retired_britty

June 12th, 2006

Today gives us one of the most entertaining days of games, with Italy defeating Turkey, thanks to two goals from Gennaro Gattuso to skate, 2-0. Iran and Chile manage a 2-2 draw, and Portugal simply cannot manage to slip a second past Colombia, and settle for a 1-1 draw.

June 13th, 2006

Brazil and Spain win again today, Brazil defeating Jamaica 1-0, while Spain cruise past Mali 2-0.

We’re trying to negotiate a deal with Anderlecht today for the services of out-of-favor Russian striker Anatoly Guerk, which is proving to be a tall order, at best. Their demands of $1.5M over the next 24 months are steep, but, if Guerk’s contract demands are reasonable, we might be able to swing it.

June 14th, 2006

England grab another three points today, defeating Serbia 2-0 to ensure qualification for the knock-out stages. The same can be said for the United States, as the boot of DaMarcus Beasley ensures another three points and a trip to the knock-out stages for the second straight time.

June 15th, 2006

This World Cup definitely hasn’t been one for the spectators so far, with the “beautiful game” nowhere to be found as Japan defeats Russia today. And it’ll be another horrific World Cup campaign for France, as they’re eliminated from competition at the first hurdle again, losing 1-0 to Uruguay today.

June 17th, 2006

Manchester United’s Jami Puustinen is apparently no longer wanted by the heads at Manchester United, and is being offered to all interested parties at a cut-rate price of $300K. Of course, we’re interested in the 21-year old Finn, so we place an inquiry to Manchester today.

Meanwhile, Croatia and Nigera play to a 1-1 draw in Group D today, whilst Mexico and Ireland play the game of the tournament so far, a thrilling 4-2 victory for the Tricolores. Germany and Holland play to another 1-1 draw in Group E, and South Korea and Cameroon play to a droll 0-0 draw.

June 18th, 2006

Another droll day of World Cup action today, as Colombia and Romania play to a 0-0 snoozer in Group F. Portugal manages a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, and Denmark is unable to overcome Ghana, walking away with a point after another 0-0 draw. Lastly, a single last-minute goal from Fernando Cavenaghi spares Argentina an embarrassing draw with Honduras.

June 19th, 2006

Turkey records a 2-0 victory over Iran today, while Italy marks a 1-0 victory over Chile thanks to a fine 25-yard curler from Alessandro del Piero that seals the win.

June 20th, 2006

For his fine service to the club, Stephen Hughes walks away from the dinner this evening with the Supporter’s Player of the Year award in his possession. The really good news from the board however is that, along with the $1.1M in TV rights the team will be collecting, we’ve turned a healthy profit last year, and will have $2.5M to spend on the transfer market this year. Now, we can shift our view to survival in the Championship.

Jamaica beats Mali 1-0 today as the Group Stage of the World Cup begins to wrap up, and Robinho’s sole goal allows Brazil to overcome Spain, 1-0. The United States gives a good account of themselves in a evenly contested 0-0 draw with England. Lastly, Morocco dooms Serbia & Montenegro to an atrocious, winless, goaless World Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory.

June 21st, 2006

A 2-2 draw with Japan puts another unhappy end to another dismal World Cup campaign for France today, not advancing to the knock-out stages for the second time in a row. Meanwhile, Russia’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay ensures they’ll make it through to the next round. A 2-0 loss to Croatia sends Ireland crashing out of the tournament, while Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Mexico sees them make it through to the next stage.

Meanwhile, Jami Puustinen agrees terms to a $18K a year contract as we agree terms with Manchester United for his services. We’ll be paying $300K over the next 24 months for the striker, who will spend a few months in our reserve side before he’ll hopefully make the jump up to the first team. Jami already spent years in the Manchester reserves, and he’s expressed his desire not to spend another year in the reserves here. He won’t.

Players In:
Jami Puustinen (21 y/o, Finnish, S C)

June 22nd, 2006

The transfer news that doesn’t make the front page is about another Manchester United prospect that is being ushered out he door in the wake of new manager Guus Hiddink’s appointment as head of the Red Devils. Giuseppe Rossi is rated pretty well by my scouts, but the price tag of $2.2M is way out of our league. Maybe we’ll be able to work something out, but I doubt it.

It seems that it’s not until just recently that teams have begun understanding the urgency with which they should be playing as the Group Stage comes to a close. Group E is turned upside down today, as Holland is eliminated by Cameroon as the Africans manage a 1-0 victory to send the two-times runners-up out of the tournament. Meanwhile, South Korea turns in a stunning performance, thrashing the hosts 5-3 to send the Germans out of the competition thanks to two awful own goals.

Colombia records a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, while Portugal will miss out on the next round of play, after losing 2-0 to Romania.

June 23rd, 2006

The last day of the Group Stage of the World Cup comes to pass today, as Italy defeats Iran 3-0, and Turkey defeats Chile 3-2 to send both teams through to the knockout stages of the competition. Argentina defeats Denmark 2-0, while Honduras manages a 3-2 win over Ghana, which means the knockout stages of the competition will shape up like this.

United States v. Brazil
England v. Spain
Uruguay v. Nigeria
Croatia v. Russia
South Korea v. Colombia
Romania v. Cameroon
Italy v. Honduras
Turkey v. Argentina

June 24th, 2006

It’s a matter of national pride to watch the United States take on Brazil today as the knockout stages begin. While completely outmatched on paper, the U.S. puts up a amazing defensive performance, stifling the Brazilian attack at every point, frustrating the prodigious talent of Brazil and forcing the game into extra time. All 30 minutes of extra time are played, as neither side can find a winner, a fact that will reflect rather badly on Brazil, as the U.S. had managed to end up three men down, after losing two men to injury after making all their substitutions, and seeing Ben Olson be sent off in the 114th minute. Sadly, quality does tell in the end, the U.S. unable to even make a single one of its penalties, eliminated 3-0 by the Brazilians in the end. Still, it’s a admirable performance, I think.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s Andrew Johnson marks his 7th cap for England in style, scoring both goals in England’s 2-0 victory over Spain. It’s disappointment again for the Spaniards, as they come up short in yet another international competition, while England can now look on to the Quarter-Finals in the hope that this year may end in better results than the 2002 campaign.

June 25th, 2006

More penalty drama today, as Croatia edges Russia 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular and extra time. The lack of a goal in this game is stunning, as opposed to the USA-Brazil game, this one is all about attacking verve. The teams combine to take 18 shots on target, and never managing to get one in. Man of the Match Igor Akinfeev earns the plaudit, although he surely would’ve preferred to advance instead.

Uruguay takes out Nigera 2-0 today, as the Nigerians just can’t seem to find an answer for the defending of Paolo Montero, who simply shuts down any Nigerian attacks who cross his path, leading by example as Uruguay cruises into the quarter-finals, thanks to goals from Walter Pandiani and Javier Chevantón.

June 26th, 2006

With so many skilled players on this side of the channel utterly out of our price range, I’m looking to our neighbors to the south today, as French First League side Rennes is looking to offload Senegalese midfielder Amadou Makhtar N’Diaye ASAP. Thankfully for us, his contract comes up at the end of the season, meaning we can sign him on a Bosman come July 1st. We present a contract to his agent, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

In the World Cup, now three of the six games played have ended in penalties, as Romania edges Cameroon 3-0. Romania should’ve won the game in regular time, and it’s only due to their strikers profligate ways that they don’t walk away with a victory after 90 minutes. 3-0 is the score in penalties, as Romania are looking to put together the kind of World Cup run some have said the team is capable of.

South Korea are making it two straight competitions with good results, defeating Colombia 3-1 today, goals from Park Ji-Sung and a brace from Cha Doo-Ri overcoming Juan Pablo Angel’s solitary strike for the Colombians.

June 27th, 2006

Amadou Makhtar N’Diaye agrees terms today to a $100K a year contract that will have him leave France for England when the transfer window opens. Good news indeed. And we don’t have to pay a penny. Domestically, however, I’ve got my eye on Bournemouth’s Curtis Allen. Rated rather well by my scouts, I’ve had him on my shortlist all year, and Bournemouth, apparently, haven’t been able to work out a new contract with the 17-year old striker. He’s currently unprotected, so I send a fax off to his agent, inquiring about bringing him to Wrexham for these formative years of his life.

More World Cup action today, as Turkey throws a wrench into the works, pulling off a stunning 2-0 upset of Argentina today. Not to say that the Turks did all that much, their two goals both came from Argentina own-goals, one from Roberto Ayala and another from Pablo Cavallero. Despite out-shooting the Turks 8-2, Argentina can’t overcome its own stupid mistakes, and will go home early once again. Italy however, prevent another serious upset, calmly dispatching Honduras 2-0 with goals from Francesco Totti and Marco Di Vaio before shutting down the Hondurans completely. This is setting up for an interesting end to the tournament, as, of the eight teams remaining, only four (England, Brazil, Italy and Uruguay) have won the World Cup.

June 30th, 2006

The favorites pass through again today, as England continue their drive for their first World Cup triumph in 40 years with a penalty victory over Uruguay today. Defeating the South Americans 4-1 on penalties, they’re through to the Semi-Finals now, one step closer to their goal. This could be the year that Beckham and Co. finally bring a trophy back to England.

Meanwhile, Brazil strolls past Croatia in a 1-0 victory that doesn’t tell half of the match’s story. The Brazilians dominated from start to finish, peppering Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa with 13 shots before the final whistle blew. Emerson’s 14th-minute header made the difference, but it certainly can be argued that Brazil should’ve walked out of this one with a much, much larger scoreline behind them.

July 1st, 2006

With the team back in training and awaiting their first friendly fixture, I make a visit to Alex Hamilton’s office today for a chat about the future of the team. There’s a bit of smiling and laughing, as we look at how far this team has come, from a side on the verge of liquidation to LDV Vans Trophy Champions and winners of League One. He offers me some of his selection of liquors, as we discuss the future season ahead of us, which, we both agree, is going to be rough. The Championship may not be the Premiership, but it’s a serious test for teams from League One to deal with, what with established powerhouses like West Ham, Ipswich, Millwall and Leicester frequently lingering around. Against some of the talent collected here, we are, frankly, outmatched, and both of us understand that we’ll be in the relegation fight this year, like it or not. That said, Mr. Hamilton would very much like to consolidate on last year’s success by staying up this year, as would I.

We take a step towards that today, as Labinot Harbuzi makes me a very happy man, agreeing to join us on Loan until the end of the season from Manchester United. Harbuzi, who was bought by ManU for a tiny $1.2M back in January is a great prospect, and there’s no doubt in my mind as to whether he’ll be a feature in our offense.

More join him today, as Wrexham welcomes four new faces to the Racecourse Ground. Amadou Makhtar N’Diaye, Hugo Rolladega, Francesco Lodi and Curtis Allen all join the squad today.

Players In:
Francesco Lodi (22 y/o, Italian, AM C)
Amadou Makhtar N’Diaye (24 y/o, Senegalese, DM C)
Hugo Rolladega (20 y/o, Colombian, S C)
Curtis Allen (17 y/o, Northern Irish, S C)

Loans In:
Labinot Harbuzi (20 y/o, Swedish, AM C)

Finally, this evening, both Italy and South Korea advance to the Semi-Finals of the World Cup, Italy defeating Romania 2-1 in a match that saw Daniele De Rossi score the two goals that sent the Italians into the Semi-Finals once more. South Korea go the way of the penalty, defeating Turkey 3-0 on penalties after yet another 0-0 draw through regulation. Already, this is being hailed in the media as the single most boring World Cup ever, and, save for a few matches, I’m having a hard time disagreeing.

July 4th, 2006

Floribert N’Galula hasn’t made his spectacular break into the Manchester United first team quite yet, so we’re happy to welcome him with open arms back into the Red Dragons fold.

Players In:
Floribert N’Galula (19 y/o, Belgian, D/DM C)

The Semi-Finals of the World Cup begin today with Italy facing off against Brazil in what certainly must be considered the marquee matchup of the two, as, in the other fixture, it’s surprise package South Korea vs. England. As Italy and Brazil kick off, for a game so highly lauded as a match between footballing royalty, there’s not all that much to this one. Italy are attempted to stifle Brazil’s attack, while the Brazilians look to keep Italy on their back foot with their attacking play. The two sides serve to basically nullify each other for 90 minutes, the only real chance coming when Juninho’s 30-yard banana shot is parried around the post by Buffon. Things become a bit more interesting in extra-time, Ronaldinho narrowly missing a goal as his shot shaves the post, and a goalmouth scramble preventing Francesco Totti from sending the Italians through to the final once more. It takes penalties, once more, to make a decision between the sides, and Brazil have the nerve to go through, a 3-2 victory pushing them into the Finals once more.

July 5th, 2006

Two goals from Michael Owen and a third from Andrew Johnson puts an end to South Korea’s World Cup run and sends England through to its first World Cup final since 1966. Despite Lee Chun-Soo opening the scoring on 17 minutes, England never looked anything but confident in their display today, man of the match Andrew Johnson coming on for an injured Wayne Rooney and adding to the hype surrounding his name by crushing home a 59th-minute penalty and assisting on both of Owen’s goals.

retired_britty

July 6th, 2006

Patrick McCarthy was recently let go by Manchester City after failing to impress in three separate Loan spells at Bury, Halifax and Yeovil. Normally, I wouldn’t make a bid, but we need a lot more squad depth than we have to compete at this level, so we offer a contract to the Irishman, although there’s no guarantee of a first-team place.

July 8th, 2006

Italy v. South Korea in the Third Place Playoff today, and Alberto Gilardino and Mauro Esposito make sure Italy takes 3rd place for the second time in history. It is, of course, not the ending that the Italians wanted, but much of the media is focused on South Korea, who, with their current crop of players, have made it to the Semi-Finals of the World Cup two times in a row now, a feat made even more impressive that they’ve done it away from friendly soil. Perhaps, is the Asian game finally finding its feet internationally?

Meanwhile, we make two more additions to the Wrexham family today, signing Milan Prso on a free, along with Mahiri Sabandar on a free, as we look to put some youth in our ranks that may actually pan out, rather than the current residents of our youth teams who, sadly, just aren’t going to make the cut.

July 9th, 2006

It’s a clash between the one-time kings and the current masters, as England and Brazil face off for the Jules Rimet trophy today. It’s England’s first visit to the World Cup final since that day in 1966, and Brazil is looking for a stunning sixth World Cup victory. With this game meaning so much to both supporters, especially England, who’d like a chance at revenge for their exit in the 2002 World Cup, the hype around the match today has been non-stop domestically.

The game itself is an entertaining affair, Brazil nearly breaking the deadlock five mintutes in, as only Rio Ferdinand’s diving intervention prevents Robinho from putting the ball into an empty net. But on 18 minutes, Kaká unleashes a blast from 30-yards that it looks like Paul Robinson has covered, only for the ball to take the smallest of glancing bounces off Rio Ferdinand and roll into the back of the net. England’s attempts to get back into the game are valiant, but not quite good enough. Andrew Johnson will certainly rue his mistake, firing just wide of the net on a one-on-one with Dida that would’ve tied the game on 71 minutes. Without that however, England go home empty-handed once more, and Brazil celebrate their sixth World Cup victory.

