Wrexham Evening Leader

Brian Little says 'bee' yourselves

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

12 December 2007

Brian LittleBRIAN LITTLE insists a change of manager at Brentford would not affect Wrexham's preparations for Saturday's match against the Bees.

Brentford yesterday parted company with manager Terry Butcher by mutual consent following the Bees' recent poor run of form.

Former England captain Butcher's seven month reign has come to an end after seeing Brentford lose their last five league games, including a 7-0 defeat at Peterborough United, and failing to score a goal for 520 minutes.

Andy Scott, Butcher's former assistant, has been named as caretaker manager and will take charge for the first time against Wrexham.

But Little's only concern is what happens at Wrexham.

"My first thought is for Terry," said Little today. "It is never nice, but I have been in this game for a long while and this is the nature of the game.

"Our preparation will be the same as before.

"We will just focus on ourselves but it can go both ways on Saturday. Sometimes in games like this when there has been a change, the first 30 minutes are important.

"If we can get on top they might feel sorry for themselves. On the other hand, Brentford might find that extra spirit from somewhere.

"It gives an extra edge to the game.

"Brentford have acted in a positive way. They have said it is time to do something different, and to see if something different works for them.

"It shakes everybody up and keeps them on their toes. We have to be aware of that."

Opponents Brentford are four points and four places above second from bottom Wrexham who do have a game in hand.

And Little, whose side go into the match having picked up four points from three consecutive away games, losing the last outing 3-0 at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday, admitted it is an important clash for the Reds who he says will be fully prepared.

"It was a hard week but it could have been a lot worse," said Little.

"We were disappointed the game against Dagenham went against us but there is no reason to change our mentality.

"I am genuinely looking forward to the Brentford game and I hope we do well when it comes.

"We still feel fresh and focused about things.

"This is a big game for us. Brentford are going to be up for this after making the positive decision to try and turn their season around.

"We have to be ready for them.

"We did some good, honest work yesterday and the game plan today, tomorrow and Friday is to make sure we are ready for Saturday. There is no reason to change that."

Wrexham are allowing fans attending the game the chance to buy advances tickets for reduced prices.

And Little, who praised the supporters who made the long trek to Dagenham, hopes they continue to get behind his side.

"I am hoping for a good crowd on Saturday," said Little. "No-one felt worse than us on Saturday. There were a couple of hundred people who had come all that way to support us. We know we played poorly but we tried to put it right.

"We need the crowd's help in games like this. I am sure they will come and it is up to us to get them on the edge of their seats and to get them behind us.

"I am sure they know and can see that we are trying to do our best."

Striker Michael Proctor also paid tribute to Wrexham's travelling contingent at Dagenham and welcomed the cut price ticket idea.

"It should be a decent crowd. The fans have been fantastic this season," said Proctor. "Even at Dagenham, they made the long journey and the weather was terrible, and they were still signing in chanting throughout the whole game.

"It is great that the club is giving something back to supporters and hopefully it will be a big crowd."