Wrexham

Little confirmed as Wrexham boss
Wrexham unveiled Brian Little as their new manager on Thursday. The 53-year-old former Aston Villa, Leicester and Tranmere boss takes the reins from Brian Carey who will remain at the club to work alongside Little. Steve Weaver, Joey Jones and Andy O'Boyle retain their current places on the backroom coaching staff. Little's contract runs initially until the end of the season, with his task to save the struggling Dragons from relegation from the Football League. Wrexham are currently on a six-game winless streak that has seen them drop to second bottom in League Two and bow meekly out of the FA Cup. "I'm delighted to be joining Wrexham," Little told the club's official website. "I think the most important thing is to sort out the team's position in the league. Then and only then can you look to the future." There had been speculation that Carey would remain at the Racecourse Ground in some capacity. He succeeded Denis Smith back in January, the former Wrexham captain stepping up from the backroom staff into his first managerial appointment. Despite helping stave off the threat of relegation last season Carey has struggled to find any level of consistency this term. But Little signed Carey as a player during his time in charge of the Foxes and confirmed they would be working closely together. "I know Brian Carey well and trust him because I signed him at Leicester," Little said. "At the moment we need to get the club away from the bottom of the table, whether that takes a month or three months and once we do that we can look at other targets. "The current position is not one where you can say that someone new can come in and we'll start flying up the league. "It might take a little time and maybe it will be a long hard season, but we've got to have a focus on trying to get away from the bottom of the table. "If that isn't the case straight away then we'll have to focus on retaining our league status. Those will have to be my initial aims. "Some people are full of false promises early doors, but there has to be a realisation that the team are in a bad position. "This is something I've inherited before at other clubs and it's something I think I've got experience in. "The important thing is not to kid anybody and to stay focused but to pick up points steadily and move away from danger." Little has been out of work since leaving Tranmere by mutual consent in May 2006 after three seasons in charge. Carey's position as manager had been under threat from some weeks after a poor start to the season. The Dragons managed just three wins from 14 league games this season - scoring just three goals at home - leaving them in the League Two relegation zone. Carey's overall record since succeeding former boss Smith last January also makes poor reading, with only nine wins from 41 games. Only a win on the final day of last season prevented Wrexham from losing their Football League status. Wrexham announced last week they intended to bring in a more experienced figure to take charge, and chairman Neville Dickens believes Little fits the bill perfectly. "He has a vast amount of experience. He's been at the highest level, he's been down in the lower leagues as well and he's left his mark wherever he's been," Dickens said. "Those fellows are rare and you're not able to get them very often, they are not about." Dickens said Carey had "done everything we asked of him" during his 10 months in charge, and praised his work in developing Wrexham's youngsters. But he said the club's plight at the bottom of the league meant changes had to be made.

Little pleased with vital point
Manager Brian Little has urged his side to build on the point they picked up against Chester on Sunday. Two Michael Proctor goals rescued a point for Wrexham, but they remain bottom of the League Two table. But Little, taking charge of Wrexham for the first time, was pleased with his side's 2-2 draw. "Our aim is to maintain our league status and that is going to be difficult, but we are moving in the right direction," said Little. "I think the most important thing was to come through the game with some points and we've done that," he added. "I guess there were times out there were it looked like we might lose. "To concede just before half-time was really gutting for our players but we worked hard and got our reward and I'm pleased that we didn't lose the game." Wrexham came from behind twice and Little is convinced that his side can pull away from trouble, but knows it is not going to be an easy challenge. He said: "This is just a tiny, tiny step in the right direction and we have a lot of hard work ahead. "Our commitment and effort is fine but the most important thing is we don't get carried away because it was a good performance but not a great performance and we have to do better than that. "We have some good players in this squad and the response from the squad was what I wanted. "I'm pleased we got some goals today but the two we conceded were bad ones, but we created chances and that pleased me." Wrexham travel to mid-table Rochdale on Saturday for their next League Two game.

Little lauds Wrexham resilience
Wrexham manager Brian Little praised his side's battling display at Rochdale which brought only their second away cleansheet of the season. "We've worked on a couple of systems during the last week or so to make us a little harder to beat," said Little. "So to go away and get a 0-0 is the start we're looking for. "It's pleasing we are working very hard when we're under pressure - they wanted to defend. We had a couple of scares but that happens to most away teams." The draw, Little's second in a row after he began his Wrexham reign with a 2-2 draw with local rivals Chester last Sunday, lifts the Dragons off the bottom of League Two on goal difference. Wrexham created few goal-scoring opportunities at Rochdale, but Little stressed his most important job is to improve a defence that has conceded 24 goals in 16 games. "I'd like to improve a little bit in our own play and there was a spell in the second half when we looked better," said Little, who used three centre-backs at Spotland. "But because we weren't in the final third very often we tried to rush things. "As a unit it's important we become harder to play against and we certainly done that against Rochdale so I'm pleased with that. "It's not over expansive football but initially what I've got to try to do is look at the players and try to find a system that suits us. "We tried to get the ball wide but it didn't work as much as I thought it would. But it's a decent point and I'm not disappointed with that, I probably would have taken that before the game." Wrexham face another two successive away games next week when they play Bury on Tuesday and then fellow strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. Little added: "Obviously I'd like to be unbeaten this week, that would be a massive bonus to us. "If we could win one that would be fantastic but the most important thing is to set out not lose. "If you were at the top of the table and had three games away from home in a week you'd be saying 'crickey this isn't an easy week'. "We're bottom of the table and got three away from home so it is a really difficult week for us."