July 10th, 2006

Fulham were relegated from the Premiership in the 2005/06 season, which means there’s a reasonably skilled team that’s probably going to thrash a number of other, poor teams that happen to be in their way this season. On the upside, they’ve just sold French playmaker Steed Malbranque off to Parma for $8.8M.

We, on the other hand, are continuing my policy of not blowing our transfer kitty right off the bat, signing up exiled Nottingham Forest striker Craig Westcarr on a free transfer today, as I’m hoping we can at least give ourselves enough options in attack to provide a threat to our opponents this year.

Players In:
Craig Westcarr (21 y/o, English, S C)

July 12th, 2006

Friendly – Ramlingen v. Wrexham

Our first friendly of the year, as we try to get the players re-acquainted with one another, mix in the new arrivals, and test out the tactics we’ll be putting to use this year. Ramlingen aren’t a tough side to take on this early, a German amateur team, but the players have to knock the rust off their legs and get ready for another 46-game long campaign. To my pleasure, Francesco Lodi and Hugo Rodallega both tally, a brace for the former as we easily win.

Final Score – Ramlingen 0:3 Wrexham
MoM – Francesco Lodi

After the match, I retreat to my hotel room and beginning going through the legions of unread emails that have piled up. I’ve sent my scouts out to search for talent, primarily an affordable new Center Defender who will want no more than $500K a year in pay. Sadly, the pickings have been slim at best, as finding reasonably skilled players domestically or from foreign nations hasn’t been simple.

July 13th, 2006

Rotherham of League One would like to take Curtis Allen off of our hands for three months on a Loan spell, which I’m entirely agreeable to. If Curtis would like to go, he’s off then.

Of most interest to the press locally is that, despite our movements in the transfer market this year, two of the new additions to my backroom staff are making the most waves. Hany Ramsy, capped 150 times for Egypt in a distinguished career will be helping me behind the scenes here at The Racecourse Ground, while the biggest news is the knowledge that players will be working with Teddy Sheringham, who finally hung up his boots last year, in favor of taking on the game from the backroom. I would’ve grabbed Dennis Bergkamp as well, but the Dutch legend was asking for well more than we could afford in salary, and ended up taking a coaching position back home, at Ajax.

July 17th, 2006

Friendly – Wrexham v. Huddersfield Town

Another good showing from the team today, as Francesco Lodi (Cesco, as he’s been nicknamed by the fans already) notches two goals and Juan Ugarte adds a third as we stroll past a disinterested looking Huddersfield team. So far, the looks I’m getting at the new players have been nothing but promising, which will hopefully bode well for the season ahead of us.

Final Score – Wrexham 3:0 Huddersfield Town
MoM – Francesco Lodi

July 21st, 2006

Chelsea sell of Ricardo Carvalho today, sending the Portugese defender off to Internazionale for $21M. This is not the news of real import to me today, as my secretary hands me a fax today with a familiar emblem in the top right corner. The M, C and F of, of all clubs, Real Madrid, asking about Hugo Rodallega. They want him, ASAP, despite the fact that we quite literally, just got him this month. I’m loathe to give up a player I rate pretty well, but the $2.6M windfall they’re waving under our noses is impossible to resist. I pass along Hugo’s information, since I’ve only spoken with Hugo a few times, but I know that he is very, very ambitious, and turning down a transfer to Real Madrid would absolutely infuriate him.

July 22nd, 2006

No good season goes unpunished, as Celtic come calling today, inquiring about one of our best, Richard Brittain. Their move forces me into an unhappy situation, as I have to immediately start renegotiating terms with Richard, as his current contract has a $500K Minimum Release Fee Clause that I don’t want to make an issue.

July 23rd, 2006

Friendly – Chesterfield v. Wrexham

With Hugo Rodallega almost assured of leaving for Madrid, and me becoming increasingly frustrated with the ridiculous contract demands of some players on the transfer market, I’m glad the team can still concentrate, in some small fashion on the goings on on the field. Chesterfield are far below us talent-wise, and we play like it, although we should do better in the scoring department next time, our lone goal coming from N’Diaye on 18 minutes, a fine strike from the edge of the box that keeps our preseason record at 100%.

Final Score – Chesterfield 0:1 Wrexham
MoM – Amadou Makhtar N’Diaye

July 25th, 2006

And as quickly as he came, he goes. Hugo Rodallega doesn’t even make it a full month at Wrexham, as Real Madrid snap him up today. On the upside, the move is worth fully $2.6M to us, and there’s a 25% of next sale clause tied to it, meaning that, short of Rodallega spending the rest of his career in Madrid, we’ve got some money coming our way down the road.

Players Out:
Hugo Rodallega (21 y/o, Colombian, S C)

July 26th, 2006

Friendly – Hednesdford Town v. Wrexham

The new season is looming just over the horizon now, our first fixture, against Brighton and Hove Albion in 10 days time. So it’s disappointing to see the somewhat lackadaisical approach I’m seeing on the pitch today, but, as I’ve said, the progress some of these players are making is impressive and good enough. We should really win, but we’ll have to settle for a draw, as goals from Labinot Harbuzi and Stephen Hughes prove to be enough to keep us undefeated for the preseason.

Final Score – Hednesford Town 2:2 Wrexham
MoM – Mark Jones

July 27th, 2006

Back on November 27th of 2005, I mentioned that I didn’t want to become to Americans what Rafa Benitez has been to Spaniards at Liverpool, and so on.

It seems I’m a liar.

Today Michael Bradley puts ink to paper on a deal that brings him to Wales for the immediate future from the Metrostars. The move costs us $600K up front fort he 18-year old, a hefty price tag, I know, but I think this kid’s got “it”, as much as any other member of our attack. Hopefully he’ll fill in where Hugo Rodallega would have.

Players In:
Michael Bradley (18 y/o, American, AM/F C)

July 29th, 2006

Friendly – Dumbarton v. Wrexham

Francesco Lodi is continuing to work himself into my good graces, and if he can reproduce even a fraction of this form in the season, we’ll have a very good year indeed. The Italian nets himself a hat-trick today as we end the season in the most stylish way, trouncing Dumbarton. I hope, if anything, these games taught the players that they can play together, and that this team doesn’t necessarily have to get relegated if we play smart and well. 46 games from now, we’ll know.

Final Score – Dumbarton 0:5 Wrexham
MoM – Francesco Lodi

July 31st, 2006

We could still use another player to shore up our defense, and I’d like to do it on the cheap, rather than spending another $500K on a player. Domestically, pickings have been slim however, as negotiations with Manchester United over Spanish central-defender Piqúe had to be canceled when ManU refused to come down from their $600K demands. The same went for Luton, who refused to give up Chris Coyne for anything short of $1.5M.

Sitting in my office, I do a little websurfing, checking the official club website’s message boards for a little “insight”. I always get a kick out of watching the transfer rumors, as fans apparently have us linked with everyone from little-known prospects playing in Estonia to taking Pascal Cygan off of Arsenal’s hands. Little do our fans know that my eyes are actually on the Netherlands. I’d like to pillage the Dutch First Division of some of its good, low-cost talent, preferably in the center of defense.

August 1st, 2006

Only a few days until the new season starts, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, we actually have media attention to think about. What with the bookies releasing their pre-season promotion odds today, a reporter from the Wrexham Mail would like to know whether I think we can stay up with the caliber of players we have. Despite the fact that we’re 50-1 shots to get promoted, I don’t thinking finishing outside of 24th, 23rd, or 22nd is impossible. Those tasks I’d like to leave for Stoke, Gillingham and Brighton, our fellow “relegation battlers”.

From Four Four Two Magazine

Wrexham
[i]Last Season – League One: Champions
FA Cup: Eliminated in Second Round
League Cup: Eliminated in First Round
Top Scorer: Simon Cox (28)

Strengths: Offense. Wrexham are a team centered around their “Attack, attack, attack, and attack” style of play, which allowed them to set a blazing pace for the last 2/3rds of their League One campaign last year. Game after game, they simply outran, outworked, and outshot opponents on the way to victory. When their offense is firing on all cylinders, this is a team to keep an eye out for.
Weaknesses: Defense. Goalkeeper Ryan Esson looked shaky at times last year, despite playing behind a defense that rarely allowed him to be truly tested. Moreover, there are question marks this year about players like Craig Morgan and Dennis Lawrence, who were good enough for League One but may be completely overmatched by the likes of the competition they’ll be facing in the Championship. To win, they’ll have to have none of the concentration lapses that frustrated the team at times last season.
A Lesson From Last Season: Home form is key. The Racecourse Ground must be impregnable if Wrexham want to have an honest shot at staying up, and will have to reproduce some of last year’s form infront of the home fans.
One To Watch: Would’ve been Hugo Rodallega, but Florentino Perez saw an end to that, so it’ll be Francesco Lodi. Wrexham has put together a youth-driven side, which may come to injure them, but the 22-year old Italian has impressed in the preseason, and his adjustment to England and play will certainly be of vital importance to the team.
Any Other Buisness: Wrexham have recently reveloped their training ground and facilites, a much needed change for a team that had a youth system in name only, previously. Rumours have also begun swirling that Chairman Alex Hamilton, who has had, at best, an acrimonious relationship with supporters, may sell the club.

Fan File – Mark Howard – www.red-passion.com
What Has Your Team Got To Look Forward To? Another season clear of administration and happy days ahead.
What Will Be Your Excuse For Failure? We’re not quite ready for the jump yet.
Young Player To Watch? Still Simon Cox. Can’t ignore those goals.
Most Important Player? Stephen Hughes. Vital to our midfield.
Player You Would Most Like To Get Rid Of? Dennis Lawrence. Barely good enough for League One, not nearly skilled enough for the Championship.
Have You Got The Right Manager? Can’t see any reason why I wouldn’t say yes.
What Advice Would You Give Him? Keep it simple, and don’t do anything stupid.
Will He Be There In In May 2007? Undoubtedly.
Are You Happy With The Chairman? Not really.
Which Team Do You Most Want To Beat? Cardiff. Screwing over their promotion plans would be very nice.
Which Opposition Player Will Get The Most Stick? Danny Williams. We didn’t need him anyway.
Where Will You Finish? 20th. Just outside of the relegation places, but most importantly, safe.

The last bit of news today is something I’m particularly proud about, as we bring one of my heroes and a legend to Wrexham to work with me in the backroom. Ever since I took an interest in the game I’ve been a fan of Brian McBride, and I’m very, very happy to appoint him as Coach on the team. I can’t think of a style of player I’d like some of my strikers to emulate more. Well, there is one, and that’s my new Assistant Manager, one Ian Rush. After his stint as Chester, he expressed a desire to stay in Wales and try and get see the game from a slightly less prominent perspective, so I was thrilled to tell my players they’d have a legend of the game working with them on a day-to-day basis.

August 2nd, 2006

$40K later, we sign Alain van de Besselar from FC Eindhoven. That’s the smaller of the two clubs there, if you’re keeping track. Anyway, van de Besselar is a reasonably versatile player, although I’m hoping he won’t be called into duty on the right very often, if at all.

Players In:
Alain van de Besselar (21 y/o, Dutch, D C)

August 3rd, 2006

Our season opener is in two days time, as Brighton will come to visit, followed by Coventry and then a trip to Plymouth. In the meantime, me and my backroom staff are finalizing the squad we’re going to be using this year to, hopefully, grant us a season free of relegation.

We’re all familiar with the guys who have been here however, so let’s take a look at the new faces in Wrexham.

New Faces:

Alain van de Besselar (21 y/o, Dutch, D C): Everyone likes a good defender, especially goalkeepers. Alain is far, far more mature at the back than his age belies, and spent last year being criminally unused at the back at FC Eindhoven last year. Despite his supposed inexperience, when he featured he did well, and my scouts were and still are ga-ga over him. I hope to work him into the squad and have him be the kind of player I can slot in at defense and not be sad about.

Amadou Makhtar N’Diaye (24 y/o, Senegalese, DM C): Tabbed basically for the express purpose of taking over for Andy Roberts, N’Diaye hopefully will put his tireless efforts to work for the club in a beneficial manner. He’s as strong as a bull and goes in for tackles with crunching effect, and I’m expecting him to put fear into opposing midfields all year.

Francesco Lodi (22 y/o, Italian, AM C): I’ve probably got the most invested in this kid. He’s got loads of ability, loads of potential, and I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that our success this year will ride in part on how well he adjusts to life in England, and how well he adjusts on the field as well. Moreover, if he holds up to that level of potential, I hope no club notices his $550K Minimum Release Fee clause.

Michael Bradley (18 y/o, American, AM/F C): Undoubtedly the biggest risk I’ve taken this year, there have been rumors that I may have gone a little too far this year in the transfer market in taking on the youthful American forward. While I understand them, certainly, it’s not going to stop me from chasing players like Freddy Adu, Craig Capano and Justin Mapp, all of whom I feel have long, successful careers ahead of them. Michael isn’t the fastest thing on earth, but he’s got the potential to be something special, and I want to be there for it.

Craig Westcarr (21 y/o, English, S C): An exile from Nottingham Forest, Craig’s position on the team is to fill in where Simon Cox, Juan Ugarte and Michael Bradley won’t up front. He makes for a good backup, a jack of all trades, master of none.

retired_britty

August 5th, 2006

Gameday looms, as the season in what some would call the most important division in England is about to begin. As always, there’s a lot on the line for everyone involved this season, and our goal this year is simple consolidation. The goal for every team in England is to win everything they can, and ours is no different. I’m hoping that, with the rumors of a new chairman coming in swirling around the team, that we can stay focused, if we have to. I know it’s early to make this declaration, but I’m trying to build a Premiership-caliber team here, and relegation at the end of the year won’t help in that regard.

In that regard, here’s a quick look at the other 23 teams we’ll be butting heads with this year.

Blackburn certainly haven’t enjoyed the past few seasons of football, and a disastrous 04/05 campaign saw them relegated to the Championship. Last year was no better, with the team finishing a disappointing 15th place. Over the past two years, the club has watched talents like Jonathan Stead, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Steven Reid all leave for greener pastures, while the club, due to financial constraints has barely spent a penny since the 04/05 season. Somewhat surprisingly, manager Mark Hughes has been in charge through all of it, and, while Blackburn have gone from a surprising 6th-place finish in the Premiership in 02/03 to also-rans in the Championship, he’s expected to stay the club’s steward for another season, barring catastrophe. However, with Brad Friedel aging and top scorer Paul Dickov not getting any younger, the team will be relying heavily on Robbie Savage and Paul Gallagher this year.

Relegation from the Premiership was a bitter pill to swallow for Bolton at the end of the 04/05 season, and last year was no better for the fans to deal with, watching the Wanderers finish 6th, only to lose to Reading in the playoff Semi-Finals. The team is geared for another charge towards the Premiership this year however, having lost none of the key players of their squad. There are rumors that squad captain Jay-Jay Okocha wants out of The Reebok Stadium ASAP, but that has not come to anything yet, so everyone’s expecting another top-six finish.

Brighton were tipped for relegation in 04/05, and managed to escape the drop by a single point. Last year, they improved a bit, going from 21st to 16th. They’re tipped for the drop again this year, but manager Gerry Francis has been doing something special at Brighton. Last year’s Supporters’ Player of the Year, Leon Knight will return, as will midfield star Alexis Nicolas. Moreover, the team are banking on Manchester United exile Phillip Marsh to bloom at Withdean Stadium. Many of the pundits have been repeating that Brighton has been riding a wave of good luck however, a wave that is set to run out this year. Time will tell.

