28 February 2003

The Speed Merchants

David Lovett

By David Lovett

The Edwardses - Carlos and Paul - will be key players at the Vetch where Wrexham may also spring another surprise.

 

Manager Denis Smith said today: “There could be a couple of changes down there. It’s something I’m toying with at the moment.”

 

Paul Edwards definitely plays at left wing-back after his one-match ban kept him out of the dreary goalless home draw against Darlington last Sunday. ‘Eddie’s’ explosive pace was sadly missed against dour Darlington, although stand-in Shaun Holmes was Wrexham’s best player on the day.

 

But Edwards is quick out of the blocks and if his namesake does the business on the right, Wrexham are in with a genuine chance of pushing the struggling Swans further towards non-league football.

 

Smith also hinted today he is thinking of starting with newcomer Scott Green. The well-built utility player has already shown he can look after himself - and the St David’s day derby won’t be a place for the faint-hearted.

 

Smith said: “Scott’s already shown what he is capable of, but a phone call I got last night may have already made my decision for me.

 

“Jim Whitley rang to say his thigh has tightened up and we’ll have to see how he is when he comes in and if he’s fit enough to travel. I hope he is. I’m a Jim Whitley fan because I see things he does that others don’t.”

 

The other option Smith is mulling over is up front. He was dissatisfied with Lee Trundle’s contribution against Darlington and that could mean a recall for Hector Sam or the speedy Lee Jones. 

 

“Trunds’ been a bit in and out of late and that’s why I brought Hector on for him last Sunday,” said Smith. “People who don’t produce good performances consistently must realise there are other players at this club who want to play.”

 

The enigmatic Sam can be a match-winner but he, too, is guilty of inconsistency and Smith says everyone will have to be on top of their games tomorrow. “I would imagine it’s going to be fairly open,” he said. “They like to play, but having said that they need three points just as we do. 

 

“Both teams will be happier with three points than one, that’s for sure. We’re going down there to win because I want promotion this season. Swansea need the points to stay in the Football League so that makes it an all-or-nothing situation.”

 

Wrexham: Dibble, C. Edwards, Roberts, Carey, Lawrence, P. Edwards, Green, Ferguson, Whitley, Morrell, Sam, Trundle, Jones, Thomas, Pejic, Rogers.

Carlos Edwards

Carlos Edwards

 

Paul Edwards

Paul Edwards