Wrexham's 'panic' bemuses Little
Wrexham manager Brian Little said his players lost their composure in their League Two basement battle defeat at home to Brentford on Saturday. "Defensively, for whatever reason, we pressed a panic button in the second half," Little said after the 3-1 loss. "We scored a good goal, could have had a second, then for whatever reason collapsed completely. "At no stage were we comfortable and there's no reason for us to have played the way we did in that sense." Wrexham fell deeper into relegation trouble after the defeat to the Bees and next face a tough trip to promotion-chasing Rotherham on Saturday.

Little rues Crowell sending off
Boss Brian Little blamed Matt Crowell's red card for Wrexham's 3-0 defeat at Rotherham. The Dragons were reduced to 10 men after just 14 minutes when Crowell was given his marching orders for a two-footed challenge on Ian Ross. "The game was lost on a player being sent off for what was a double-footed tackle with no real contact," said Little. "But I can understand the referee making that decision." The defeat leaves Wrexham in the bottom two after their third straight defeat. And Little said: "We're struggling to win games with 11 men so you knock it down to 10 against a team as strong as them and you've got a problem. "But I thought we battled really gallantly in fairness. "We came here to get at them with three forwards and I think the first 15 minutes we matched them, but that went out of the window with the sending off. "I think the fact we tried to play aggressive in the second half was always going to give them a chance or two. We were gambling. "But you can't fault anybody's effort or commitment. I don't think the spirit or the set-up was wrong." Wrexham host mid-table sides Rochdale and Stockport on Boxing Day and next Saturday respectively and Little knows they must start picking up points. "I think we're boarding on getting something, but the problem is we need to turn that corner," he said. "There's something there but when we're making decisions like the tackle, we're throwing everything away. So we're not far off."

Roberts puzzled by Wrexham's form
Striker Neil Roberts admits he does not know why Wrexham keep slipping up in matches when they do everything right on the training pitch. The Dragons find themselves back at the bottom of League Two after a desperate 2-0 home defeat to Rochdale. "We seem to do things the right way in training, but when it comes to games we seem to forget everything and it goes out of the window," said Roberts. "I can't put my finger on it, but we must improve all aspects of our game." Wrexham have scored just six times at home this season - the worst in the Football League - and have picked up just eight points, a statistic only matched by League One sides Bournemouth and Bristol Rovers. "It's worrying that losing seems to be a regular occurrence at the Racecourse now," said Roberts. "We don't seem to perform and again we were poor (against Rochdale). "There's definitely a problem when we do concede. We have been going into our shells and it's not good enough. "It's easy for me to speak after the game saying we've got to be better, but it's as simple as that. "Six goals is not a nice statistic to look at. It's a problem. "We've scored one and conceded 11 in the last so many games and we've got problems here. "It's not nice at the moment and it has totally justified the fans' frustrations." And with Stockport visiting the Racecourse on Saturday ahead of a trip to high-flying Chesterfield on New Year's Day, Roberts knows things must change quickly. "We have to keep working hard and fighting and getting ourselves out of the situation we are in. "We are in a situation where we're playing for our futures, not just at Wrexham but at the end of the day, your football career. "The sooner we realise that the better, really."

Little facing busy time in market
Brian Little admits he does not know how many players he will have to bring in to try and save Wrexham from dropping out of the Football League. The Dragons travel to high-flying Chesterfield on New Year's Day hoping to lift themselves off the bottom of League Two. But with the opening of the transfer window, the Wrexham boss is in for a busy month. "I will probably have to try and change as much as I can," said Little. "We have a basis of good players and I really don't know how many players I will have to bring in because I have to try and change things. "There are a few good things I've seen that I've tried to throw back into the group."

