Cod Almighty | Article

by Paul Thundercliffe

6 August 2007

Last season
After a promising start, pre-season prediction of a play-off spot looked realistic. What followed was a loss of form that made Town's Christmas Period look almost festive. Fans' favourite Dennis Smith – one of only two permanent managers since 1989 – was sacked and Brian Carey took over for the rest of the season.

After winning three out of four in April, Wrexham faced a showdown with the lovely Boston. Winner stays up. Over 12,000 found their way back to the Racecourse and expectations were high. Boston, always the hoodied teenager with a spliff and a bad attitude, threatened to spoil the party by taking a first-half lead. Thankfully, justice prevailed and three second-half finishes maintained the Dragons' league status and propelled Boston to a lifetime of (hopefully) anonymity.

Ins and outs
The major departure is striker Lee McEvilly going back to Accrington, but Carey has brought in some good replacements in Eifion Williams and Michael Proctor. There's also Richard Hope from Shrewsbury and the former Hyde man Connall Murtagh. Looks quite promising. And they have bought a new keeper too, which is good – one Anthony Willia… hmmmm.

Their expectations
After administration, getting shafted by owners and council, and last season's close call, Wrexham fans are just pleased to be alive. A mid-table finish for them will be a success, with Carey keeping the nucleus of last year's side and hoping for consolidation.

Our expectations
I had thought they could be dark horses for the play-offs, but with that keeper (who will obviously save a penalty against us in a man-of-the-match performance this season) I can't see it. Eleventh.