Mid-table mediocrity may not be wanted, but it may be all Bristol City can manage this year. After being promoted in 04/05 from League One, Bristol City stunned all observers, finishing 8th last season. This is arguably because of the skill of Paul Heffernan, who, since joining the club in 2004, has banged home 44 goals for the team. Manager Brian Tinnion has done everything in his power to stave off a season of complacency in Bristol, bringing in Nicky Butt on Loan from Newcastle, and sneaking Welsh international Gareth Roberts on a Free from Tranmere. The potential is there in Bristol, and if anything, a team that sported a 8-7-8 away record last year can make a second top 10 appearance.

Burnley are relegation favorites this year, finishing 21st last year to barely avoid the drop. Inconsistency has plagued the team during Steve Cottereil’s reign, and the team has never put together better than a three game winning streak under his stewardship. In order to avoid the drop, the club has opened their checkbook, bringing in Rohan Ricketts from Tottenham for $1.15M, and signing Brett Ormerod on a Free from Southampton. Much will depend on the play of those two, as the club’s two forwards (other than Ormerod) simply are not good enough to carry the load. Frank Sinclair is well past his sell-by date at the back, and the club may find itself scrabbling for points by January.

Cardiff should’ve been promoted last year, combining one of the best offenses and defenses in the Championship. But a loss to Sunderland (who were eventually promoted) in the playoff Semi-Finals ended that dream and sent the Bluebirds back to the drawing board. Thankfully, the team remains the same from last year. Much will be expected this season of young Sebastian Svärd, bought from Arsenal at the tail-end of last season. He will have to keep the defense protected from the defensive midfield position, while Alan Lee will hope to up his goal tally to 20 from last year’s 18. A return to the playoffs, if not direct promotion is the least that is expected in Cardiff.

19th place in the Premiership will grant you a one-way ticket to the Championship, so Charlton learned last year. An awful campaign, marked by the sacking of Alan Curbishley and the hiring of Bryan Robson saw Charlton fall out of the division they’d worked so hard to get to in 1999/2000. Reverberations from relegation are still being felt, and losing Dennis Rommedahl to Olympiakos surely will impact the offense deleteriously. Much of the team that couldn’t cut it in the Premiership remains, although it is yet to be seen whether that is a good thing or not. Additions like Craig Bellamy and Phil Stamp, along with the continuously strong play of Ireland international Matt Holland is the reason why this squad should be challenging for promotion at the end of the year.

Coventry have been striving for a return to the Premiership, but are finding out year after year that they just can’t quite live up to the hype. The hype has them as promotion contenders once more, but after last year’s 10th-place disappointment, questions are appearing as to whether current manager Mark McGhee can guide the team to success. The team’s purchases continually don’t work out, or turn out to be examples of the team getting fleeced for the umpteenth time. This year’s import is midfielder Christian Negouai from Manchester City, who spent last year on Loan at Q.P.R. and Huddersfield Town, not really impressing. Horrifying as it may be for their fans, this may be another year of the same. On the upside, striker Gary McSheffrey looks set for a breakout season.

Dario Gradi finally saw fit to retire at the end of the 05/06 season, leaving this year as a time of real change at the club, Barnet manager Paul Fairclough hired to replace the legend at Crewe. He has the extreme misfortune of inhereiting a team that had to watch talismanic striker Steve Jones leave the club for Plymouth Argyle. Jones, who was the Supporters Player of the Year two years running will be sorely missed, and what Fairclough will do to replace him is anyone’s guess. Crewe have not spent a penny thus far in the transfer window, meaning Darryl Duffy will be thrust into the limelight as the team’s No. 1 choice at striker. How the 22-year old will hold up is anyone’s guess, but more importantly to the Crewe supporters is whether the team can make a step up. The past two seasons have been spent in 13th place, with nearly identical records. The fans want improvement, but the loss of Jones may be too much to bear.

I always liked Chris Coleman, so seeing him hounded out of his job at Fulham was disappointing. Now managed by Micky Adams, Fulham are a club looking to rearm and rebuild. Much of the club’s best quality has left over the past two years, Mark Pembridge, Carlos Bocanegra, Elvis Hammond and, most importantly, Steed Malbranque have all left. Fulham haven’t sat on their laurels however, bringing in Salif Diao, Massimo Maccarone and Marino Biliskov all in an attempt to make it back to the Premiership. It would seem club Chairman Mohammed Al Fayed is taking the club’s success very seriously now. With Edwin van der Sar still between the sticks, Luis Boa Morte still roaming the left flank and last year’s player of the year Claus Jensen all returning for another go, the only thing that could stop Fulham from promotion is themselves.

As runners-up in League One, Gillingham were promoted right alongside of us last year. Moreover, much like us, they’ve begun building a side for survival, or whatever other finish they might be gifted with. Adding Ryan Nelsen from Blackburn (free transfer) and Allan McGregor from Stoke City ($280K) serve to only improve a club that was, for a long time last year, the best League One had to offer. The fact that prolific scorer Marino Keith will be returning isn’t good news for anyone who’ll have to face the Gills this season. Manager Stan Ternet has proven himself a competent tactician after relegation in 04/05, and this is a Gillingham team that looks determined to avoid the same fate.

Ipswich have flirted with the Premiership for years, which is what made last year’s paltry 19th-place finish all the more stunning on Portman Road. It was an awful year for all involced, and one the club must be looking to improve on, although there have been a lot of questions as to what good the introduction of 36-year old Gary Speed will have on the club. Along with Clive Clark joining from Stoke, the club has strengthened its midfield greatly, and will be relying on Darren Bent and Shefki Kuqi for their offensive punch once more. Manager John Gorman has taken on four defenders on Loan to try and stop the bleeding at the back, the foremost of which being Newcastle’s Titus Bramble, who is hoping to revive a flagging career. Based on luck and consistency, Ipwsich could finish just as badly, or in the playoff places. At least a top-10 finish is expected.

At the New Den, it’s a chance for a new season to begin. Millwall managed promotion in 2004/05, but finished dead last in the Premiership last year, and are now stuck back in the Championship. While noone in the club is happy with the fall from grace, the thinking is that if manager Dennis Wise could get the team to the Premiership once, he should be able to do it again. Such, at least, is the thinking. The additions of David James and Danijel Ljuboja should prove a shot in the arm to the team, the 36-year old James gives the team much needed stability in net, while Ljuboja will be looking to reproduce the earlier years of his career. There are a lot of question marks about this team, most especially whether Marvin Elliott will make the adjustment to first-team play and how much James has left in the tank. While another promotion bid is ideal, the good money is on a finish outside the playoff places.

Nottingham Forest haven’t been lower than the Championship for over 50 years, but came dangerously close last season to losing that distinction, falling to 20th in the Championship at the end of last season, the lowest they’ve been since their last time out of the Championship. Glen Hoddle was hired in February of 2006, and this will be (ostensibly) his first full season at the helm of a club where anything less than a top-10 finish is unacceptable. Thankfully, midfield lynchpin David Friio will be returning, as David Johnson, one of the club’s few reliable scorers, and Wes Morgan, one the club’s best prospects. A serious upturn is needed at Nottingham, and the club, by all means, should rebound.

In Plymouth, the past few years haven’t been anything to cry about. A 7th-place finish followed by a 12th-place finish may not mean a lot of upward movement for Bobby Williamson and his players, but after quickly gaining promotion to the Championship between 2001 and 2004, the two finishes hopefully mean that the team can stay up for another year. To that end, the team have been spending quite a bit to ensure safety from relegation. Steve Jones is a new arrival from Crewe, and Matthias Svensson arrives after a spell at Norwich City. They will form a triumvirate in attack with Colin Nish, bought from Klimarnock as Plymouth looks to do last year one better and manage another top-10 finish. If Keith Lasley has a good season, as he did last year, and Graham Coughlin can continue to organize the back, this hardworking side can once again surprise everyone.

Ian Holloway is steering a team looking for an identity this year. For those that watch Queens Park Rangers there is the knowledge that this season could see them slip into the relegation fight if some improvements are not made. Their 11th-place finish last year was more because of their defense than their offensive skills, they gave up the least goals against in the Championship last year. However, there is rumored to be unrest in the dressing room at Loftus Road, players looking to leave for bigger and better things. Holloway will have work ahead of him to keep things firmly under his thumb and keep the team competitive. With Martin Rowlands and Matthew Rose, the club has two of their best primed and ready to play,

The additions of David Bellion and Felipe Olivera on Loan from Manchester United and Chelsea respectively will hopefully bring a extra amount of punch to the attack at Reading. Manager Steve Coppell is trying to improve on last year, adding Jonathan Fortune from Charlton as well. Last year’s 3rd-place finish was followed by a loss to Sunderland in the Playoff Final, but there are a lot of questions as to whether Reading can make it back to the top of the heap. The expiration date on last year’s top scorer Nicky Forster may have passed this summer, and it will take a concerted team effort to reach the same heights.

Sheffield United spent $5.6M last year on names like Nyron Nosworthy, John Eustace and Ian Moore, and had a 9th-place finish to show for all their spending. Not horrible, but fans in Sheffield have been waiting for one of their teams to make it back to the top flight for years now. David Platt has undertaken this quest, but it may prove to be beyond his abilities, as the club have been dealt a harsh blow during the offseason, star striker Andy Gray leaving for Fulham. With noone immediately on call to fill his boots, a great deal will rely on good play from the rest of the team. Another mid-table season seems to be in the offing.

Stoke City are putting their eggs in one very tall, gangly basket, taking Peter Crouch on Loan from Southampton. The forward is part of Stoke’s concerted attempt to make last season’s playoff final victory and promotion from League One not just a fluke, and to that extent, they’ve also spent $700K on new faces for a new season, Liam Lawrence arriving from Sunderland, and John Curtis arriving from Nottingham Forest. With Neil Mellor surely anxious to reproduce last year’s stunning 24-goal haul, of the promoted clubs, Stoke seems to be the favorite to avoid the drop. Given that they can keep any of their players exiting before the transfer window closes, John Ward should be shooting for a mid-table finish.

Steve Kember was lauded for his efforts in getting Walsall promoted in 2004/05, and for keeping them up in 05/06, with the team finishing 18th. The sensation around Wallsall is that more improvement is coming, which is certainly understandable, as the club have brought in six new faces to Bescot Stadium. Colin Cameron, Sergiy Rebrov, Marc Edworthy, Ricardo Fuller, Darren Young and Aaron Labonte will all be Saddlers this season, and the fans will understandably expect more improvement. With Matty Fryatt set for a breakout season this year, the sky is the limit for Walsall, and a finish in the playoff places isn’t out of the question.

Watford has quietly gone about its business this offseason, re-tooling the team to improve on last year’s 14th-place finish. However, there are already questions being raised about the wisdom of taking on 33-year old Dean Sturrige as a “solution” for the team that had a -8 Goal Differential last season. 18-goal scorer Danny Webber will be back in uniform for another year however, as will John van Loenhout, both of whom will need to link up numerous times this year fort he team to consolidate. However, despite manager Kevin Blackwell’s work (Blackwell is the 3rd manager in the past two years) much of the media feels that Watford will be making a return to League One at the end of the season, whether they like it or not.

West Bromwich Albion being relegated from the Premier Division at the end of 04/05 came as a surprise to noone, but finishing 17th-place last season was a surprise. Richard Money has inherited a team in turmoil, with Jason Koumas and Robert Earnshaw both looking for a way out of what they consider to be a sinking ship. To make matters worse, the club is losing money hand over fist due to the Premiership-level paychecks they’re handing out, and the situation will have to be rectified soon or real trouble could erupt behind the scenes at the Hawthornes. Promotion is wanted, but if W.B.A. aren’t careful, they could find themselves as low as the relegation dogfight.

After being promoted in 2002/03 from League One, Wigan Athletic have fought for every point, managing a 7th, 9th, and 7th finish each of the following years. Paul Jewell has constructed a very strong squad year after year that, despite what the pundits say, continually finds itself in the fight for a playoff place, year after year. This season, they haven’t lost a soul yet, and brought in Graham Alexander from Preston North End on a Free Transfer to further solidify their defense. The team that did so well last year returns again, with Jason Brown only improving in net, and Danny Spiller prepared for his first full season with the club after leaving from Gillingham last season. But there is a bit of bad news, as Jason Roberts, last year’s top scorer is apparently looking to leave the club ASAP for bigger and better things. If he leaves, Wigan may find themselves without a serious offensive threat to their opponents.

retired_britty

English Championship – Game 1: Wrexham v. Brighton & Hove Albion

A new year, a new adventure, and a new season is upon us all here at Wrexham. It’s a gorgeous day at The Racecourse, the sun is out, the pitch is dry, the temperature is just right, and 14,000 fans have filled our stadium near to capacity as we begin what hopefully will be a successful campaign for the 2006/07 season. Everyone knows what’s at stake this year, and while I’m not in the hunt for any silverware at the moment, if we weasel our way into grabbing some trophy this year, I certainly won’t complain.

Brighton certainly won’t give us any ground here, but, with four players making their bow for Wrexham today, all I want now is cohesion and good, hard play. We’ll worry about the details once we’re a team.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, Simek, van de Besselar, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Bradley, Cox

There are goals in the offing from the beginning of today’s match, and it’s either team’s place to start scoring as we begin. Sadly for Brighton, the first break goes against them today, as Hughes’ cross into the box is latched onto by Cox, only for the youngster to be cruelly brought down by Calum Davenport inside the area. The ref rightfully points to the spot, Hughes steps up and holds his nerve, firing just past Ben Roberts’ outstretched hands and into the net for the day’s first goal.

We dominate possession for the first half, but just can’t turn it into goals, Cox hitting the post on 31 minutes with a header, and Brittain unfortunate to see Roberts smartly palm a curling 20-yarder around the post just before the half. Meanwhile, Brighton are looking timid in their attacks, and N’Diaye is causing havoc for their offensive plans. Our backline is rarely called into service in anything other than a supporting role for the first 60 minutes of play.

Our pressure seemingly just can’t find a fissure in Brighton until, on 63 minutes, Hughes’ corner into the box is cleared away by Leon Knight. It would seem all is as it should be until the ref charges towards the box, pointing at the spot, claiming Knight went up unfairly with van de Besselar. Up steps Hughes once more, and he holds his nerve again to put things out of reach for Brighton.

Labinot Harbuzi comes on as a sub for Lodi on 77 minutes, and immediately hits the crossbar with a shot, but outside of that, we just can’t seem to slip an “honest” goal past Roberts. All credit to him then, but it’s a happy three points for us and hopefully, the start of something special.

Final Score – Wrexham 2:0 Brighton & Hove Albion
MoM – Stephen Hughes

The news after the game is for the most part, good, save for the revelation that Michael Bradley suffered a calf strain during the match and will be ruled out for roughly two weeks of play.

August 6th, 2006

An excellent midfield display from Edu, marked by two goals gives Arsenal the first bit of silverware to be handed out in England this year, as they defeat Chelsea 3-1 in the Community Shield. The victory puts a nice final sheen on Arsenal’s 2005/06 campaign, as a FA Cup win, a Premiership title and a Community Sheild are nothing to scoff at. Factor in their Champions League victory in 2005, and it’s been a very good few years for the Gunners.