Foyle joins Wrexham's management
Former Port Vale player and manager Martin Foyle has joined Wrexham's backroom staff. Foyle left Vale by mutual consent in September, having been in charge when the club lost to Wrexham in the Carling Cup at the start of the season. Wrexham first-team coach Steve Weaver and chief scout Brian Prandle are leaving the club as boss Brian Little battles for League Two survival. Weaver was assistant to ex-manager Brian Carey, now Little's assistant. Assistant physio Jenni Taylor has also left the Racecourse. "I have been here for a number of weeks now and decided that I needed to make a few changes to bring in another experienced coach," Little told the Wrexham website. "This is not a reflection on the staff that will be leaving, but we have half a season to turn round the situation and I feel that Martin has the kind of experience of football at this level which will only help us. "We obviously run on a tight budget and, while it's not nice releasing people, it is a necessary side of the game - which can be very cruel at times. "I would like to thank Steve, Brian and Jenni for their efforts on behalf of the club and wish them well for their future careers." Little plans significant playing recruits in the January transfer window as he seeks to raise the Racecourse club off the bottom of the league.

Wrexham capture Hall and Sonner
Wrexham have added two more faces to their squad as they continue their battle to stay in the Football League. Walsall forward Paul Hall has teamed up again with manager Brian Little, who previously signed him for Tranmere Rovers in March 2004. The 35-year-old joins until the end of the season on a free transfer. And another former Walsall player, midfielder Danny Sonner, 35, has signed a month-to-month contract after impressing on a trial this week. Both players should be available to play at Grimsby on Saturday. "The message to everybody is that we are trying to change things around, trying to brighten things up, try to bring in fresh faces, bring a group of people together who want to win football matches," said manager Brian Little. "We are close to one or two other things as well but that couldn't be done in time." Meanwhile, the club has allowed two of their youngsters to join Blue Square North side Tamworth on a month's loan. Central defender Gareth Evans and striker Jamie Reed, both 20, will make their debuts against Blyth Spartans in the FA Trophy second round on Saturday. Evans has already had a spell on loan at Northwich Victoria this season and Reed has turned out for Welsh Premier side Aberystwyth. # Wrexham's game at Mansfield on Wednesday has been postponed with no new date agreed.

Whitley seeks Wrexham redemption
Jeff Whitley is aiming to restart his football career after training with former club Wrexham. Personal problems have disrupted the career of the Northern Ireland midfielder, 28, who has undergone rehabilitation for alcohol abuse. Whitley joined Wrexham last February from Cardiff, playing a key role in the relegation battle but then went missing before the final match of the season. "If I get the opportunity to play for Wrexham again I will grab it," he said. "The people here showed their faith in me, so I would be more than happy to come back and help out once again. "I really enjoyed being back at Wrexham last season and was delighted that it eventually turned out well for the club. "It's such a shame that after last year's heartache the club is once again in the relegation mire, but I'm sure that it can be turned around." Whitley's family moved to Wrexham from Zambia when he was young and, along with brother Jim, he played in the Wrexham Youth League before being taken on as a trainee at Manchester City. Loan spells with Wrexham and Notts County followed for the 20-cap man, before moves to Sunderland, Cardiff and then loans with Stoke and Wrexham for a second time. But Whitley's whole career has been played out to the backdrop of his personal demons, which he hopes he has now tamed. "It's only when you are not in the game that you realise just how much you miss it," he told the Wrexham website. "I've been putting my life back on the straight and narrow and now really just want to concentrate on my football. "We will just have to see how this week goes, but I'm up for the challenge and feel sure that I have plenty to offer the club over the rest of the season." Whitley turns 29 this month, with the hope that he has also turned a corner and may yet turn out to play an important role in Wrexham's Football League survival battle.

Quartet join Wrexham with one out
Wrexham boss Brian Little has taken his January transfer window signings to nine by bringing in four more players. Tranmere defender Carl Tremarco, 22, has joined until the end of the season as has midfielder Robbie Garrett, 19, from Stoke. Striker Stuart Nicholson, 20, has signed a three-month loan deal from West Brom and midfielder Jeff Whitley, 28, joins on non-contract terms. Leaving is defender Ryan Valentine who has returned to former club Darlington. "It's been very hectic," said Little. "It's important for us to try and change the side around a little bit. "The players we have brought in have a pedigree of playing at a higher level." Asked if that was the end of the signings, he replied: "I don't think so." BRIAN LITTLE'S NEW RECRUITS Gavin Ward (goalkeeper) 18-month deal Phil Bolland (defender) end of season Sam Aiston (midfielder) 18 months Paul Hall (forward) end of season Danny Sonner (midfielder) month-to-month Stuart Nicholson (striker) three-month loan Carl Tremarco (defender) end of season Jeff Whitley (midfielder) non-contract Whitley had been training with the club as he seeks to restart his football career following personal problems. He joined Wrexham last February from Cardiff, playing a key role in the relegation battle, but then went missing before the final match of the season. He has been undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse and he feels ready to return to full-time football. Nicholson returned to the Baggies last month after ending an unsuccessful loan spell at League Two Shrewsbury Town because of "personal" reasons. The former England Under-19 international, who helped Bristol Rovers win promotion last season during a loan spell, scored just one goal for the Shrews in 16 appearances after joining at the start of the season. West Brom gave him his senior debut in an FA Cup tie against Reading two years ago and Nicholson has gone on to make another seven appearance for the Hawthorns club, scoring twice. Tremarco, who was awarded a new two-year contract by Little in 2006 when he was in charge at Tranmere, has made just 10 appearances for the Prenton Park outfit this season. Wrexham have bought out the remaining four months of his contract. Meanwhile, Wrexham's postponed trip to Mansfield has been rearranged for Tuesday, 1 April.

