Western Mail

Smith makes his points in wish list

18 December 2004

Denis Smith

We are now in a grim relegation battle, but we can't afford to be in a relegation frame of mind

THERE are no Rolex watches or sleek Mercedes on Wrexham manager Denis Smith's Christmas wish list this year - only the return of 10 precious league points!

The Red Dragons enter one of the most crucial Yuletide periods in their long history with the visit of play-off candidates Hartlepool to the Racecourse today (3.00pm).

Wales' oldest soccer club are now locked in a gruelling fight to retain their League One status following the points immediately deducted from them by the Football League - punishment for slithering into administration, a legacy of indebtedness approaching £3m.

Neale Cooper's Pool are the obstacles this afternoon. There is a visit to high-flying Bradford on Boxing Day and a tough trip to Sheffield Wednesday on January 3 - a home date against Blackpool on New Year's Day sandwiched in between.

With the Red Dragons just one of the bottom and four points off safety, little wonder embattled Smith prays that Wrexham's appeal to the League against their points deduction will be overturned within 21 days.

He said, "We put forward our case to the league eight days ago. The appeal cost us £20,000 - it's non-refundable money whether we are successful or not.

"I just hope Santa Claus is kind to Wrexham FC this year. I never ask for much, but I'd love him to grant me two wishes.

"Firstly, I want our 10 points returned and, secondly, all our leading players fully fit for January."

Wrexham are quietly confident that league powers could smile on them because they're convinced their dire financial state is the result from the collapse of the multi-million pound ITV Digital deal a couple of years ago.

But as Surrey businessman Andrew Smith's United Plotowner's Associates attempt to purchase the Red Dragons from Manchester-based Alex Hamilton and administrators Begbies Traynor, ex-Bristol City boss Smith attempts to bend minds.

Wrexham have won only one of their last six home league clashes - the solitary victory against seemingly-doomed Stockport County.

And Smith said, "We need to quickly improve our results at the Racecourse. We are now in a grim relegation battle, but we can't afford to be in a relegation frame of mind.

"This can happen so easily if you lose a couple of matches. I want to see us recover the lost points swiftly, pull ourselves clear of danger and then kick on."

Wrexham will be boosted by the return of skipper Darren Ferguson, who returns to central midfield after serving a one-match suspension for five cautions.

Linkman Jim Whitley has recovered from injury, and Wales Under-21 international Craig Morgan will deputise for suspended Shaun Pejic. Meanwhile, keeper Matt Baker left yesterday on a free to Milton Keynes.

Said Smith, "This was a purely football decision. With Andy Dibble now fit, we couldn't guarantee Matt first-team football. We had to play fair with the boy.

"Michael Jones, our first-year trainee, will now act as cover. But, if we have to bring in an experienced keeper, we will attempt to do that."