Meanwhile, we get a bit of a stun this evening, as Claudio Caniggia, one of our coaches suddenly decides to retire from the game altogether and return to Argentina for a job as a analyst on TV. Obviously, I’m left a bit shocked and disappointed with his decision, but that’s Claudio’s decision to make. He did nicely while he was here

August 8th, 2006

Chelsea’s policy of signing the game’s best and brightest shows no signs of stopping, as the team snatches one of the hottest prospects in Italy this morning, announcing the completion of a deal between the London club and Fiorentina for the services of 20-year old Valeri Bojinov. Bojinov, who scored 15 goals last year at Fiorentina now makes one of the six star strikers (Ronaldo, Drogba, Defoe, Berbatov, Gilardino) clogging the teamsheet at Chelsea. A bigger glut of riches up front may have never been seen in the game.

English Championship – Game 2: Wrexham v. Coventry City

Coventry won’t be a walk, at least I don’t think so. But this is just another opportunity to make sure we don’t slip into the bottom three places. If we never fell that low, I wouldn’t argue.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Overvik, Simek, Morgan, Walsh; N’Diaye; Harbuzi, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Ugarte

I’ve told the boys in no uncertain terms to give Coventry a certain level of respect in today’s game, and not to assume that our opponents are just going to roll over and let us walk out with three points. They seem to understand, but on 15 minutes, it’s lackadaisical marking at the back that proves our undoing, which will end up becoming a theme this afternoon. McSheffrey’s cross into the box is bobble and falls to the feet of a completely unmarked Stern John, who happily lashes into the side of the net past Esson to get the festivities started. We strike back in kind, Richard Brittain drawing two Coventry defenders before feeding a fine through ball for Lodi to stride onto. The Italian neatly fires it past Scott Shearer to level things.

John is causing constant consternation for our back line, and he should give Coventry the lead just before the half, first to a longball into the box, his header only rippling the side-netting. John fires just wide again on 54 minutes, squandering a one-on-one opportunity with Esson. We have our own share of chances during this time, but none are proving to really trouble Shearer, the closest coming on 66 minutes as Lodi tests Shearer’s reflexes with a 25-yard freekick that Shearer gathers well. It’s not until 78 minutes have been played that the game picks up again, and does it ever. Lodi puts on a dribbling clinic in midfield, frustrating and bamboozling Doyle before sliding a pass to substitute Matt Jones, who knocks it first time to another sub, Craig Westcarr inside the area. Westcarr isn’t closed down with any urgency, and he happily accepts the favor, turning and firing past Shearer for the lead. Lodi adds his second and the team’s third on 80 minutes, taking a pass from N’Diaye at midfield and going the distance, completely skinning center-defender Alexandre in the process before cheekily chipping Shearer to gift us a 3-1 lead and three points, surely…

Coventry switch to a 4-3-3 in response, and come roaring back up the field, looking for goals. In my own error, rather than put the pressure on Coventry, which is where the team has been best, I tell the team to ease back on the gas some, and Coventry come pouring forwards into the holes in our defense. Suddenly, on 82 minutes, a longball upfield is won to Michael Bridges, racing in unmarked from the left flank, he drills a laser from the edge of the area past a surprised Esson. Minutes later, they do it again, confusion in our defense allowing the worst goal of the day, a freekick looped right over our defense to Stern John, who walks in on net to equalize matters, and send both teams home with a point.

Final Score – Wrexham 3:3 Coventry City
MoM – Francesco Lodi

After the game, I make sure to underline to the boys that we can’t afford any more idiocy like that this season, and that squandering two-goal leads in less than ten minutes is unacceptable. I am already willing to wager that the key to our success this year, if we manage any, is going to be our defense, at least at the current moment.

August 9th, 2006

With a little more money left to burn on transfers this year, I’m looking for someone to add into the fold of our Under-18s squad, someone who we can look forward to bringing along in the future. In that respect, there’s another prospect from America (no really!) who apparently has a good bit of potential, young David Watson, who hasn’t been taken on by a team quite yet. We offer him the chance to travel abroad and spend a few years learning the game.

August 10th, 2006

There have only been two real blockbuster transfers this summer, and only one involves any serious amounts of money. It comes to pass today, as Sanli Tuncay, who was bought by AC Milan back in January of 2005 moves again today, to Barcelona for a stunning $62M and the services of Mateja Kezman. Tuncay’s World Cup Dream Team performance in the tournament this year surely inflated his value, although why Barcelona saw fit to give up Kezman, who scored 15 times in 20 appearances last year is up to anyone’s imagination.

August 12th 2006

English Championship – Game Three: Plymouth Argyle v. Wrexham

I give Craig Westcarr the start up front today, as Michael Bradley’s injury has thrown a bit of a wrench into the works up front. Investing in a 24-30 year-old striker suddenly seems like a good idea.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Simek, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Westcarr, Cox

The game starts off sprightly, with both teams playing the ball down the flanks, trying to run at speed at their opponents and break away for a chance. Plymouth’s full-back emphatic formation gives us just enough room on the flanks to begin to sneak men past, which is exactly what Cox does nine minutes in, slipping behind the defense on the right to allow Overvik to slip a curling pass right upfield to him, which he takes and, racing past the Plymouth defense, slots past Romain Larrieu to put us on the ball first. Hughes comes close next, skimming the crossbar with a freekick on 22 minutes, and then Cox just missing, his header on 25 minutes hitting the side netting. Cox seems primed for his second however, and he gets it on 30 minutes, Francesco Lodi’s header perfectly weighted to allow the striker to fly past the defense before rounding Larrieu and scoring his second on the day.

After the match against Coventry, our defense seems to have a greater understanding of what’s needed and what we have to do, and take it upon themselves to utterly dominate Plymouth. They don’t manage a single shot until the 75 minute mark, but it’s a close one, Brittain’s intervention in the box not quite good enough, allowing Matthias Svensson to put a strike on net that Esson palms away from point-blank range. A Chris Llewellyn freekick scrapes the side of the post just before time, but Esson never has much work to do, as we can skate with the victory.

Final Score – Plymouth Argyle 0:2 Wrexham
MoM – Simon Cox

We’ve reaped seven points from our opening three games, not a bad haul at all. Of course it’s very, very early in the season, but I’m already happy with the way the team’s gelling and our defense. Keeping this up for some 40-odd games is one thing, but I’m willing to take anything as a start. Once the FA and League Cup dates kick in, the grind will really begin.

August 14th, 2006

Crewe Alexandria sign on Ben Burgess from Hull for $2.5M today, a sight more than I think he’s worth, but I’m not desperate for a striker up front, like Crewe is. I’m signing Keith Houghton and Danny Wilkinson to our youth squad, both are 17-year olds who’ll be spending the next 2-3 years as part of our reserves, learning the game and (hopefully) improving themselves to the point where I’ll be giving them a run-out someday.

Players In:
Danny Wilkinson (17 y/o, English, DM C)
Keith Houghton (17 y/o, English, S C)

August 15th, 2006

Arsenal cash in today, buying Fabian Ernst from Schalke 04 today for a $25M fee. Ernst, who has been shining in Germany for the past two seasons. Ernst will probably be called upon to be a replacement for Robert Pires, who left for Real Sociedad in the summer.

I’ve got my eyes on another free transfer, in the form of another Italian, this one a central defender, one Andrea Masiello. Only 20, he’s got the mental toughness and physical play of someone much older, along the lines of a Ledley King or Lucio. Of course, he’s not at their level, but he’s good, and willing to talk turkey about spending a season here in Wales. I table a contract offer before today’s game.

English Championship – Game Four: Watford v. Wrexham

Even though the pre-season is generally the time to do it, I’m still using these first 5-10 games to find out exactly who’s going to feature the most in the first-team this year. There’s already a bit of bad news for some, as Andy Roberts is finding out that he’s fallen in place in the team, now that N’Diaye has arrived. N’Galula being in the squad doesn’t help him either.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Morgan, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Westcarr, Cox

With Vicarage Road nearly filled to the rafters, we get things underway. The season thus far has been one of amazingly good adjustment, and I’m thrilled with the play some of the new arrivals have managed already this season, the most of which, Francesco Lodi, who gets the match started in spectacular fashion after just 10 minutes, taking a clearance just outside of our area and quickly moving upfield. He isn’t challenged until he crosses the halfway line, where he bedazzles Kevin Harper with a dribbling clinic before streaking further upfield, skipping past Harper’s second attempt at a tackle and blazing into the Watford area before ending the run in style, drilling the opener past Richard Lee and into the net for the lead and a definite contender for goal of the month, if not the season.

We step on the gas as Watford look a little more wobbly, beginning to press all over the field. Watford’s fans are getting increasingly annoyed, as their team begins to give up the ball in increasingly atrocious places, coming to a head on 25 minutes, N’Diaye winning the ball in midfield and sliding it ahead to Lodi, who dribbles/muscles past his marker and feeds a smart ball into the area for Cox to latch onto and blast across Lee for our second. Stephen Hughes hobbles off on 31 minutes, leading me to introduce Labinot Harbuzi. He and Lodi seemed to have formed a real understanding in midfield, and immediately double the amount of havoc we’re causing for the Watford defense, effortlessly controlling the ball and spraying passes all around the pitch, every time they start running, Watford looks scared. The inevitable comes on 40 minutes, Harbuzi picking up a sliced clearance on the left, dribbling inside Brynjar Gunnarsson and feeding a through-pass for Cox that looks like it’ll evade the youngster and cross the end line. Cox does stupendously well to reach it and fire it first time, from a near impossible angle past a stunned Lee and into the net to put us up 3-0 at the half.

Watford finally find their legs after Alex Smith comes off injured after 50 minutes, actually beginning to try and pressure our defense and keep the ball away from our midfield, which has been dominating to that point. To that effect, they begin to pressure, Danny Webber hitting the side-netting with a shot before a corner is headed by Heidar Helguson to an unmarked Gunnarsson, who stabs it netwards just over Esson’s attempt at a save, giving Watford some hope. But the boys step up again, crushing any notion of a second fightback, Lodi drilling a 25-yard banana shot towards the net that Lee barely stops. Westcarr is first to the rebound however, but rather than shoot from a tight angle, he traps the ball, drawing both Lee and Cahill before sending it to the penalty spot for an unmarked Cox to just tap into the empty net for his hat-trick. It’s easy sailing from there.

Final Score – Watford 1:4 Wrexham
MoM – Simon Cox

Bad news after the game, as we’ve picked up a number of ticky-tack injuries. Hughes is out for a week with a damaged elbow, Smith out for three days with a bruised rib, and Harbuzi injured with a damaged shoulder.

August 16th, 2006

We agree terms with two new players today, as David Watson and Andrea Masiello both agree terms today. Watson I’d been chasing for a while now, and we’ve finally agreed a deal that will pay him $20K a year to play in our reserves. Masiello will be a more impact player, I think, the 20-year old will slot into our defense immediately.

Players In:
David Watson (17 y/o, American, M C)
Andrea Masiello (20 y/o, Italian, D C)

Norwich also comes calling today, asking about the services of Richard Brittain. Given how much teams in my league have already blown on new blood, I let them know that Brittain won’t be leaving for anything short of $2M.

retired_britty

August 18th, 2006

This morning, all the back pages are parroting about the tantalizing possibility of Arsenal making a swoop for Real Betis’ Argentinian impresario Carlos Tevez, where he would join Thierry Henry, Robinho and Javier Saviola, meaning some of Argentina’s best striking talent would be collected in London for the immediate future. I’m sure it’s just because I’m a curmudgeon, but I don’t think much will come from it, if anything at all in the end. The recent move of Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen from Schalke 04 to Newcastle for a $11M fee is of more interest to me, but with Chelsea buying anyone and everyone they can get their hands on, I can understand how a little promise from Arsenal can be contrived as a big thing.

August 19th, 2006

English Championship – Game 5: Wrexham v. Queens Park Rangers

Every point counts this year, and I’m hoping the injury bug, if it bites, won’t bite us too hard this season. Queens Park, on the other hand, have lost all of their first four games this year, and are desperate to grab a point from the first 5 games.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Overvik; N’Diaye; Jones, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Westcarr

The first half is played without any real conviction or desire from other side, both midfields far too tentative in their attacking play, as the only person on the pitch who really seems dedicated to running for either side is N’Diaye. Still, Q.P.R. are, if nothing else, defensively sound, and prevent us from making any inroads on their defense until 25 minutes, when Lodi blasts a 25-yard shot that stings Day’s palms but he easily deflects wide. Kevin Gallen does the same on 31 minutes, blazing a shot from the end of the area that he doesn’t direct well enough, allowing Esson to neatly collect it.

As the half begins to grind to an end, Cox’s youthful exuberance gets the better of him. After having gone in on Shittu with a crunching tackle early and earning himself a Yellow Card, he gets into the referee’s face after being called offside. His use of language is less than diplomatic, and I’m left to put my hand over my face as the 18-year old gets himself his first career Red Card. I glare at him as he walks off the pitch, a completely avoidable foul.

Thankfully, we’re only lacking a man up front, although it is one of our most influential players and our best striker. So it’s no real surprise when Q.P.R. start pushing up their defense and attacking more from midfield, daring us to try and get Craig Westcarr to have the same kind of game-changing effect that Cox does, which is, of course, impossible. Move after move breaks down in the final third, as Westcarr just can’t slip by his markers as well as Cox is able, and Q.P.R. begins to flow up towards our end. On 60 minutes, Donnely flips a cross towards the far post from the right that Esson flaps at, never quite committing enough to challenging for the ball, and Kenny Miller materializes, free of his markers, who assumed Esson would take it, and nods the ball into a yawning net for the opener.

I’m trying to cautiously urge the team forward as the game proceeds, but we need a real favor to get back into things. Thankfully, Queens Park is in a giving mood, or, at least their goalkeeper, Chris Day is. A Overvik cross into the box is collected by Day, but his challenge for the ball with Westcarr is far from legal, and the ref blows the whistle, pointing to the spot, despite the most vociferous protestations of Q.P.R. players. Up steps Alex Smith, who converts with a well-placed shot that evades Day to equalize. We come close to taking the lead on 71 minutes, Lodi heading wide of the net, but it’s not until I introduce Juan Ugarte for Westcarr that we get our next chance, the Spaniard playing well with his back to the net, inducing Colin Healy to make a tackle/shove on him in the box. The referee blows for our second penalty, and the Spaniard happily steps up to the spot and drills it past Day to let us squeak past today with another three points.

Final Score – Wrexham 2:1 Queens Park Rangers
MoM – Danny Shittu

After the game, I give Simon a warning for getting sent off. Thankfully, he’s mature enough to know how ridiculous his mistake was, and vows to work on not doing something that silly again.

During the postgame interview, I’m asked about Richard Brittain’s future, the Scot having put in another confident performance in midfield, although perhaps not as influential as he might have wanted. However, he is attracting interest from all over the UK, from Wolverhampton, to West Ham, and even the Old Firm are rumored to be tracking his progress.

