Wrexham must now do things right way

By Andrew Gilpin, Daily Post

23 April 2008

IT’S easy to say Wrexham’s on-field problems have all come about since they sacked Denis Smith.

But they have.

Smith may not have had the side playing well, but he would have kept them safe from relegation last term.

Then they could have removed him in the close season and brought in the right boss with time to bring in the right players.

But the owners panicked, they sacked him, ignored Darren Ferguson (now winning promotion with Peterborough) and went for Brian Carey, a giant of a captain, but a largely anonymous coach.

He needed an experienced right-hand man. He got the youth-team coach.

When he kept them safe from relegation – on the last day no less – they let their heart rule their heads and gave him the job full time.

By the time they put their hands in their pockets and brought in an experienced man, the damage was done.

Journeymen players had the security of long deals, and their contribution this year has been minimal. In some cases it’s been hopeless.

Brian Little’s had the backing and the support of the fans, but he’s lacked the time. Now the club needs to use relegation as a rallying point.

They must get rid of the dead wood, find some rough diamonds in the youth team and Welsh Premier and then give them the time to establish themselves.

Going down to the conference can be a watershed – just ask League One high-flyers Carlisle.

It can toughen sides up and get them used to winning. But it can also be the graveyard of clubs.

The owners need to keep their nerve, keep the budget and the manager – then Wrexham can turn it to their advantage.