Wrexham Evening Leader

Praise for the pros

By Nick Harrison

16 December 2004

Dennis LawrenceDENIS SMITH today heaped praise on two of what he calls his 'model professionals'.

Dennis Lawrence and Chris Llewellyn were rewarded for their hard work ethic by having two days off this week.

Wrexham boss Smith said: "Dennis and Chris never miss training. They've trained all through the summer and been
involved on the international scene too.

"Chris hasn't missed a game, while Dennis has twice flown back from Trinidad and played for us" the next day.

"I thought the players needed a rest because all that football affects you physically and mentally.

"Some people who are not in the game think a footballer's life is an easy one, but if they came and did what these players do in one training session, they'd be in bed for a week!"

While Lawrence and Llewellyn were away, a story broke linking Llewellyn with a move back to his home-town club, Swansea City.

DAYS OFF

Swansea City Manager Kenny Jacket

I'm not about to sign Llewellyn, and I haven't been in contact with him or Wrexham

"There's nothing in it," said Smith. * "I'll tell you how these stories break. I've given Chris two days off. He may have gone back home to Swansea, someone's seen him and there you are."

Swansea boss Kenny Jackett said: "There's nothing in that. I'm not about to sign the lad, and I haven't been in contact with him or Wrexham."

Llewellyn and Lawrence will both line up against Hartlepool tomorrow in what Smith is labelling a big game.

"They're all big games," said Smith. "If we hadn't had the 10 points taken off us, it would have been a big game because we'd be pushing for the play-offs.

"Now it's a big game because we need the points to get out of trouble. It's exactly the same game but it's strange how it affects you differently in the build-up."

Hartlepool come to The Racecourse with the worst away record in League One. They have lost nine and won only one of 10 games on their travels.

"Let's hope that run continues," said Smith.

Wrexham will have to overcome a mammoth trip to south Wales as they defend their FAW Premier Cup crown.

The Dragons have been drawn in the quarter finals of the competition against Welsh Premier League side Haverfordwest County, managed by former Reds full back, Deryn Brace.

The match, which takes place on Tuesday, January 18 with a 7pm kick off, will be screened live on BBC2 Wales and 2W.

Wrexham's black away shirts - without the fans' names on it — will be on sale on Saturday morning from 11.15.

Supporters can also pre-order the shirts online at www.wrexhamafc.co.uk