Richard’s new contract has a minimum release fee clause of $3,000,000, and I won’t be letting him leave for a penny less. That said, I tell the assembled members of the media that I am hoping that, with a new contract, Richard will see out a significant part of the remainder of its time, rather than jumping ship so soon for somewhere new.

August 20th, 2006

The team are off from training today, and I’m scouring through scouting reports from Holland, as the Dutch First Division is the best place I can figure where we can find one last striker for $100K or less. Preferably less, much, much less.

The season has started in flying shape for us, with the team going 4-1-0 in our first 5 games leaving us smiling in 5th place. Fulham, Ipswich and Crewe have all been more impressive, with unblemished 5-0-0 records, along with Stoke City, who have been on fire, going 5-0-0 and not conceding a single goal so far this year. Of course, in defense of the League’s bigger teams, Crystal Palace is currently 1st in the Premiership, so there’s still a lot that could change.

August 21st, 2006

We add more prestige to our coaching staff today, as Dwight Yorke inks a contract to become part of my braintrust behind the scenes at Wrexham, which now consists of names like Ray Clemence, Jorge Campos, Brian McBride, Martin Keown, Teddy Sheringham and Hans Jorristma, to name most of the 10 I’ve hired. The accusation from the local media (jokingly of course) is that we’re building the world’s best Over-36 football club here.

Meanwhile, it seems like Arsenal have hoodwinked everyone, as Arsene Wenger adds to the French contingent at Emirates Stadium today, signing on French international Patrice Evra from Monaco for a healthy $29M. Arsenal, who have looked to Gaël Clichy for play in the left of defense since the sale of Ashley Cole now have a glut of talent at the position, as the addition of Evra gives them the 2006 French League One Player of the Year and the 2006 English Player’s Young Player of the Year. Another title seems possible.

August 23rd, 2006

A last-gasp goal by Chris Sutton sends Celtic into the Group Stages of the Champions League in dramatic fashion this evening, and, by the evening, the draw is made for the 2006/07 Champions League.

Group A: Lokomotiv (Plovdiv), Manchester City, A.S. Monaco, Valencia C.F.
Group B: Arsenal, Olympiakos, Sevilla F.C., Sporting
Group C: Ajax, Porto, Rangers, A.S. Roma
Group D: Banik Ostrava, Fenerbaçhe, Monchengladbach, AC Milan
Group E: Besiktas, Boavista, Cercle Brugge, Parma
Group F: Arsenal Kiev, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Panathinaikos
Group G: Chelsea, Hertha BSC, Real Madrid, Sparta Prague
Group H: Aston Villa, Celtic, Internazionale, Rennes

Of course, domestically, the news is about the sudden turn of fortunes in Manchester, as Manchester City will be playing in the Champions League this year, while Manchester United will be playing for the UEFA Cup. Groups G will see the lion’s share of the media coverage, as while Chelsea and Real Madrid are favorites, Hertha BSC could throw a wrench into the works. Last year’s champions, Barcelona, should have no trouble progressing from their group, while the appearance of Aston Villa and Rennes in the competition has a lot of fans for the respective clubs dreaming of big, big things.

As best we can, we’ve made a bit of a solution to our “striker problem” as the club welcomes two new faces today, which won’t cost us a penny. Emil Halfreðsson and Febian Brandy join the club on Loan today, the former from Tottenham, the latter from Manchester United. Halfreðsson will be spending the season in Wrexham, Brandy the next three months. Hopefully, with Halfreðsson an emergency fixture in midfield and Brandy up front, we won’t have to think about spending another penny this season.

Players In:
Emil Halfreðsson (22 y/o, Icelandic, AM L)
Febian Brandy (18 y/o, English, S C)

August 25th, 2006

There’s some unrest in Cardiff, apparently, and of the worst variety, as Daniel Gabbidon, the club’s captain has hinted to the media that he wants out for a bigger stage and brighter lights. Such a move probably wouldn’t affect the team on a talent level, as, on paper, Cardiff have the reserves to replace Gabbidon, but his presence in ordering the defense and in the locker-room would surely be missed by those around him.

The UEFA Super Cup passes today, and looking at the teams involved is a measure of seeing how fickle football’s fortunes can be. Barcelona won the Champions League last year, and only missed out on the title due to some stunning form from Valencia. FC Bayern, meanwhile, managed to capture the UEFA Cup, German Cup, and still be spectacularly relegated from the First Division, arguably the lowest moment in the club’s illustrious history. The match itself is basically bereft of entertainment value, neither team putting together anything representing attacking flow. Still, someone has to win it, so when Michael Owen lashes home a shot after a mad scramble in the box, that someone is Barcelona.

August 26th, 2006

The San Siro will be the new home of Carlos Tevez, it is announced today, as AC Milan pay out $38M for the Argentine, who scored 15 goals in his season at Real Betis. It’s the third move in as many years for the striker, and a glut of talent up front for Milan, who now have Tevez, Shevchenko, Mateja Kezman and Roque Santa Cruz prowling their front line.

Meanwhile, the draw for the Second Round of the League Cup passes this morning, and the result doesn’t flatter us in the least. We get paired up with Southampton, which I couldn’t be less happy about. I wanted to avoid Premiership competition for as long as possible, in order for us to have a chance at a good cup run, but, apparently, we’re going to be given the biggest test right off the bat.

English Championship – Game Six: Walsall v. Wrexham

With Walsall’s season currently in the crapper (three points from five) and ours on the up and up, today’s match is a lot more important for them than it is for us.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Morgan, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Ugarte, Westcarr

Walsall get us started off today with a real sense of urgency about them, Michael Standing heading wide of the net on 4 minutes, and Sergiy Rebrov flashing a shot just wide of Esson’s left post a few minutes after. Walsall are digging after everything in midfield, looking to change their fortunes with sheer force of will, of which they’re doing a remarkably good job. And, despite earning two early yellow cards for some crunching tackles, it’s Walsall who strike first, Aleksandar Rodic latching onto a through ball from Colin Cameron, muscling past Morgan and firing the ball past Esson. The game has been filled with its share of give and take however, and we begin to take our chances better and better, N’Diaye firing over the bar on 21 minutes, followed by Brittain heading the ball off the crossbar and out of play moments later. Leave it to Francesco Lodi to spark the team once more however, latching onto a clearance 30 yards from net and tearing in towards goal, past a stunned Walsall defense and firing from 15 yards past a flailing Jamie Green to equalize.

The remainder of the first half shows both teams continually coming close, Walsall nearly going ahead when Memo Gonzalez’s freekick is superbly tipped over the bar by Esson, and Green standing up to his part of the equation, getting low to make a fine kick-save to prevent Craig Westcarr’s one-on-one opportunity from going against Walsall. As the second half begins however, Walsall are looking more and more frustrated, as our defense begins to go in with the same jarring challenges that Walsall executed against us to such good effect in the first half, while our passing game and temp quicken, leaving our opponents panting for breath. It’s a break that gifts us our second goal on 67 minutes, but not one I would’ve thought, Lodi and Brittain combining in midfield to allow the Italian to flight a ball to the right for Ugarte who, to the right of the penalty arc and 30 yards from goal, traps the ball and delivers a shot that dips viciously past a startled Green and into the left side of the net to give us the lead.

Walsall don’t give up after the goal, and still come forwards, looking to equalize, and they should, when Gonzalez is set free as Smith slips on a wet spot, charging in on net from the left, but delaying with the ball just too long, allowing Esson to snatch it away from his feet. Rebrov is no more helpful, tiring quickly as the game goes along. I introduce Febian Brandy on 77 minutes for Westcarr to give the attack some fresh legs, and the Man U prospect turns an immediate profit, Hughes finding him with a longball down the left flank. Taking it just outside the area, Brandy absolutely skins Aaron Labonte before firing a curling cannonball from the left of net that zips past Green and into the right side of the net for what is certainly three points.

Final Score – Walsall 1:3 Wrexham
MoM – Francesco Lodi

Other than Lodi, the game is marked by another fine performance from Richard Brittain, who is doing a fine job of demonstrating what kind of talent Scotland has in its youth ranks. The downside is, people are taking notice. The questions in the post-match press conference are once again about Brittain’s future at The Racecourse Ground, as rumors have begun swirling in earnest about serious interest from Scotland. I refuse to comment this time around.

August 27th, 2006

It was fairly inevitable. Rangers come calling today, tabling an offer of $2.8M for Richard Brittain. I’m still loathe to leave him, although the youngster has become increasingly frank about his desire to make “the leap”, according to my coaches. With Brittain hanging from a $3M Minimum Release Fee clause, I tell Rangers that $2.8M will be fine, but that they must promise me 25% of his next sale. If they’re smart, they’ll just go for the $3M.

Millwall, on the other hand, have no problem spending around $3M, and do so today, grabbing Nathan Ellington from Wolverhampton for $3.6M. Its bad news for everyone not in Millwall, since it means the return of last year’s third-highest scorer in the Championship to the competition.

Among clubs that actually throw around seven and eight digit transfer fees for fun, there’s a lot of shuffling before the deadline kills everyone’s fun. Ronaldo leaves Chelsea for Manchester United for $23.5M, Ivica Olic leaves Monaco for Lazio for $26.5M, and Arjen Robben leaves Chelsea for Real Madrid for a stunning $87M fee.

English Championship – Game Seven: Wrexham v. Blackburn Rovers

Obviously, I don’t think anyone at Blackburn really anticipated or wanted the club to end up in the position they’re in now, scrabbling for points in the championship, but the football gods are notoriously fickle. Still, today will give me a chance to shake hands with one of my favorites from back when I was simply a spectator to the game, Brad Friedel. With Robbie Savage, Paul Dickov and Brett Emerton still signed as part of the club’s first-team, they’re still a very dangerous proposition all over the field. And while their play has been inconsistent, this is still our biggest test of a young season, I believe.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, Simek, Masiello, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Bradley

Blackburn kick things off today, and the kind of game today will end up being becomes pretty obvious right off the bat. Neither team manages a single shot until 35 minutes, when Michael Bradley blazes the ball high and wide of the net. That’s about all there is in it for the first 45, and save for a Robbie Savage yellow card (Shock!) it’s quite the droll affair for the 15,000 in attendance. Neither side’s strikers are able to place any real threats to the opposing defenses, and the midfields are battering each other with such zeal that noone’s holding onto possession for pretty long.

Hoping for a turn of fortune, I remove Lodi for Labinot Harbuzi at the half, as Lodi has picked up a knock, but it does nothing. No shots are even directed at either net until 75 minutes, when Febian Brandy, on as a sub fires a tame shot low from 20 yards which Friedel easily collects. Blackburn’s best chance comes on 88 minutes, nearly grabbing the points with a flighted through-ball that Paul Dickov runs onto, but he can’t keep his composure, and fires wide of Esson’s net. A point for all involved.

Final Score – Wrexham 0:0 Blackburn Rovers
MoM – Robbie Savage

Boring, admittedly, but another point in the fight for survival, which is currently going over very, very well, as we slip into 4th place, behind Fulham, Ipswich and Charlton.

September 1st, 2006

The transfer window comes to a close today, and with a bang, as cultured midfielder Xavi leaves Chelsea today for the Santiago Bernabéu and Real Madrid in a move rumored to be worth $71M to the London club. Walter Samuel leaves Real Madrid for Roma, with $28.5M going the other way, and Kevin Kurany departs Galatasaray for Deportivo for $21.5M.

Alain van de Besselar grabs the Championship Young Player of the Month award for August, thanks to his 7.60 rating through five appearances. We don’t grab any other awards, but, happily, we actually do manage a 1-2-3 sweep of the Goal of the Month awards.

September 6th, 2006

With Craig Bellamy apparently looking to leave Charlton on a Bosman at the end of the season, we’ve been gifted a break for international play, as the qualifying campaign for Euro 2008 begins today. England is in Group 3, with Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Romania and Slovakia kick off their quest for qualification against Cyprus today, and dismantle the minnows in style, Michael Owen, Leon Osman and James Beattie all tallying as England cruises 3-0.

September 7th, 2006

Those awards must be cursed. Alain van de Besselar is down for a week after twisting his knee in training today.

August 9th, 2006


English Championship – Game Eight: Wigan Athletic v. Wrexham

Noone at Wigan is exactly thrilled with being 21st, especially for a team that was supposed to finish a good deal higher. There’s a lot of season left, of course, but I’m beginning to have those dangerous thoughts any manager of a club tipped for relegation does, about whether the other shoe’s going to drop at an inappropriate time.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, Simek, Masiello, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Bradley

There’s nothing in today’s match, but, as opposed to the Blackburn game, the offenses actually look vaguely competent. Still, however, both sides work hard to nullify each other, and where they fail, Andy Hall, our referee for the day fills in, handing out Yellows like so much candy. Five players from both teams combined have been booked by the end of the first half, including an early bath for Michael Bradley, sent off for arguing his yellow card. The same ends up going for Wigan’s Leighton Baines on 52 minutes, and the game finally picks up when both teams are down to 10 men. Wigan nearly surge ahead when Gary Teale effortlessly plucks the ball from Alex Smith’s feet and surges in on net, only to be denied by Esson at point-blank range. The same can be said for Brittain who, jinking through the Wigan defense, ends up leaving himself out of position on the left, but still manages to cut inside and fire a shot on net that Jason Brown parries out of play. Lodi comes close before the final whistle, heading achingly over the bar from a Hughes corner, but the final whistle comes, and while there weren’t any goals, we still get a point.

Final Score – Wigan Athletic 0:0 Wrexham
MoM – Franklin Simek

I give Michael Bradley a warning after the game, just to keep the team on its toes, which he accepts and promises not to make such a mistake again.

retired_jgirl87

Quality story, Pred. KUTGW :thup:

retired_mbalconi

Good times, happy days. I had a game with Wrexam but my problem is that i sign old capped players on frees all the time all the time. I'm about 22nd

retired_britty

September 14th, 2006

Despite the pain of relegation last year, Wolverhampton are still willing to shell out what would be some serious cash for a team currently in League One. And, since the Domestic transfer window isn’t closed, they’re tabling an offer today for Richard Brittain, like half of the UK has already. They’d like him for a straight $2.8M, which I’m not agreeing to. As usual, the terms are simple, $2.8M, with a 50% of Next Sale clause. Wolves say they’ll think about it.

September 15th, 2006

With Wolves rescinding their bid of Richard Brittain (leaving the Scot none too pleased about the unwillingness of teams to up their bids on him) we have time to focus on our game on the 16th, a real derby game against Cardiff City. Since we won’t be taking on Chester or Shrewsbury anytime soon, I’m expecting a full house at The Racecourse Ground for the fixture. During a pre-match interview about the game, I take the diplomatic route, stating that I have a lot of respect for Lawrence, despite the troubles that are currently plaguing the team.

