Thanks

By Mark Currie, Daily Post

19 November 2004

WREXHAM fans have answered Denis Smith's appeal through the Daily Post and handed him cash for two new players.

Smith pleaded with supporters for funds to capture short-term signings and help him strengthen his threadbare squad.

And yesterday two benefactors stepped in to help Smith sign Spanish striker Juan Ugarte on a short-term deal, with cash available for the Wrexham boss to land another loan player.

The escape from an Inland Revenue winding-up petition on Tuesday was the first positive news in weeks for manager Smith, who has been struggling for weeks in the face of a crippling injury list to field competitive sides.

But now there's even more for the Dragons boss to cheer after club director Dave Bennett revealed that Smith's appeal for funds to pay two new players had produced results.

"I've been contacted by a businessman who has offered the necessary financial backing to sign striker Juan Ugarte on a short-term contract and Wrexham official supporters' association says it can help if Denis wants to bring in another loan signing," Bennett said yesterday.

In the absence of any imminent change of ownership of the club, the Racecourse boss has a two-week window in which to secure reinforcements before a court-appointed adminstrator steps in to run Wrexham ' s financial affairs.

Smith said: "Without the money at my disposal I can't do anything and, in a sense, we are still in limbo until an administrator officially comes in. At the moment we are living a hand-to-mouth existence but we've got to accept that and get on with it.

"But on a positive note the prospective administrator has been here to talk to the players and he told them he is confident the club can get through to the end of the season at the very least, even without a change in the ownership.

"And we're beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel in respect of the long-term injuries. Andy Dibble is probably just a couple of weeks away from being back in full training, the same applies to Jim Whitley; and Brian Carey, who had a minor knee operation recently, was back out there today doing some runninng.

"So I'm close to having three senior professionals back very soon, with Carlos Edwards not far behind, and that will give me 15 experienced players to choose from and a few more options to consider."

And Smith reassured supporters, worried that administration could signal an exodus of the club's better players.

"He has still got to run the business as a football club and to do that we need footballers," he added. "We are already operating with the bare minimum and there's no more meat to be cut off the bone. I think we've probably got the smallest squad in the league so I'm sure he won't actively be looking to sell anyone.

"Obviously, though, if a big offer is made for a player, we'd have to consider it because as we all know every player - even Wayne Rooney - is for sale at the right price."