Wrexham Evening Leader

New Year - New Team

28 December 2004

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

Denis Smith

There is a lot to look forward to in the second half of the season

DENIS SMITH is looking forward to more of his injured players making their comebacks from injury in the New Year.

The Wrexham manager, whose plans have been thwarted by injuries this season, was preparing for today's League One clash against Chesterfield at The Racecourse (3pm) and was able to lame an 18 man squad.

Smith had no fresh injury worries following Boxing Day's 1-1 draw at Bradford City, though midfielder Scott Green is unlikely to figure again as he is still struggling with a groin strain. But with three of the last four long term injured players set to return next month, it makes a pleasant change for Smith who says fans will have a lot to look forward to in the New Year.

"I was hoping Scott would be available to face Chesterfield but he's trained again and felt his groin. He's got no chance," said Smith.

"The good thing is that Carlos Edwards, Danny Williams and Dean Bennett have all been out training and could be back in two or three weeks. That will be like having three new players back.

"When we start getting players back, that little bit of experience, that little bit extra, hopefully they will give us the extra goals we need to push us on.

"We have got a lot of good players to come back into the side and once we get the injuries out of the way, we should see the benefit out on the pitch - hopefully starting against Chesterfield.

"There is a lot to look forward to in the second half of the season."

A last minute penalty from Chris Armstrong earned Wrexham a point at Bradford, and Smith will take a late check on his players in the lead up to kick-off before deciding whether to name an unchanged side.

Smith praised his players for their never say die attitude at Bradford and in the end was happy with a point.

He added: "I would have liked the three points but I was happy with one. We kept at it and got our reward in the end. The attitude of the players has been first class. I changed the team around a bit and I think we looked solid.

"I'll see how the players are and whether any have suffered any reaction after the match and training yesterday.

"I imagine the team will be similar to that at Bradford but could make one or two changes to give us fresh legs. We have had a busy period where I was not able to tinker with things but now I have the opportunity to do that.

"All at once we are getting players back."

Wrexham continue their holiday programme on Saturday - New Year's Day - when they host Blackpool at The Racecourse (3pm) before travelling to Sheffield Wednesday, on Monday (3pm).

WREXHAM (from) Dibble, Pejic, Roberts, Lawrence, Whitley, Mackin, Ferguson, Smith, Holt, Armstrong, Llewellyn, Ugarte, Sam, Spender, Morgan, Michael Jones, Crowell, Mark Jones.