By Andy Rose
28 November 2004
Not
many men with the nickname Psycho would be too scared to show their face at an
old stomping ground.
But Wrexham legend Gary Bennett admits he will be keeping a very low profile
when the Dragons face bitter rivals Chester City at the Deva Stadium this week.
Up to 1,700 Wrexham fans will descend on then-English neighbour's backyard on
Tuesday for the first meeting between the sides in seven years.
And while the thought of the LDV Vans Trophy Northern Section quarter final may
be nothing but a real mouthful to many, the cross border battle is being keenly
anticipated in North Wales.
Separated by just 18 miles the two sets of supporters have never been anything
other than the very best of enemies.
While it may not have the religious overtures or tradition of the Old Firm derby
in Scotland, what the games between Wrexham and Chester lack in stature they
more than make up for in terrace-fuelled passion.
And few understand that rivalry better than Bennett, who wore the colours of
both sides during his playing career.
The popular striker signed for Wrexham on a free transfer in 1992 and after a
sticky start went on to inscribe his name into Racecourse folklore scoring 114
goals in 177 games during two separate spells.
The 41-year-old also played 298 games for their arch rivals in three spells and
finished his career there five years ago.
But despite his supposed split loyalties Bennett admits: "Without doubt my days
at Wrexham were the best of my career, even my life.
"I used to just drive to games knowing I was going to score. It felt that easy
for while.
"I had a fantastic relationship with the fans. They really took me to their
hearts, which was a major thing for a guy who had played for Chester.
"It took me a couple of months to get that acceptance, though, because let's
just say that they don't take kindly to someone who played for their closest
rivals.
"
But
once I had won them over I went from strength to strength.
"It's a similar situation for Alex Smith now because he also played for Chester.
"As long as they can see that you are giving 100 per cent for the cause they are
happy."
Bennett will be at the match but fans may have trouble recognising him.
"I'm going to be there in glasses, with a fake moustache and hat," he said.
"I'm going to sit well and truly on the fence in terms of predicting the result
but it could turn out to be a classic.
"There are plenty of aspects that can be thrown into the mixer but this game
doesn't need building up.
"It's England versus Wales with a Welshman [Ian Rush] in charge of Chester and
an Englishman [Denis Smith] in charge of Wrexham.
"It all adds to the occasion.
"I know the LDV is of ten frowned upon and can be a bit of a nuisance when clubs
already have so many games.
"But if you can go all the way to the final it can turn out to be a real money
spinner.
"And right now Wrexham need that money more than anyone else."
Wrexham's very existence currently remains in the balance.
With debts of more than £2.5m the League One side are expected to be placed into
administration on Friday - the same day as they play Scunthorpe in the FA Cup
second round.
The FA Cup tie will be broadcast live on television netting Wrexham £75,000
which, while welcome, remains just a drop in the ocean.
Over recent months Bennett has been vocal in his support for attempts to wrestle
control of the club away from controversial owner Alex Hamilton and stop the
property developer from selling their Racecourse home from under their feet.
But he admits "My happy memories of Wrexham now seem a million miles away at the
moment.
"It saddens me. There are all sorts of rumours and it is difficult to know
what's good and what's bad.
"We all have our own opinions on people who may or may not be taking over the
club but at this stage it doesn't really matter who they are.
"The most important thing is to save a club steeped in tradition.
"Every day at the moment there is a new crisis and you never know what is around
the corner.
"It's a bad time at the moment but Denis Smith has done a fantastic job on the
pitch."
But despite Smith's best efforts results have started to suffer with Wrexham
losing four in a row before yesterday's trip to Huddersfield.
And with an automatic 10-point deduction looming should Wrexham be plunged into
administration the future looks decidedly grim.
"It was only going to be a matter of time before the players got ground down by
it all," said Bennett.
"It's only natural that it has started to affect the playing side of things
which makes it even harder for Denis.
"God only knows how it will all end."