with the club.
Lawrence injury not as serious as first thought
Dennis Lawrence
(Picture taken from the Trinidad & Tobago Football
Federation)
Sporting Life today reports in the story "Lawrence out for a month" that Dennis Lawrence's rib injury may not be as serious as first suspected.
Sporting Life quotes Robins assistant-manager Kevin Reeves as saying today :"Dennis took a knock in the last five minutes of the game against Bury. He flew out to join the Trinidad and Tobago side but wasn't fit enough to play. We'd heard that it could be a broken rib but we're pretty sure at the moment that it's just bruised which means he could be back in action sooner than we thought".
Meanwhile fellow countryman Hector Sam, on the mend after a recent double hernia operation, is pencilled in for today's reserve team fixture at York City, and the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation web site in the story "Striker Hector Sam back in training" quotes Sam's agent, Mike Berry, as saying: "Hector's slowly getting back to his normal self. He's started to do some work on the training field and he should be back in the squad soon. It's been unfortunate with him because of the hernia because he got off to such a great start before picking up the problem since last year and he's had to withdraw from action. But he's been fighting and he'll be back".
Berry also said about Dennis Lawrence: "Dennis has fitted in very well into the Wrexham setup. He's well liked and he got marvelous applause from the crowd on his first visit since being signed by the club earlier this month. I reckon that he's going to be a tall hit here".
Clayton tipped for summer Racecourse arrival
Clayton Ince
Club Call and TEAMtalk speculate today that out of favour Crewe 'keeper Clayton Ince could be on his way to Wrexham during the close season.
In the story "Kearton's recall spells end for Ince" Club Call conjectures that "Jason Kearton's return to fitness could mean that number three keeper Clayton Ince moves on to Wrexham at the end of the season".
While TEAMtalk in the story "Possible Robins move for Ince" states that: "It's understood that The Robins have been tracking the international but have not made a bid to sign him as the asking price from Crewe is too high for Brian Flynn".
In addition, The Sentinel in the story "Ince seeks Alex release" yesterday reported that Trinidadian international Ince wishes to be allowed to leave Crewe at the end of the season, but that: "Wrexham have been put off from making a firm bid in the past, but are believed to be interested again if Gradi slashes his asking price at the end of the season".
The Sentinel also quotes Ince's agent, Mike Berry, as saying: "Clayton is playing the reserve games and doing what he has to do and we are hopeful that Dario will release him at the end of the season. It would not be fair for him to want to keep a goalkeeper he has no intention of playing for another season. Clayton desperately wants first team football and wants to get out of Crewe".
However, with Wrexham already having four goalkeepers on their books: Kevin Dearden, David Walsh, Kristian Rogers and Paul Whitfield, if Ince were to join the Robins, it may signal the departure of one of the Reds' glovesmen.
Here's one that got away?
TEAMtalk, Seasiders.net and Yahoo all reported last week that Wrexham made a last minute bid for Everton left-sided midfielder Jamie Milligan before last Thursday's transfer deadline.
The Blackpool-born 21-year-old allegedly turned down offers from both Wrexham and Swindon Town to join his hometown club.
Yahoo in the story "Milligan explains Robins snub" states that Milligan has listed a number of reasons for choosing Blackpool over Wrexham and Swindon.
Yahoo quotes Milligan, a product of Everton’s successful youth academy, as saying: "There were many factors in me wanting to come to Bloomfield Road. The prospect of first team football after five years in the Reserves at Everton is very appealing. Having been born and raised on the Fylde it'll be a thrill to play for my local club and it will also be very easy for my family to come and watch. Playing for Steve McMahon is also an attraction. He's a players' manager who always joins in the training and takes time out to discuss matters with individuals".
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