Wrexham Evening Leader

Goalden boy Andy has a new target

Richard Williams
By Richard Williams, Evening Leader

10/12/04

Andy HoltANDY HOLT has broken one target for the season, and the attacking defender now has another in his sights.

Holt has been a revelation at left wing back since joining Wrexham on a free transfer from Hull City.

And having scored five times already this season - the latest in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Stockport -Holt is not finished yet.

"I set myself the target of scoring five goals all season and I've managed that before Christmas," said Holt, who is also an ever-present this campaign and is looking to add to his impressive tally at Milton Keynes Dons tomorrow.

"I've managed four goals in the last eight matches and I now want to get into double figures this season.

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"The most I've ever scored in a season is five so it's brilliant to get so many so soon. I've got to keep going, keep getting into the box and getting my head on things.

"But it's obviously more important that we keep on picking up points to get out of the relegation zone."

Reds boss Denis Smith couldn't be more pleased with Holt's contribution.

"He has done well. He's a good pro," said Smith. "He's got a good sense of humour, he's a character in the dressing room and he works hard in training and on the pitch.

"You can see why he went for a lot of money and people were talking very highly of him at one time.

"If he carries on doing what he's doing then perhaps people will be knocking on my door. I hope not, but you never know.

"His record with previous clubs proved he could score goals and we're encouraging him to get in the box as much as he can.

"He may not have the pace of Paul Edwards, but Paul didn't get the goals. It was Carlos who got the goals from the right last season; now Andy's scoring them from the left!"

Paul Edwards didn't score once in his 42 appearances last season and Holt said: "I joined Wrexham to play matches as I feel I didn't play enough last season at Hull.

"I've played every game and am really enjoying it. I'm getting fitter and fitter and getting used to the left wing back role.

"I'm not afraid to get into the box because I can get back."

Holt is also enjoying a personal duel with Dennis Lawrence, and the left-sided centre-back has hit the back of the next six times this season.

And Holt added: "I've struck up a good relationship with Dennis. He'll cover me when I go forward and when he goes up I'll stay back.

"And Dennis has scored six goals so I need one more to catch him up! But hopefully it will continue for both of us."

Holt and Lawrence will line up in an unchanged defence against The Dons but who fills the boots of midfield play-maker and influential skipper, Darren Ferguson?

"That's a good question," said Smith, who could turn to Alex Smith, Matt Crowell or Levi Mackin.

Former Chester player Smith could be favourite having come through 90 minutes of Wednesday's reserves defeat at Burnley.

Wrexham started with Juan Ugarte and Hector Sam, who headed home a second half winner against Stockport on Tuesday.

Ex-Premiership star Chris Armstrong was on the bench with Chris Llewellyn extremely effective in his role behind the front two.

WREXHAM (from): Dibble, Spender, Pejic, Roberts, Lawrence, Holt, Smith, Llewellyn, Green, Sam, Ugarte, Baker, Armstrong, Mackin, M.Jones, Crowell.

Danny Wilson takes charge of MK Dons for the first time, and that will act in their favour says Smith.

"Players always respond when a new manager comes in, whether it's on a permanent or temporary basis, and that will be the case tomorrow."