Wrexham Evening Leader

Reds can still do it says Ryan

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

21 December 2006

Ryan ValentineRYAN VALENTINE is adamant Wrexham still have the potential to feature in the League Two play-off picture, but only if they can come through the busy Christmas and New Year period unscathed.

Wrexham have been rocked by a host of injuries throughout their present campaign and Valentine, a former fans’ favourite at Saturday’s opponents Darlington, admitted he had never known so many injuries at one club in such a short space of time.

“It’s just been one after another all season,” he said. “It’s even been as bad as getting one player back and then losing two others. I’ve never known anything like this before at any club I’ve been at.”

And Wrexham-born Valentine, who grew up in Chirk, has also had his share of injury woes this season.

“I got an injury as well earlier in the season, when I did my groin. And then when I came back we had wins over Stevenage and Lincoln City, so I was left on the bench for a couple of games.

“It happens and you have to accept it. But I’m back now and really looking forward to the game this Saturday.

“We have a busy few weeks coming up. I think it is something like five or six games in just two and a half weeks, so a lot is going to depend on how we get on over Christmas and New Year.

“If we can come through with three or four wins, or at least make sure we don’t get beaten, then we could maybe still reach the play-offs. If we can get enough players back from injury and keep them fit then we can certainly challenge.”

Valentine, 24, admitted the pull of his home town club had been too much to turn down, despite being offered an extension to his contract at Darlington.

He said: “I had a great couple of years up in Darlington and I’ve actually spoken to a couple of the lads this week, to start the banter. But when I knew Wrexham were interested in me then I had no doubt at all about coming home.

“I really enjoyed myself up there, but as soon as I heard Wrexham were interested in me that made my mind up. It was an easy decision to make.”

One player in particular Valentine has already started the banter with is former Wrexham winger Neil Wainwright.

“Neil’s a good lad, I’ve already had a word with him,” said Valentine. “I’m not sure if he’s going to be right wing and I’m going to be at left back, but he’ll certainly be looking forward to the game as well.”

Valentine’s early season form did not go un-noticed by national coach John Toshack, who gave him a call up to join the squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Slovakia and Cyprus.

Valentine added: “First and foremost I want to do well for Wrexham, but if my form means I get noticed by Wales then all the better. There are a few of the lads here that have been in and out of the Wales set up and it just shows we have some quality players here.

“That’s why I am certain that if we can get the lads back fit then we can make a charge up the table.”

Wrexham will be hoping to continue their good run at home this weekend against Darlington, especially after missing out on two points in a 1-1 draw with League Two leaders Walsall last week.

Former Wrexham favourite Hector Sam put the Saddlers ahead, but as a mark of respect for his previous club he refused to celebrate, but Valentine said he wasn’t sure if he would be able to show the same level of restraint if he got on the scoresheet against Darlington.

He said: “I wasn’t here at the same time that Sam was and don’t know if he enjoyed it at Wrexham or not, but it was a nice mark of respect to the fans and the club from him.

“I’m not too sure if I would be able to do the same, I don’t score that many and I need to celebrate them when I get the chance.”