By Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
21 December 2007
NEIL
TAYLOR is adamant Wrexham have to pick points over the festive period or run the
risk of being left behind in the race to avoid the drop.
Young defender Taylor, who has been drafted into the first team after some
impressive performances in pre-season and has kept his place since Brian Little
took charge of the team following Brian Carey’s demotion, is confident the
Dragons can climb away from the danger zone.
After a promising beginning under Little’s leadership where they picked up five
from a possible nine points, Wrexham have since lost their last two outings
against fellow strugglers and have dropped back into the bottom two relegation
places.
But with plenty of points on offer over the seasonal period 18-year-old Taylor
is confident better times are ahead for the club.
"This is a massive time for every club," he said. "And it is vital we pick some
points up over Christmas and New Year or we could be left behind.
"We have got to start picking up more points, simple as that really. I think the
gaffer summed up our performance very well last week, that we looked really
shaky when we went ahead and started to panic.
"In the second half we just didn’t look confident and it is something we have
got to sort out quickly. It’s one of those things that I suppose just like
winning is a bit of a habit, losing can also be a habit to get into and it’s
something we have got to break."
Taylor, who hails from Ruthin, was only offered a professional contract in the
summer and admits it has been a huge step up from the youth and reserve teams –
not only in terms of ability but also attitude.
"It has been quite tough to make the step up," he added. "Physically it’s very
different and the pace of the game as well.
"When you’re playing for the youth team or the reserves you want to do well and
play well, but it doesn’t matter quite as much where you finish at the end of
the season, but with the first team that is all that matters really.
"I have to admit that with at the start of the season I was hoping more than
believing I would get a run in the side, but it’s great that the manager has
given me some games and then also the new manager coming in as well has kept
faith in me.
"He has also brought in Wes (Baynes) and just shows if you’re good enough then
you’re old enough."
"Wes is a good mate of mine, we’re the same age and came through the age groups
together and it’s nice to have him in the defence and doing so well."