24 December 2004
By NICK HARRISON
 |
| Denis Smith is not calling his players in on Christmas Day |
DENIS SMITH today explained the
reasons behind his decision NOT to call his players in for training on Christmas
Day.
While clubs around the country - including Ian Rush's Chester City - tell their
squad to turn in as usual, seasoned campaigner Smith is bucking the trend.
"If all the players lived with 20 minutes of the training ground, then I'd think
okay, bring them in for a couple of hours," said Smith.
"But we've got players in Manchester and that would mean four hours away from
the family.
"If you've got children then it's no fun packing away the Scalextric and saying
you'll be back in four hours. It affects a player mentally if you call them in
on Christmas Day - especially when they'll be training and playing on the other
days."
Smith is hoping his goodwill will inspire his team to a first double of the
season at Valley Parade on Sunday (3pm kick off).
A battling display - and an early goal from Dennis Lawrence - gave Wrexham all
three points at The Racecourse back in September.
Smith knows that there will be a good atmosphere in Bradford. He is also keeping
his fingers crossed that injury-wise, they come through unscathed.
"It's the traditional time when games come thick and fast, but with the
international-call-ups we have and having to rearrange games, every week's been
a hectic week this season," added Smith, who once again will be -without key
first team players.
Scott Green is almost definitely-out after illness but Shaun Pejic, who has also
been suffering with a virus, should be available. Jim Jim Whitley came through
unscathed on his return from a two month absence and will take his place in the
Reds' squad.
Wrexham will now play their reserves
games at Newi Cefn Druids' Plaskynaston ground.
A club spokesman said: "After a ground inspection by officials of the Pontin's
League, we will be moving our remaining Division One West fixtures to NEWI Cefn
Druids home at Plaskynaston Lane.
"The Welsh Premier League side, who have strong ties with us at the Racecourse,
strengthened it even further with the recent news of their new manager, have
kindly agreed to let us have use of their facilities.
"The games will continue to be played as 7.00pm kick-offs and we would encourage
everyone to get along to watch and help provide some funds for our local Welsh
Premier club."
The first match will be against Stockport County on Wednesday, January 5.