Brian Carey - We must perform at home
By Andy Gilpin, Daily Post
20 October 2007
UNDER-PRESSURE
Wrexham boss Brian Carey has warned his players ahead of this afternoon’s home
match with Barnet that he won’t except anyone playing in a comfort zone.
The Dragons came within a couple of minutes of a third win in four games at
Macclesfield last weekend, but threw it away by conceding two goals in added
time – a result which prompted club chairman Neville Dickens to admit that time
was running out for the beleaguered boss.
“Given the start we made to the season, a victory at Macclesfield would have
represented real progress,” said Carey yesterday.
“That’s what we believed and we expected we would build on that, but those two
late goals were ridiculous and we’ve simply put more pressure on ourselves for
what is our first home match since the Chesterfield game.”
Forced into at least two changes from last week’s starting line-up – Danny
Williams is injured and loan signing Robbie Garrett must serve a one-match ban
following his dismissal at Moss Rose – the Dragons boss is also contemplating a
further shake-up.
Although no new reinforcements have been recruited this week, the search for
loan signings will continue.
“I don’t think we are far off turning our fortunes around,” added Carey. “But,
unless we get rid of our soft centre it’s going to carry on as before and that’s
not going to be allowed.
“We’ve not been able to do anything in terms of signing players yet but they are
out there and we need to freshen up our squad.
“We need to shake up the players here to make sure they realise this is not a
comfort zone and we will take the steps necessary to make sure the message is
taken on board.”
Williams, who lasted just 45 minutes last weekend before succumbing to a back
injury, is due to see a specialist in the next few days and could be out of
action for several weeks.
Carey said: “The problem has been niggling Danny for some time now and he
deserves credit for sometimes playing through the pain barrier for us.
“He’s not the sort of person to cry off for the merest thing. He’ll be missed
because he has done well for us since he dropped back from midfield into
defence.”
The likely replacement is Wales under-21 defender Mike Williams, who scored a
goal in Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat of Malta at the Racecourse, a match that also
featured Dragons defender Neil Taylor.
Both are in contention this afternoon, with Ryan Valentine still unavailable due
to a groin strain, and Carey has faith in the two youngsters.
“They both did well in midweek and I’d like to think Mike, who is well capable
of scoring goals, could help us out as well in that department,” he added.
“He once scored four in a game from the back and we need players in all
positions chipping in with goals.
“Neil came on late in the game against Malta and looked as solid as ever and
I’ve one or two other decisions to make about certain positions.”
There is a question mark over keeper Anthony Williams’ place, with Michael Jones
a possible starter.
Barnet, unbeaten in their last eight matches, were held 1-1 at home last weekend
by bottom club Mansfield Town. Their goal came from substitute Liam Hatch – his
second in successive games – which put him in line for a start at the
Racecourse.
Boss Paul Fairclough has Giuliano Grazioli available following a loan spell at
AFC Wimbledon and midfielder Josh Wright, who was on duty for England under-19s
last weekend.