By RICHARD WILLIAMS
28 December 2006
MEL
PEJIC believes there is all to play for when Wrexham take on his former club
Hereford United at Edgar Street on Saturday.
Although a Hereford legend, where he
holds the club record for most appearances, Wrexham physio Pejic will be in the
opposite corner on Saturday hoping to see the Reds build on their three-match
unbeaten run.
Opponents Hereford, back in the Football League following a nine-year absence,
are currently in a creditable 10th position and chasing a play-off berth while
Wrexham need points to continue their quest to move up the table, and Pejic is
expecting a competitive match.
“I am looking forward to the game and it will be a good test for us. Hereford
have had a decent first season back in the Football League and will be looking
to push on after some good recent results,” said Pejic today.
“But likewise, we want to get something out of it. We need points too and will
be looking for the win. It would be nice to get three points and upset a few
people down there!
“It should be a good open game and there is everything to play for even at this
stage of the season. There should be a decent crowd and atmosphere and we want
to continue what we have started.
“We have beaten Darlington and drawn against Rochdale so far over the festive
period. We play Accrington Stanley on Saturday so at least a repeat of that in
our next two games would make it a fairly successful time.”
The match will also mark a first for the Pejic household.
Mel’s son Shaun is a centre-back at Wrexham and was born in Hereford but has not
played for the Reds at Edgar Street in the two competitive matches between the
sides this millennium.
And Pejic senior admits he enjoys trips back to Hereford: “I suppose there is a
double edge to it because it might be Shaun’s first competitive match at Edgar
Street.
“Shaun has played there in friendlies but I don’t think he did when we faced
Hereford in the two cup games,” said Pejic, referring to the LDV Vans Trophy
triumph and FA Cup defeat in the last few years.
“I always remember Shaun running out as a mascot when I was there so it will be
nice for him, playing at the ground where his old man spent most of his playing
career.
“I have been back to Hereford quite a few times as a player and staff-wise, and
it is always nice returning to Edgar Street and seeing some of the people who
are still around from when I was there.
“I think the fans remember me – well I was there 11 years or so and played more
games for Hereford than anyone else – but time moves on and it is15 years since
I left. They don’t see as much of me except when I am running on the pitch for
injuries.
“I had some good times and thoroughly enjoyed it at Hereford. I would not have
stayed there as long as I did if I didn’t. I am looking forward to the game.”
Wrexham have endured a torrid time with injuries this season with Pejic’s
treatment room being kept well occupied.
As well as suspended Steve Evans, a number of players including Neil Roberts,
Mark Jones and Juan Ugarte will be missing at Hereford due to injury, and Pejic
added: “It has been a frustrating time of late. Just a few weeks ago it looked
as though those with long term injuries would be back and would get a few games
over Christmas, so it has been disappointing.
“It has been a busy time and I just hope we don’t pick up anything more in the
next couple of games. But a lot of clubs have got injuries, it is part and
parcel of the game.”