September 16th, 2006

English Championship – Game Nine: Wrexham v. Cardiff City

The Racecourse Ground is full for this one today, as I know our fans would love to put one over on our neighbors from the capital. The Bluebirds season has been anything but good so far, currently sitting 18th and dissent supposedly beginning to spread throughout the dressing room, less than desired for a team that was supposed to be in the top-half, fighting for promotion all season. I do a little tinkering with our tactics for today, leaving out Stephen Hughes in favor of Lodi, Harbuzi, N’Diaye and Brittain in midfield. Cardiff may have looked anemic for much of the year, but that’s no reason not to take them very, very seriously.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, Masiello, Simek, Overvik; N’Diaye; Lodi, Harbuzi, Brittain; Ugarte, Cox

The atmosphere is as electric as I’ve ever seen it here, and from the start, the game is there to match it. It only takes a moment for the game’s first chance to come flying in on net, and it’s Cardiff who take the first bow, Alan Lee, their predatory striker going highest in the box to head a cross just over the bar. Everyone’s stepping up today, first of note the Cardiff goalkeeper, Paul Smith, who is channeling Gianluigi Buffon apparently, called into action on eight minutes as Lodi attracts two defenders with a marauding run down the left, before pulling the ball back to the edge of the D for Harbuzi to fire a piledriver that Smith palms away. The rebound comes out to Harbuzi once more, and Smith is there again to make a fine double-save, and he makes it a triple, flinging himself to his right to stop Cox’s chance. Esson, not to be outdone, nearly matches Smith mere moments later, a smart bit of passing from Cardiff tearing apart our defense and allowing Richard Langley to thread a through-ball to Derek Young, whose point-blank shot is saved by Esson’s legs, his follow-up bouncing off Esson’s chest and allowing N’Diaye to clear it away and me to breathe a sigh of relief.

There’s most certainly a goal in the offing today, but for whom is unknown, as Cox heads just over the bar on 25 minutes, and Smith pulls off another miracle save on 28, stopping a blast from an unmarked N’Diaye that came from no further than 10 yards out. It’s intensely frustrating to see Smith dealing with everything short of the kitchen sink, and a real boost for Cardiff, who come forward again on 30 minutes, Joe Ledley sending in an early cross from some 35 yards away that floats towards the left post where Alan Lee suddenly appears to redirect it into the net past a static Esson. It’s no less than they deserve, and we’re down.

The chances finally begin to slow down as Cardiff settle into the midfield, and the game’s becoming a little more chippy, but that doesn’t excuse Simon Cox, who is gifted a yellow card on 38 minutes for a niggling tackle on Ledley. Admittedly, it’s a dubious decision, and not worth a yellow, but Cox doesn’t make it any better, tearing into the referee and granting himself a second yellow, early on. I admit, the manager’s façade cracks for me at this point, and I give the youngster an earful as he trudges down the tunnel, another stupid red card putting us in a bad way.

Thankfully, we escape the first half without any further trouble. With Cox dismissed, we have to adjust a bit for the second half, but thankfully, Cardiff aren’t looking to come up any further. That’s just as well, as Mr. Fletcher, the referee for the day attempts to kill us on 58 minutes, showing Francesco Lodi his second yellow card on 58 minutes for a shirt tug that was anything but card-worthy. I’m nearly sent off myself, as I slip into a spray of expletives and invective as I express my extreme disappointment with the decision.

Down two men, we are seemingly out of it, and Cardiff’s fans are by far the loudest as the team tries again to readjust and see out the next 30 minutes without any kind of serious problem. Cardiff seems all too happy to sit back and wait for the points rather than try to kill us off for good, and slowly, our makeshift offense begins to poke and prod into a defense that looks stunned that we’re even thinking about coming forward. As time goes, Cardiff starts getting sloppy, and, on 68 minutes, Langley slides a pass along the edge of the area that is far too lackadaisical, allowing Brittain to nip in and intercept, volleying a blast on net that nudges just off Daniel Gabbidon’s foot and past a sprawling Smith to equalize! Our fans erupt as the ball finds its way into the net, and suddenly, we’re back in with a shout. Cardiff seem completely unbelieving that we’ve actually gotten back into this one, and we start pressing them hard all over the field, driving forward into the attack. I bring on Craig Westcarr and Mark Jones for some fresh legs, and it proves dividends, Westcarr running unmarked down the left before pulling the ball back into midfield for Jones, some 35 yards from net. The youngster feigns a run into the box and sends it across to the right side of the D for Brittain, who expertly fakes a shot, blasts past James Collins and fires a thunderbolt past a stunned Smith to give us the lead!

Cardiff lose all of their confidence as they go down to a 9-man side, and we clamp down all over the field, notching an amazing third on 88 minutes, a through ball to Westcarr allowing the striker to push away from Gabbidon and fire across Smith and into the net to complete a superb fightback.

Final Score – Wrexham 3:1 Cardiff City
MoM – Richard Brittain

After the match, I’m singing the praises of Richard Brittain, who spurred us to victory today. What other clubs were afraid to spend on is certainly our gain, and his performance today was nothing short of inspirational, taking the game by the scruff of the neck and driving us to a victory after going two men down.

I let the players enjoy the euphoria of a great derby win before marching Simon Cox and Francesco Lodi into my office. I’m terse with the Italian, letting him know that he’s got to be more careful in the future, even if the referee is being an idiot. However, I lay into Simon Cox, informing him of exactly how incredibly stupid, immature and useless his second red card of the season is, and how utterly avoidable it all should have been. I’m being kind, and simply giving him his final warning, but I let him know that if it happens again, he will be seeing his punishment coming from his paycheck. They both accept their warnings.

The win bumps us up to 3rd-place, a sight higher than most would’ve predicted, I think.

September 17th, 2006

Millwall come in with a $2.8M bid for Brittain today. This one I reject flat out. I’m not selling a player of Brittain’s caliber to someone who’s going to be in direct competition with us this season, not unless they’re willing to throw some obscene numbers at us.

September 19th, 2006

Since the universe must find balance, the “good thing”, or Richard Brittain’s inspirational performance against Cardiff, has been evened out by a “bad thing”, namely Brittain straining his neck today during practice, meaning he won’t be traveling with us to St. Mary’s Stadium and our League Cup game against Southampton. Of course.

Sam Lancaster, who left the club on Loan to Northampton returns today, apparently a little somber, having enjoyed him time at Sixfields. I’m keeping him transfer listed for Loan, as he still needs more experience, so I’m hoping he’ll get another chance on Loan somewhere. After that though, I’m expecting to start working him into the first team next year.

English League Cup – Second Round - Southampton v. Wrexham

I’ve already detailed my lack of pleasure over being drawn with a Premiership squad this early on. And while they’ve finished no higher than 13th over the past two years, they’re still a Premiership-caliber team. Kevin Phillips is years removed from his 30-goal season, the addition of Mohamed Zidan in 2004 and Kléberson and Lee Hendrie this year mean that we’re looking at a reasonable gulf in quality between “us” and “them”. Factor in that we’re missing Cox, Lodi and Brittain, and it’s quite a task we’ve got ahead of us.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Morgan, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Bradley, Harbuzi; Westcarr, Brandy

It becomes apparent very, very quickly that Mohamed Zidan is good. Very, very, very good. He’s slicing through our defense as if it wasn’t even there, holding onto the ball for obscene amounts of time before we can actually force it off him. The Egyptian international cracks a blast off the post just two minutes into the game, and I’m left to silently muse about how very much I wish he hadn’t opted to leave Denmark for the Premiership. We’re giving our all out there, which I’m happy about, but Southampton is on a different level right now, a fact nicely marked by Marian Pahars, who jinks around Morgan before drilling a shot on net on 21 minutes that Esson barely palms around the post. Superior quality comes to tell on 25 minutes however, Nigel Quashie sending a pass past four confused-looking men in Wrexham jerseys to Pahars, who makes no mistake this time, drilling a shot so hard that Esson has no chance of stopping it, despite the fact he manages to get a fingertip to it.

The lion’s share of the chances continue to fall Southampton’s way, but, happily, our defense isn’t doing the worst job of defending. Febian Brandy has been notably absent, and N’Diaye has been chasing shadows for much of the afternoon, but this was kind of expected. When Zidan caps off a fine performance with a goal on 74 minutes, I’m left to purse my lips and wonder about the day when we’ll have players of that caliber. On the upside, on 88 minutes, we manage one for dignity, N’Diaye hoofing a ball upfield that Ugarte manages to chase down and drag back for Hughes to wallop into the net from some 15 yards out. It’s not a winner, but it’s a little respect.

Final Score – Southampton 2:1 Wrexham
MoM – Nigel Quashie

After the game, it’s damage control, as I do my best to keep the player’s spirits up. We’d been on such a run of form, and after the win against Cardiff, the players were looking forward to trying to pull of a real upset here, but we’re just not that good yet. The blow isn’t lessened by news that Birmingham have been toppled by Bury, and Newcastle being beaten by Stevenage Borough. Still, the FA Cup’s coming, and the biggest concern we have this year is still staying up.

September 20th, 2006

The bids for Richard Brittain never stop. It’s Plymouth Argyle today, asking if we’d be willing to part with the Scot for $2.6M. The answer is, of course, no freaking way.

September 24th, 2006

English Championship – Game Ten: Wrexham v. Millwall

There’s TV equipment going up all around The Racecourse Ground as today’s match will be televised, the first game under my regime that will have that distinction. Given that on any given matchday I may be caught wearing a suit or something more appropriate for Iain Dowie, I’m hoping I won’t end up on a back page somewhere as the bumpkin highlight of the day.

Still in 4th and in the playoff places, we’re not desperate for a win here, but another three points would always be good in putting us a step closer to assured safety. I’m just hoping we have enough skill to keep Danijel Ljuboja from becoming a serious problem.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Masiello, Walsh; N’Galula; Hughes, Lodi, Harbuzi; Cox, Westcarr

Simon Cox gets us started off, albeit not exactly in style, ballooning the ball over the bar after some wonderful interchanging play between Westcarr and Lodi finds him mere yards infront of net for the youngster to send the ball flying into Row Z. Cox is there again for his second chance in less than five minutes of the game’s time, and, on the upside, the second effort only goes over the bar by a foot or so, which would indicate improvement. Ljuboja is extremely close to converting Millwall’s first chance after 12 minutes of play, chesting down a ball and charging down the right flank, cutting inside of a completely overmatched Walsh, driving into the area before unleashing a shot from 10 yards out that Esson somehow keeps from slipping into the net.

26 minutes into the engagement, the ball finally finds its way into someone’s net, as Harbuzi cuts inside, outside, and back inside of David Livermore, creating enough space to flick a pass into the middle of the pitch for Lodi to trap, and, advancing to the right of the penalty arc, let loose a curling blast with his left that David James has no chance at stopping. Two minutes later, the Italian’s at it again, switching places with Cox, as the striker crosses into the box for the midfielder to volley home from close-range to make it 2-0 in quick time.

From there it’s a cruise, Lodi wrapping up his hat-trick in style, rounding James and slotting home after 80 minutes, as the TV cameras get to show the nation a team that ain’t half bad.

Final Score – Wrexham 3:0 Millwall
MoM – Francesco Lodi

September 30th, 2006

English Championship – Game Eleven: Ipswich Town v. Wrexham

We begin today’s fixture in second place, of all places. The beginning of the season has been very, very good to us, and while we haven’t taken on the league’s elite (Fulham, Charlton, Bolton) yet, the amount of hope among players and fans back in Wrexham is very, very high. Today pits us against 4th-placed Ipswich, who have started off the year in fine form. It’s rather stunning to know that our midfield will be lining up against 37-year old Gary Speed, who is still playing at a high level, but today’s really all about the points still. Of course, given that the bottom three teams haven’t won a single game between them this season, I’m feeling much, much better about surviving.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Simek, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Harbuzi; Cox, Westcarr

It’s evens from the start of this one today, both teams looking very well matched at every position. The 5-3-2 that Ipswich has deployed forces us a little more wide than we might’ve preferred, but Hughes and Harbuzi deal well with the responsibilities along the flanks. Smith, however, is looking a bit long in the tooth, and it’s hearts-in-throats time when Darren Bent leaves him in his dust on the flank before cutting a cross into the area that Kevin Roelandts fires in at point-blank range, only to see Esson fashion a spectacular save and van de Besselar clear. Lodi warms up Kevin Davis’ hands on 12 minutes, bending one in from 20 yards or so that Davis does well to keep from rippling the twine.

Things settle into a midfield battle for much of the first half, neither team quite finding that extra bit they need to poke the ball into the net, Stephen Hughes whaling the ball over the bar on a freekick, Stephen Clemence firing well high and wide from 25 yards away. Westcarr gets up well to head a Hughes freekick on 26 minutes, but it’s a tame effort, and Davis collects it without trouble. The half labors on, without either team’s strikers fashioning as much as a half-chance as defenses begin to clamp down with greater effect until just before the half, when Westcarr dribbles just past his marker into the right-hand channel, working a yard of space before laying it into the midfield for Harbuzi. With Ipwich’s three center-backs spread out all over creation, he slips it to Lodi, who gets just past Oliver Tébily before firing with his deadly left past Davis and into the net.

The second half is basically the realm of Franklin Simek and Alain van de Besselar, who personally see off Ipswich attacks with what must be frustrating efficiency. Ipswich can barely find a yard of space, and when they do, one of the two is there to nod away any chances they might fashion. Somewhat problematically, at the other end Cox and Westcarr are firing blanks of the highest order, but that comes with the territory, apparently.

Final Score – Ipswich Town 0:1 Wrexham
MoM – Francesco Lodi

We’re still in 2nd after the game, and I’m more than pleased with our performance. Eleven games unbeaten to begin the season, and a point behind Charlton for first place. Of course, Charlton, on the other hand, have been absolutely spectacular, having only surrendered two goals all season.

It’s a 14-day layoff after this for international play, which I couldn’t be happier about.

October 7th, 2006

England tangles with Romania in qualification for Euro 2008 today, and escapes with a 3-2 victory after a quite entertaining encounter at Wembley. Goals from Scott Parker, David Beckham and Michael Owen are enough to see off a spirited fightback by the Romanians, spurred by Adrian Mutu, but it’s not enough.

Floribert N’Galula wrenches his knee pretty well in practice today, ruling him out for a week or two, based on how he bounces back.

October 11th, 2006

A 2-1 win in Slovakia means England is off to a great start in their qualification campaign, with three games and three wins to show for it. Goals from David Beckham and Steven Gerrard do all the necessary damage, as with the wins, England are in the early driver’s seat, and should pick up their fourth win in March when they return to Wembley to take on Malta.

retired_britty

October 15th, 2006

Bristol Rovers come in with a loan bid on Sam Lancaster today, which I happily agree too. The more experience he gets under his belt against some real competition, the better. By the evening, he’s packing his bags once more for another experience that will hopefully see him return to Wrexham a more complete and experienced player.

October 18th, 2006

The preamble to today’s fixture is all the transfer rumors starting again in the morning. Stoke is chasing Callum Davidson from Preston North End, Titus Bramble has gone on Loan to Ipswich from Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest, who are extremely unpleased with being 11th, place three bids on Wrexham players today. They’re willing to pay $200K for Martin Overvik, $2.8M for Richard Brittain, and $7.8M for Simon Cox. None of these bids are going to cut it, much less from a team we’re competing with this year, and all are rejected in turn.

English Championship – Game 12: Stoke City v. Wrexham

The first few games of the season always go by in a flash, and suddenly, at roughly the ¼ mark of the season, we’re in 2nd and Stoke are in 8th, a good start for both sides I’d certainly say. Re-encountering Neil Mellor and Clint Hill may not be pleasant, but I think we’re riding a strong enough wave right now to keep this from turning well against us.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, Morgan, Simek, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Ugarte, Westcarr

Neil Mellor is the first player I think of in today’s game as a serious threat, but it’s Ade Akinbiyi who ends up punching through our defense first, sneaking behind the normally sound Overvik and muscling his way into the box, firing from the left past Esson and into the net after just three minutes.

