JON NEWBY has been released by Wrexham.

Striker Newby had been on a month-to-month deal at Wrexham since the start of the season and made two starts as well as nine substitute appearances in the league without scoring.

But the 28-year-old has been out of action since injuring a hamstring in the defeat at former club Bury a month ago.

And Wrexham manager Denis Smith today explained the reasons for Newby ending his association with the Reds.

“Jon’s deal came to an end today and he has now finished with us,” said Smith. “Jon does not want to sign another contract because he wants to be available to join another club when the transfer window opens in January.

“It did not happen for Jon here. He was involved in a lot of games for someone I did not offer a contract to, but that was because of the situation here with injuries. He was involved and came on as substitute in quite a few games and did okay – he is a good pro.

“The lad can play but he needs a full contract and the chance to blossom but I have got that many strikers here – well, I did have a week ago.”

Smith was referring to the fact that frontmen Juan Ugarte and Neil Roberts, who both made substitute appearances in Saturday’s defeat at Boston United, have fresh injury concerns.

Roberts is troubled with a recurring ankle injury while Ugarte is having problems with a hamstring.

On top of that, Lee McEvilly, who did not travel to Boston because of a chest infection, only returned to training yesterday and on-loan striker Kevin Smith, who has scored twice in his last three matches, is receiving treatment for a knee injury sustained in the weekend defeat.

Smith arranged today’s friendly against Macclesfield reserves to give McEvilly, Ugarte and Roberts the chance to build up match fitness and said there was a chance that youngster MarcWilliams could be involved in Saturday’s clash against League Two leaders Walsall at The Racecourse.

But Smith has not ruled out changing the system for the visit of the Saddlers, with midfielder Mark Jones also sidelined with a knee injury: “The three players we sorted the game out for will not be playing against Macclesfield,” said Smith.

“I only have one striker in Chris Llewellyn unless I bring Marc in.

“Lee McEvilly was back in training yesterday and might be available, but he is nowhere near match fit. You saw what happened with Juan and Neil on Saturday. They played 30 minutes but it killed them.

“I am thinking about changing the system and have got three in mind. We will see what we can do.”

Jones was replaced by Levi Mackin on the right side of midfield against Boston but he also has an ankle injury.

Matty Done, who continues his comeback from an ankle injury by facing Macclesfield today, and Josh Johnson could line-up on the flanks against Walsall but Smith is wary about playing two out-and-out wingers.

“They are both inexperienced and it could be risky,” added Smith. Steve Evans, who was red-carded at Boston and will now serve a fourmatch ban, was given a run-out against Macclesfield along with Michael Jones, Simon Spender, Gareth Evans, Ryan Valentine, Matty Crowell, Done and Williams.

The closing date for the Wrexham Supporters Trust raffle is rapidly approaching. Everyone who has had tickets to sell for the Trust is asked to return them before 5pm on Friday. They can be dropped off at the club shop, or posted to: Wrexham Supporters Trust, PO Box 2200, Wrexham LL12 9WG

The draw will take place on Friday evening at the Changing Rooms Restaurant. Those attending can bring their raffle tickets along then.