By Nick Harrison
17 December 2004
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| Denis Smith |
 Letting the two Matts go had nothing to do with the administrators
|
DENIS SMITH today admitted that
Wrexham's free-week has helped refresh everyone at the club.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's home clash with Hartlepool, Reds boss Smith said:
"The last few months have been non-stop. With our injury problems, it's just
been a case of 'can we get a side out?'
"This week it's been different. We've given players who need a break a few days
off and it's given us the chance to refresh our minds. When you've got game
after game like we've had of late it's just impossible to do that."
Despite suffering with a virus this week, Smith has also been planning for the
future and contract talks with players could soon be opening up as the Reds boss
looks ahead to beyond this season.
"To be fair to the administrators, they've been very low-key," added Smith.
"Letting the two Matts go had nothing to do with the administrators. They were
my decisions.
PRIORITY
"Now I've got to make decisions and plans for next year and those talks could
start soon."
Smith's immediate priority is picking up three points and giving Wrexham fans,
who he hopes turn up in their droves tomorrow, some early Christmas cheer.
"Hartlepool are a decent side and in a decent position — one that we should be
in," said Smith. "They're very good at home but have a poor record away - and
long may that continue."
Smith is boosted by the return of Darren Ferguson. The Reds skipper missed the
Milton Keynes' defeat through suspension and has also been missing from training
this week after dental work on his wisdom teeth.
"He looks like a hamster," joked Smith. "But Darren said the pain was worse
before he had the work done and that he should be okay."
Jim Whitley is also in the squad after eight weeks out with a thigh injury,
while Craig Morgan's hamstring problems have cleared up and he starts in place
of the suspended Shaun Pejic.
"All of a sudden, we're getting players coming back - and we'll have even more
returning in the New Year," added Smith.
"Alex Smith got through 90 minutes in the reserves last week and Danny Williams
was running in training yesterday."
Chris Llewellyn, who was linked with a move to Swansea this week after he was
seen watching The Swans' midweek FA Cup win over Stockport, looks set to
continue in his midfield role with Juan Ugarte and top scorer Hector Sam leading
the line.