With our midfield looking painfully bereft of ideas, we’re not doing very well at unlocking the Stoke defense, and Ugarte and Westcarr are proving how singularly important Cox’s pace up front is to our team. N’Diaye is lucky to keep from getting sent off on 15 minutes after a two-footed challenge, and I’m left to wonder what’s wrong with our team today. The long break seems to have left us rusty, Hughes firing well over the bar in our first real chance on 41 minutes.

The introduction of Labinot Harbuzi and Michael Bradley doesn’t help, as Stoke clamps down, bringing the game to an excruciatingly slow pace to protect their point. Lodi comes closest, a stinging shot from 30 yards shaving the side of the post, but it was covered in the meantime anyway.

Final Score – Stoke City 1:0 Wrexham
MoM – Francesco Lodi

Eleven games without defeat to start the year is nothing to be embarrassed about. Stoke City has always played us very, very tough, and this is the second time they’ve managed to off us 1-0. We’re sitting happily with 27 points, but it’ll take at least 50 to stay up. I make clear to the players that there’s still another 34 games to play, and another 102 points to be won. There’s a long season to go.

October 22nd, 2006

English Championship – Game Thirteen: Wrexham v. Crewe Alexandria

The TV cameras return to The Racecourse Ground today as we play another top-half of the table fixture, against 8th-placed Crewe. Given last game’s disappointing striking features, Simon Cox returns to the offense, with Westcarr, who has been at his best when in support of the youngster, staying on.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, Morgan, Simek, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Westcarr

Despite the fact that they certainly could use three points today for a bit of a push, Crewe are packing men in at the back, leading to a dolorously boring first-half, marked only by an awful miss by N’Diaye, picking up the ball at the edge of the area after a goalmouth scramble and sending it embarrassingly wide of the net, by a good five yards. We can’t find a way to put the ball on net for the first 45 minutes, no matter what we try, although Crewe’s attack looks positively anemic.

We switch to a diamond 4-4-2 for the second half, trying to use Brittain and Hughes better for crosses, and it begins to slowly pay dividends. Westcarr heads just over the bar on 66 minutes, and a fine bit of interplay between Hughes and Cox on 71 minutes allows the former to slip into the box and fire a shot that flashes just wide of the post. I introduce Michael Bradley and Labinot Harbuzi, hoping for a change of fortunes, but all the niggling 50/50 balls in the area seem to be falling Crewe’s way, and, as the last mintues tick off, Cox’s looping cross into the box is one of sheer desperation. Leave it to our favorite Italian, charging into the box to leap highest, nodding the ball just over Ian Bennett’s hands and into the net for the opening goal, after so long.

Crewe do their best to try and get back in it, but there’s no time for them, and, suddenly, the final whistle blows, and we’re smiling our way to a victory.

Final Score – Wrexham 1:0 Crewe Alexandria
MoM – Ian Bennett

October 24th, 2006

Millwall place a $2.8M bid on Richard Brittain today, which I reject in turn. Noone wants to splurge, I guess.

October 27th, 2006

Steve Sidwell, one of Reading’s strongest players in midfield leaves Madjeski Stadium today, departing for $3M for Plymouth Argyle. Plymouth, is by far getting the better of this one, picking up a 23-year old midfielder who has shown loads of potential all season.

October 28th, 2006

English Championship – Game Fourteen: Reading v. Wrexham

If I had the cash, I’d buy Bobby Convey from Reading. But I don’t so I’m forced to try and figure out a way to take the tricky American out of the game. Thankfully, Reading’s team has been ravaged by injury this season, and they’re missing five players already, meaning we’ll be taking on a rather depleted squad.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-1-2-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Masiello, Overvik; N’Diaye; Halfredsson, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Bradley

I’ve done some tactical shuffling for today’s game in the hopes that widening our attack and returning Richard Brittain to his preferred place out on the right flank will prove dividends for the team. Early on however, it’s not looking to promising, as Reading begin to attack from the off, slipping just behind our advanced wingers and playing passes further and further into defense. David Vaughan’s 30-yard pass for Ronnie O’Brien is neatly knocked to the side by the midfielder for Shane Paul, who makes no mistake from some 15 yards out, slotting home to open the festivities.

Standing on the sidelines, screaming instructions, I make very, very clear how much I’d like to see our play improve on the field. And they respond, Lodi climbing highest to nod a Halfredsson cross right onto the crossbar and away from the net. As Richard Brittain begins to become increasingly marauding down the right, a equalizer is in the offing, and we notch it on 16 minutes from an unlikely source, Brittain running for the byline down the right flank before chipping one just inside the box for a completely unmarked Overvik to neatly control and send past Bryn Halliwell to put us back on even terms. Emboldened, we begin to pour forwards, plucking the ball from Reading every chance we get, Michael Bradley putting on his first really impressive performance at the front since his arrival, feeding a through ball for Simon Cox that the striker, who hadn’t scored since his hat-trick against Watford in August happily runs onto, rounding Halliwell and slotting home to give us the lead.

Reading wobble, and we don’t let up on the pressure. Actually, we kick it into overdrive, flying at them with everything our offense can muster, and, five minutes after feeding Cox, Bradley grabs his first-ever goal in a Wrexham kit, first to a rebound to thump it into the back of the net. Reading don’t really have much of chance from here, and we run them off the field, Cox and Bradley both tallying again, and Febian Brandy coming off the bench to slam one home to complete the rout.

Final Score – Reading 1:6 Wrexham
MoM – Simon Cox

A game like that is exactly what we needed for morale. These players and this team love to run and attack, and I’ve always advocated a swashbuckling attack on this team, and, after some of the previous wins that we had to grind out, I’m glad to see the players get a chance to flex their creative skills and just play another team off the pitch. I also have a quiet word with Simon Cox, congratulating him on ending his two-month goalless streak and reminding him that he has to lead by example at the front. I’d hate to put this much pressure on him, but I think he’s good enough to deal.

October 30th, 2006

El-Hadj Diouf has managed not to impress anywhere since he joined Liverpool back in 2002. Sam Allardyce apparently believes there’s something worth exploring in the oft-banned striker, and will be taking him on Loan again at Bolton for another few months.

October 31st, 2006

English Championship – Game Fifteen: Fulham v. Wrexham

Fulham are currently 3rd, three points behind Charlton and us in 1st and 2nd. As opposed to some of the other promotion contenders, they’ve been strong and capable all season, as was expected by much of the media. Much of this success has come from the boots of 21-year old Collins John, who has blasted home nine goals in all competitions this year. Removing him from the equation falls on the shoulders of Franklin Simek today.

I shuffle the starting lineup a little bit today. I truly, truly loathe these Saturday-Tuesday engagements.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-1-2-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Simek, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Harbuzi, Jones; Cox, Bradley

Recently, a radio show host here in Wales claimed that we arguably have the best tandem of attacking midfielders in the league, between Labinot Harbuzi and Francesco Lodi. At the beginning of the season, I might’ve tried to downplay such a statement, but at this point in the year, I’m thinking there’s some real truth to that statement. Harbuzi is a fine deputy to Lodi, evidenced within the first five minutes of the game today. Barely sixty seconds into the match, Cox heads a ball to the Swede, about 30 yards from goal. Harbuzi proceeds to charge in on net, skinning two Fulham defenders before coolly slipping the ball underneath Edwin van der Sar to put us in an instant lead. Three minutes later, he does it again, picking up a pass from N’Diaye at the halfway line before running right around Marino Biliskov, nutmegging Zesh Rehman and charging towards the net before perfectly chipping van der Sar with a shot that slips just underneath the bar and into the net.

Harbuzi should make it a hat-trick within 10 minutes, but his effort on nine minutes, a spinning shot from left of net flies wide of the right post and out of play. Despite going down 2-0 in less than five minutes, Fulham quickly resettle themselves in midfield, and begin trying to exert their control on the game, and Marlet should have brought them one back on 19 minutes, deftly controlling a sneaking through ball from Lee Clark and firing a left-footed volley on net that Esson beautifully saves and holds onto.

We start the second half coming mere inches away from going further into the lead, Harbuzi taking the ball out to the right flank before slipping a pass into the middle of the field for Mark Jones who chips a perfect through ball for Michael Bradley’s run into the box that the American gets his foot to, but just can’t direct around a charging van der Sar and has to watch the ball bounce achingly wide of net for a corner. N’Diaye then cracks the crossbar on 56 minutes from 25 yards, but we just can’t seem to get it between the posts and past the man in the net. Fulham spurn their fair share of chances, Claus Jensen missing a golden opportunity on 67 minutes, unmarked at the edge of the area he strides towards net before unleashing a shot that isn’t directed nearly well enough, and Esson calmly makes the save. As the final whistle blows, we can all grin at a really, really good win.

Final Score – Fulham 0:2 Wrexham
MoM – Labinot Harbuzi

The win keeps us in an improbably 2nd-place through fifteen games. We’re tied with Charlton with 36 points, but are behind only on goal differential.

November 1st, 2006

Simon Cox brings home the Young Player of the Month award today, barely beating out Labinot Harbuzi. I sincerely hope that this will spur him to put home even more goals in the coming weeks.

November 2nd, 2006

With Michael Bradley, Simon Cox and Craig Westcarr all healthy and looking good, it’s leaving our Juan Ugarte, who isn’t entirely thrilled with such changes. The Spaniard informs me of such in a private meeting today, saying that he expects to feature in the first team a great deal more than the four appearances he’s made this year. I can’t promise anything, but I do tell Juan that he will be featuring more, but, the way things are going, he may see his role take a serious reduction from where he was last year. If he wants the job, he’ll have to prove it on the pitch.

Meanwhile, I’ve got reporters at the training ground today asking about everyone’s favorite transfer target, one Richard Brittain. Supposedly, Bolton and Stoke have interest in procuring his services, and the rumored transfer fee is $1.75M for him. This is, of course, to those on the inside, completely laughable. Brittain won’t be leaving for anything short of $3M, and not to any team in our own League if I can help it. Everyone who has asked for his information knows what the right price is.

November 3rd, 2006

Andy Roberts, who hasn’t played this year due to some recurring injury troubles, twists his knee for the 8th time under my stewardship. Sheesh.

November 4th, 2006

There’s been a good deal of sniping and animosity between managers this season, although I’ve been lucky enough to avoid it, at least thus far. That isn’t to say that lady controversy hasn’t made a stop by Wrexham in recent months. Chairman Alex Hamilton has been shopping the club around, and may have found a suitor in businessman Shaun Royle, a real estate mogul from Cardiff with supposedly, a few million to throw around. Well, if he comes along and bumps up the wage bill by a few thousand dollars, I won’t complain.

English Championship – Game Sixteen: Wrexham v. West Bromwich Albion

West Brom are currently sitting in 8th place, and are undergoing a bit of a troubled time this season, with names like Jason Koumas, Richard Chaplow, Nwankwo Kanu and Zoltan Gera all requesting out of the club ASAP. While disarray is good, the best news is that Robert Earnshaw, who so annoyed us the last time we played, will be out of the West Brom squad with a groin strain.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-1-2-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Masiello, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Ugarte, Bradley

In the interests of resting Simon Cox I’m playing Ugarte today, a move that works its wonders in attack immediately, as our attack goes from pacey and creative, to sluggish and slow. Neither Bradley or Ugarte are skilled enough to be the top man up front, both play well off of Cox, and with him missing, we’re looking to our midfield for the goals once more. Francesco Lodi can’t quite get it going however, and his first two attempts to begin the game are well saved by Russel Hoult. West Brom are digging hard in midfield, playing for a point, so any chance, even the slightest half-chance must be exploited for us to have any success. When N’Diaye flights a ball over the West Brom defense to a streaking Hughes, frankly, I’m expecting the midfielder to slide the ball across the area for someone else to take and slot home, but instead he side-foots it perfectly across the net and into the right-netting to begin the scoring on 14 minutes.

West Brom absolutely shut down the game from there. Neither team manages as much as a sniff of net over the next 30 minutes as the half comes to a merciful and boring close. The start of the second half is all the same, but on 60 minutes, a moment of real contention, Stephen McPhail’s freekick into the area controlled for a moment by Rob Elvins before Alex Smith slices in to knock the ball loose. Elvins theatrically goes down, and we do protest in earnest as Tony Harris points to the spot. McPhail’s penalty isn’t great, but it’s got the power to beat Esson, and suddenly, the game is tied at 1-1.

Dropping men even further back, West Brom protect their point with everything they’ve got, and we can’t find the way to unlock their defense. We nearly get lucky late, as substitute Labinot Harbuzi flips a cross into the box that Hoult tips right onto the post. We’ve got two men waiting as it bounces down, but Lloyd Dyer reacts first, clearing the ball off the line before we can bundle it home. A point for all involved.

Final Score – Wrexham 1:1 West Bromwich Albion
MoM – Stephen Hughes

With Charlton falling away to Millwall 2-1, the draw actually moves us into sole possession of 1st place, which is as much of a surprise to us as I’m sure it is to everyone else in the league. The other surprise this evening is that, on the back of their 3-3 draw with Burnley today, and dropping all the way to 20th, supposed “promotion contenders” Cardiff City have decided to dispense with the services of Lennie Lawrence, citing “problems in the dressing room” and not the club’s atrocious league position.

November 11th, 2006

As we take a break for some international friendlies, the transfer mill gets up and grinding once more, and this time, Simon Cox is involved.

Apparently, Paul Jewell is taking some serious heat for his team’s paltry 18th-place beginning to the season, and is trying to deflect some of the criticism the old-fashioned way. By buying a brand-new player. In this case, he’s apparently set his sights on Simon Cox, and has made public how much he’d like to take him off our hands. Rumor is a $8.5M bid will be materializing sometime in the future, and the media would like my commentary on the mess. Given that Simon is and has been the fulcrum of our striking team, I let everyone know that the only way he’ll be leaving is over my dead body.

Later in the afternoon, after a reasonably spirited practice, Alain van de Besselar knocks on my door, asking to have a word with me. Apparently, the youngster’s got a bit of a case of the butterflies, and is really feeling the pressure of being a fan’s favorite, along with doing his best to help the team retain its league position. Given that we’re first, which is well far away from where we were supposed to be, I tell him not to worry. He’s done great, but he shouldn’t feel pressured, and all he really needs to worry about is the next game, and playing well in that.

November 15th, 2006

It’s international friendly day today, as national teams from all over the globe play usually boring games in order to see who can and cannot make the cut at international level. After watching the USA play to a 0-0 draw with Croatia, England take on Brazil in Rio, and manage a promising 2-0 victory, which should be some small measure of revenge after the 2006 World Cup Final.