Little hails Wrexham's shock win
Boss Brian Little hailed his Wrexham side after they ended a run of seven straight league defeats to beat leaders MK Dons at the Racecourse. Neil Roberts strike ensured the win keeps their hopes of survival alive. "It was a great result for us, we worked very, very hard, and got a break at the right time," said Little. "It was a quality goal because there were so many people in there the only option was a chip and more often than not, it would miss the target." Six of Little's nine new faces started the game against the runaway leaders as he aims to turn around the club's fortunes. "We are still searching for the right blend, but obviously results are the most important thing at the moment," he said. "We were at the point where we couldn't sit on the fence anymore, we were waiting for January. "Even the lads that are here might benefit from the new people and might bring the best out of them." Little also admitted striker Chris Llewellyn could follow defender Ryan Valentine out of the Racecourse with Peterborough's assistant manager Kevin Russell at the game. "There is no secret about the Peterborough interest and if it's right, we'll consider it when everything is written down," said Little. "At the moment, Chris plays for me week in week out and if and when a decision has to be made, then a decision will be made."

Wrexham net Oxford striker Duffy
Wrexham have signed Oxford United striker Robert Duffy on a month's loan. The 25-year-old will go straight into the squad for Saturday's League Two visit to Bradford. Duffy, the older brother of Wales and Portsmouth defender Richard, has scored six goals in 21 games for Blue Square Premier side Oxford this season. He becomes Brian Little's 10th new signing since taking charge, the manager saying he hopes to recruit more players before the end of January.

Duffy extends Wrexham loan deal
Oxford United striker Rob Duffy will stay on loan at Wrexham for the remainder of the season. The 25-year-old Welshman was Oxford's top scorer last season, but was initially allowed to join the Racecourse Ground club for a month. With Joel Ledgister also out on loan, Oxford seem certain to add to their squad again, with a midfielder thought to be top of United's wanted list. Oxford play Blue Square Premier's bottom club Droylsden on Saturday.

Little sees 'massive' task ahead
Wrexham manager Brian Little has admitted the club faces a "massive, massive hill" if it is to avoid relegation from the Football League. The Dragons lost 2-1 at fellow strugglers Mansfield on Tuesday and face another troubled club, Macclesfield, at home on Saturday. Little said: "There's a massive, massive hill ahead of us now. Massive. But what do you do? "You don't run or hide. We must roll our sleeves up and win on Saturday." "We all know what people up and down the country will say. We've got to try our best to prove them wrong" Brian Little Wrexham are rooted to the bottom of the table, eight points adrift of third-from-bottom Notts County with seven games remaining. Little said: "We'll take it from there. But we all know where we sit. "We all know what people up and down the country will say. We've got to try our best to prove them wrong, but whether we can or not remains to be seen. "I said most people up and down the country would predict we'd go down if we lost this game and I accept that's what they will think. "But it's the same message I've said from day one. We'll try and we're trying very hard. "I've never said anything else. We don't do it any other way. We're very committed, but we do really cause our own problems. "I'll be able to pick the boys up, 100%. We won't give in. We won't accept miserable, horrible faces on Thursday morning." Little described the penalty decision for hand ball against Gareth Evans as "ludicrous". "I thought there were some poor decisions in the game and in a game like that you need good decisions," he said. "For him to give a penalty from there, I thought was ludicrous to be honest. "There are a couple of occasions when we've played poorly and been off the pace, but we've had a go. "That's our motto and we'll continue to have a go." Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts was pessimistic about the Dragons' chances. "They need to win at least five of their last seven games, and as they haven't put back-to-back league wins together all season that's looking nigh-on impossible," he told SSB. "It wasn't a bad performance at Mansfield, but the biggest factor was that Wrexham didn't take advantage of the big wind at their back in the first half. "Mansfield couldn't wait to get out for the second half, they got two early goals and it was all over. "Wrexham will obviously give it their all for the rest of the season, but behind the scenes they are probably planning for life in the Conference. "Wales lost Newport from the league a few years ago and they can't afford to lose another club. "I can see Swansea winning promotion this year and Cardiff going all the way in the FA Cup, but Wrexham's plight breaks my heart, especially as a north Walian. "It's tough to bounce back from the Conference, and if they don't do it in the first season they could be down there for a while."

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