In the evening, I send a fax off to Manchester, asking if they’d be so kind as to let us keep Febian Brandy for another three months.

retired_britty

November 18th, 2006

English Championship – Game Seventeen: Burnley v. Wrexham

With a number of our players having participated in recent international fixtures (mostly Under-21s) the team’s looking a little thin and tired today. To make things better, we’ve got another game in three days against Bristol City. If we’re not careful, an unfortunate slide could start right about now.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Masiello, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Westcarr

With Cox part of the mix again, we’re looking as positive as we should be in attack, although a little fatigued. Still, Burnley’s defense hasn’t been especially skillfull this season, and as the game works its way out of the starting exchanges, they give us a hand as best they can. Alex Smith tosses an incalculably long throw-in from the left, towards Masiello in the box, only to see Tony Grant needlessly shove the defender, gifting us the penalty. Hughes defers to Cox, and the striker converts with the same kind of cool accuracy we’re used to.

It’s hard to sum up the next 70 minutes or so of gameplay, but to say that Burnley’s goalkeeper, Danny Coyne, puts on one of the most spectacular performances in net that I’ve ever seen. We pepper his net with no less than 14 shots. Good shots, mind you. One-on-one opportunities, point-blank shots, glancing headers, chips, curling shots and freekicks, and Coyne manages to keep every last one of them from sneaking into his net. It is spectacular, and incredibly frustrating.

Worse comes on 80 minutes, Andrea Masiello trying to charge down a pass and allowing a perfectly weighted through ball to find its way to an unmarked Brett Ormerod, who is more than skilled enough to round Esson and slot home to net things at 1-1. As the last minutes tick away, we’re looking spent from exertion in trying to beat Coyne, while Burnley are happy to walk away with what will be a steal of a point today. Still, the game’s not over, and Harbuzi, who came on for Hughes manages to find a yard of space at midfield to lump one upfield for Cox, who burns past his marker and goes clean through on net. His shot, however, is from his weaker left foot, managing to fool Coyne and watching it sneak in the right post to give us the lead. An atrocious backpass allows Francesco Lodi to make sure on 87 minutes, and we’re three more points to the good.

Final Score – Burnley 1:3 Wrexham
MoM – Simon Cox

The win means we move into sole possession of first place, a phrase I didn’t think I’d be saying at all this year. Three points clear in sole possession of first place, thus far this season, we’ve been crusing, and the team has stepped up ten times as well as I hoped they would. I expected a season where we’d fight hard, and finish somewhere safely mid-table. This, not so much.

November 20th, 2006

Wigan blow all of $7M today, purchasing Nicky Hunt from Bolton. What Bolton is doing selling one of their best young talents is up to anyone, but I’m sure Sam Allardyce knows what he’s doing.

Manchester United reject our offer to take Febian Brandy for another three months, much to my disappointment.

Meanwhile, we’re welcoming two new youngsters to the club. Aleksandar Makaveev and Enis Turkovic both join the club on Free Transfers today, both strikers. As always, hopefully the pair will spend a year or two in the reserves, improving, and will one day be able to join the first-team.

Players In:
Aleksandar Makaveev (21 y/o, Bulgarian, S C)
Enis Turkovic (20 y/o, Swedish, S C)

November 21st, 2006

English Championship – Game Eighteen: Bristol City v. Wrexham

Noone likes spending a lot of time on the road, and, including this game, we’ll have spent six of eight games on the road, not exactly an appealing thought for anyone. Due to fatigue, I’m completely retooling the first-team squad, going as far as to place Player-Coach Brian McBride on the bench as a sub. Hopefully, we won’t be that desperate.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, Simek, Morgan, Walsh; N’Galula; Halfredsson, Harbuzi, Jones; Ugarte, Brandy

It’s becoming increasingly obvious to anyone watching the team this year that we’re relying way, way, way too hard on Simon Cox for our offense, as Michael Bradley hasn’t cut it yet, and Juan Ugarte is looking more and more outmatched every day. We can’t seem to outfox our opponents defense, despite Harbuzi’s best urgings, while Bristol are looking very, very sprightly and attentive all over the field. Their 4-3-3 formation is causing our defense fits, but it’s a sad mistake that allows the first, Gareth Roberts flighting a cross into the box that loops over our entire defense before falling right to the feet of Steve Brooker at the far post, who fires home from a yard out to give Bristol the lead after five minutes.

We don’t get a single shot on target until 35 minutes, and it’s a tame effort, Jones firing into Steve Phillip’s chest from 20 yards. As the game progresses, Bristol are beginning to run increasingly rampant, and Esson has to be at full stretch to prevent Tony Dinning from heading home a corner just after the interval. Esson is called into action again on 61 minutes, Dinning firing in again from the edge of area high and towards the left corner, only to see Esson leap to bat it just over the crossbar. But, when Leroy Lita fires from some 30-yards away on 69 minutes, Esson reacts too late to stop it, as it sails gloriously into the right side of the net to condemn us to our second loss of the season.

Final Score – Bristol City 2:0 Wrexham
MoM – Tommy Doherty

My disappointment after the game is mostly over how less-than-valuable most of our backups were. Jones, Halfredsson and Harbuzi weren’t nearly creative enough, N’Galula was beaten all around the field, and Smith and Walsh looked completely vulnerable along the wings. But still, even with the loss, we’re tied for 1st-place with an interminably valuable 40 points. It’s hard to be very angry, especially considering that, taking the last two years into account, another 7-11 points and we should be to safety.

November 22nd, 2006

After a reasonably successful three months, Febian Brandy returns to Manchester United today.

Players Out:
Febian Brandy (18 y/o, English, F C): 2(4) apps, 2 goals, Av. R: 6.83

November 24th, 2006

We’ve had Manchester United’s Piqué for months on Loan now, and he’s been stuck in the reserves, with Morgan, Simek, Masiello and van de Besselar all preferred. However, United has placed him on the transfer list on the cheap recently, and my coaches have all rated him as having a good upside in the future. I tab a bid for the end of the season that will see us pay them $440K over the next 24 months, and $180K after promotion. They say they’ll consider it.

November 25th, 2006

English Championship – Game Nineteen: Wrexham v. Nottingham Forest

Another day, another game. I shuffle the team once more. I can assure everyone involved with the club last game’s “fun” won’t be repeated again anytime soon.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, Simek, Morgan, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Westcarr

I’ll line the final line speak for itself.

Final Score – Wrexham 7:2 Nottingham Forest
MoM – Simon Cox

The win keeps us in 1st-place, and reaffirms how well we’ve rebounded after losses this year. It’s our highest-scoring game under my tenure, and more evidence of how well the team plays when the game is working to its benefit. We run well, we play well, but it’s become quite frankly evident that while Craig Westcarr and Simon Cox pair exceptionally well, and Michael Bradley has bouts of skill followed by moments of anonymity, but Juan Ugarte isn’t going to cut it. He’s a backup, at best, and he’s not good enough for supplement the attack. Frankly, we need a good, skilled striker to complement Simon Cox.

The post-game warm-down reveals that Stephen Hughes has suffered a gashed leg, and will be out for about five days.

November 27th, 2006

All of the pundits are predicting an end to our run of form, not due to bad play, but due to the team being forced to sell off some of its best talent. Today’s rumor is that Plymouth and Gillingham will be buying Martin Overvik from us in the immediate future, which I’m only informed of during a call-in interview on the radio. My reply is as such:

“While I don’t want to speculate much on our players futures, I’m disappointed at these attempts to unsettle our players with all this transfer talk. It’s an issue I’m only going to address a few times, suffice to say anyone who wants to bid on Martin can, and it’ll probably be rejected. I mean, who would want to leave the best team in the league? We’re not cash strapped like some of our opponents, we’re playing unbelievably well. I mean, I wouldn’t hurt Martin’s future by selling him off to mid-table strugglers.”

I don’t think there’s much more of a barb I could’ve thrown out there, frankly.

November 29th, 2006

The search for a new striker looks towards the Premiership today, as Everton has made 19-year old Sean Banks available for Loan, and . I make it clear that we’d like to take him off their hands for three months, if that’d be okay.

Meanwhile, Derby has made Marcus Tudgay available for a mere $150K, and the 23-year old striker may be what I’m looking for. By the evening, I’ve made a bid for his services, and am talking contract with the player’s agent.

November 31st, 2006

Sean Banks agrees to join the club today, much to my relief. An extra pair of legs is almost always a good thing and Banks, powerful in the air and a set-piece specialist, should be just that.

Players In:
Sean Banks (19 y/o, English, S C)

December 1st, 2006

Francesco Lodi takes home the Championship Player of the Month award, while I’m snubbed for the Manager of the Month award. Normally, I wouldn’t care much, but I would’ve assumed keeping this team in the top three places for this long might be worth a little recognition at some point. Well, there’s always next month.

I’m still not finished shopping for talent, and I’d like to grab one more striker on Loan for insurance. Thankfully, Charlton have made 19-year old James Walker available, so I send them a fax, letting the London team know that we’d enjoy taking the striker off their hands for three months or so.

December 2nd, 2006

English Championship – Game Twenty: Wrexham v. Bolton Wanderers

Thus far this season, Bolton are probably the best team we’ve played, on paper at least. With Kevin Davies, Jay-Jay Okocha and Jussi Jääskeläinen still on payroll, and El-Hadji Diouf on Loan from Liverpool, I’m willing to argue that today’s fixture will be our biggest test yet this year. That’d be why the stands are filled, I’d surmise.

Wrexham Lineup: (4-1-3-2): Esson; Smith, van de Besselar, Morgan, Overvik; N’Diaye; Hughes, Lodi, Brittain; Cox, Westcarr

Bolton kick off, and they’re trying to press us all over the field from the start today, and having some success in doing it. For the first five minutes or so, we’re playing a timid game, in awe of our opponents from Lancashire. Only Alain van de Besselar and Ryan Esson seem to remember that not only is there a game to play, but that Bolton are going to be aiming to win it, Esson called into action on six minutes as some quick passing cuts open our defense, allowing Léo Borges to lift a pass right over our defense to a streaking Diouf, whose shot is brilliantly parried by Esson, only to see the rebound fall to Davies. Van de Besselar is there however to fling himself infront of the shot, and cause it rebound, just barely to the left of the post. Having come so close to going an early goal down, we spur into action finally, the usual suspects at the helm again. Francesco Lodi’s one-two with Brittain gives the Italian some time to observe the field from well to the right of the penalty arc, but I think everyone, including Jääskeläinen is surprised when he bends a shot for the net that curls viciously into the side of the net just past the despairing Finn’s attempt to keep it out. We’ve got our tails up after that, coming forward in waves, Overvik shooting just wide from 18 yards. And Jackie McNamara’s last-ditch tackle preventing Lodi from slotting the ball into the empty net. A Hughes corner is fired in by Cox on 20 minutes, but it rebounds off someone’s legs, and, in the ensuing scramble, Ricardo Gardner bundles over Richard Brittain in a manner that can certainly be defined as “illegal”. The ref points to the spot, Cox steps up and blasts one into the right side of the net for the 2-0 advantage.

Bolton don’t back down, and come within a lick of paint of tying things on 34 minutes when Okocha’s free-kick sails just over the bar. Davies warms Esson’s hands with a fine shot on 40 minutes, but Esson is up to the task and makes the comfortable save. However, Diouf’s speed is beginning to frustrate our defenders, Smith especially, who has been tasked with dealing with his marauding runs down the left. So when McNamara drills a through ball for the Senegalese international, Smith has no chance to catch up, allowing Diouf to swing a cross into the box that a diving Lee McCulloch gets a foot to but can’t quite direct past Esson. The rebound runs free however, and Davies is first to it, pulling it back for Diouf to blast a thundering drive past the prone Esson to make it 2-1 going into the half.

We come out for the second half running, as I instructed the team to, as giving Bolton any time on the ball to think and create will probably spell our doom. So I’m nothing but pleased when Simon Cox comes speeding back upfield on the counter-attack, sliding a pass to Westcarr before burning upfield to receive the return pass, skipping past Gardener’s lame challenge and firing right past Jääskeläinen for a 3-1 lead. Lodi just about wraps things up on 57 minutes, unmarked, it’s all too easy for him to head home Brittain’s cross to put things out of reach. The win is only marred by Craig Morgan getting himself his second yellow just before the end.

Final Score – Wrexham 4:1 Bolton Wanderers
MoM – Simon Cox

The win moves us back atop the Championship, four points ahead no less, of our next opponent, Charlton Athletic. Were my contract not running until 2011, I could probably parlay this into some serous money for myself. However, with everyone so happy here, and the fans in full support of the club, I don’t want anyone or anything to disturb the chemistry we’ve got going. Of course, the media want to know about Simon and his future and whether we think we can hang onto him yadda-yadda-yadda. I offer them a firm “no comment”.

I give Craig Morgan a warning, albeit not the most convicting one for getting sent off. He accepts it with the promise to be a smarter defender in the future, and to commit his yellow card offenses when the ref isn’t looking, which gets a good laugh out of me.

December 6th, 2006

We take two more strikers on Loan as I’m pushing all of my chips to the center of the table now. We’re reaching the midpoint of the season now, and I feel absolutely assured in saying that wherever we are after 30 games will be a strong indicator of where we might end up. In that mind, we take Giuseppe Rossi from Manchester United and James Walker from Charlton. Rossi is 19 and is probably the hottest prospect in a Manchester United youth team that has seen some successes and some flameouts. IT would seem that we’re putting together some sort of home-away-from-home for Manchester United starlets, we’ve had David Jones, we bought Jami Puustunen (who isn’t far off some first-team action) and now Rossi, an immensely gifted striker joins the team. Walker isn’t half bad himself, but he’s really an emergency plan.

Players In:
Giuseppe Rossi (19 y/o, Italian, S C)
James Walker (19 y/o, English, S C)

It looks like there’ll be some money coming our way though, as Barnsley, sitting at a less-than-pleasant 22nd in League One would like to take Juan Ugarte off our hands for a handsome $110K. It’s a great deal more than I expected to ever get for the Spaniard, and I quickly agree to let them talk with the striker.

December 7th, 2006

With the re-opening of the international transfer window looming, I’m getting busier and busier on the telephones. Alex Smith has looked wobbly at times this year, and while I’m not going to replace him, I don’t want to burn him out, and it’s become entirely apparent that we don’t have anyone capable of doing it other than Overvik, who is currently engaged on the right of defense. A solution, as always, would be nice.

December 9th, 2006

The deal for Juan Ugarte goes through today, and he’ll leave for Barnsley in the evening. I’m sorry it had to end this way, but it was inevitable. Ugarte has another 4-8 years of his career ahead of him, and he’s not good enough for what we need right now. Still, when it’s all said and done, he explains to me that he has enjoyed his time here in Wrexham, and is happier leaving the team on good terms, knowing that this probably had to be done, rather than letting the situation fester and turn into something worse.

Players Out:
Juan Ugarte (26 y/o, Spanish, S C)
Wrexham Career: 38 (26) apps, 15 goals, 7 assists, Av. Rate 6.67.

Early in the morning, I get a tantalizing offer from DC United in the fax machine that has me trying hard to make a decision. They’d like to take Franklin Simek, who has been nothing but skilled for us, away for $174K. Normally, that’d be a flat-out “No” they’d receive in return, but they’re also offering two strikers, Justin Detter, who I could care less about, and Santino Quaranta, who I’ve been keeping my eye on. Quaranta is a good prospect, incredibly versatile up front and creative, someone we could really nurse into maturity… however Franklin has been, as noted, great for us this year. I decide to up the ante, telling DC United they can keep Detter, Quaranta and their money, but they can only have Simek if they’re willing to part with their golden boy, Freddy Adu.