New writer, Sam Higgins, looks at the rollercoaster that is Wrexham AFC.
Since it was announced that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were the prospective new owners of Wrexham Association Football Club, all had been relatively quiet with minimal updates from the club on its progression. The time it took from announcing their interest to getting the deal over the line was painful to say the least. Some fans were concerned about the wait. Did the duration mean problems? Stumbling blocks had been encountered and that the deal might not even go through? Especially during a global pandemic with uncertainty about whether The National League would even continue. The relief when it was officially announced could be seen by all. The 9th of February 2021 will be a date every Wrexham fan will remember for the rest of their lives.
Embed from Getty ImagesRYAN & ROB ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY
The reasoning behind Reynolds and McElhenney purchase of a proud historic North Wales football club is questioned by a lot of outsiders and Wrexham fans alike. Since negotiations started, they’ve certainly put a lot of those concerns to bed with their immediate involvement within the community. Last November Rob McElhenney donated £6000 to Wrexham fan Aiden Stott who has cerebral palsy. A Just Giving page was set up for Aiden by his family to raise funds to adapt his current bathroom to make it more suitable for his disabilities. The monies raised has certainly changed Aiden’s life for the better.
The pair also made a £5000 donation to club coach Carl Darlington’s Just Giving page. Sadly, Carl and his wife lost their daughter Ella on the 6th of February after birth. Carl is raising funds for Sands, the stillbirth & neonatal death charity, by running 80km in February. These acts of kindness by the new owners have brought the community together and got all fans believing and pulling in the same direction with regards to the takeover. Here is the link to Carl’s Just Giving for those who’d like to donate.
Embed from Getty ImagesSEASON UPDATE
Albeit, not officially owning the club back in January, the pair made funds available to Dean Keates in the transfer window as the takeover wouldn’t go through in time. Dior Angus (Barrow AFC) & Tyler French (Bradford City FC) were brought in with the additional funds. Reds fans opinion of the players is mixed. Dior Angus goal scoring record is hardly prolific. However, Barrow fans are adamant his involvement alongside ex-Wrexham & TNS striker Scott Quigley contributed greatly towards their promotion to the football league. Many classed Angus as the unsung hero of that promotion winning side.
Embed from Getty ImagesTyler French
Tyler French came with good reviews from Bradford City fans. They thought that the 22-year-old central defender had potential and could break into their first team in the coming seasons. Since signing, both players have featured regularly. Both debuted in the away league fixture to Eastleigh where French was sent off in the 85th minute. Since both have made their mark on the team and have been impressing. Though Angus could certainly chip in with a few more goals. But understandably it’s difficult for any striker to score when the chances aren’t being created. However, his desire to run at his man and take him on, is something Wrexham fans have wanted for the last few seasons now.
On paper the players we have are good enough to be pushing for the top 3 positions. Keates recruited well over the summer, bringing in experienced high-level conference players in Fiacre Kelleher, Reece Hall-Johnson, Jamie Reckord, Theo Vassell, Elliott Durrell, Jordan Davies and Adi Yussuf. Adding to the current crop of Rob Lainton, Shaun Pearson, Luke Young, Dan Jarvis and Jay Harris. Most Wrexham fans were pleased and excited for the season ahead.
However, it hasn’t panned out how we all expected. The side has struggled and has been inconsistent throughout the season. The football on offer is boring. Referred to by many as ‘Keatesball’. The midfield is often completely bypassed and lacks creativity. We also don’t have a prolific goal scorer, an issue that has been prominent since the departure of Louis Moult to Motherwell in 2015.
Embed from Getty ImagesAdi Yussuf
When Adi Yussuf was signed on-loan until the end of the season, many thought he was the man to put the ball in the back of the net. It didn’t work out and he has since moved to Chesterfield on-loan until the season end with an option to buy from Blackpool. The ever-promising Jordan Ponticelli, whose goal scoring ability excited fans last season when he was on-loan from Coventry City, has gone completely off the boil. He looks like a player completely shot of confidence. A player that needs game time desperately, unfortunately at a club which can’t afford to give it.
Kwame Thomas
Kwame Thomas might be the answer to those problems. The 25-year-old striker whose represented England at U16, U17 and U20 level, was brought in by Keates in the summer. Again, fans opinions on him were mixed. His goal scoring record is poor. Scoring a measly 4 goals in 25 appearances for Solihull Moors back in 2017-2018 his most successful season. He was supposed to be the strike partner to Ponticelli. Brought in to win headers and hold up the ball and bring others into play further up the field. Although, scoring 8 goals this season, surpassing his previous record, Thomas has been hit and miss. If service improves, though, Thomas will benefit greatly. He’s a natural finisher and if he gets the service, he will score goals.
Dean Keates
Inconsistent performances and poor results have made fans become disgruntled. The majority are calling for Dean Keates to be dismissed with immediate effect. Looking in from an outside perspective it might seem that Wrexham aren’t doing too badly finding themselves in the play-off positions and you’d wonder what all the uproar is about. The table might have us in those illustrious play-off positions, which any fan at the start of the season would have taken after a dreadful 2019-2020 season. However, it doesn’t paint the full picture. There are 6 clubs beneath Wrexham within 6 points. Some of which have upwards of 4 games in hand on us. The table could soon turn once all fixtures have caught up.
The general consensus is that we should play attacking free flowing football. The announcement by The National League that there wouldn’t be any relegations from the division should be seen as a free hit. After all there isn’t anything to lose. It’s a chance for Keates to experiment with different philosophies. Instead, he’s standing by his tactics. And he’s renowned for being defensive. There is no doubt that Keates is under a substantial amount of pressure. He’s most certainly on borrowed time if results don’t pick up fast.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt’s a situation the owners can obviously see for themselves. Last week it was announced that a bonus scheme would be implemented. Each player will receive an additional £200 for a win and £50 for a draw dependant on whether they remain in the play-off positions. Since its implementation Wrexham faced Wealdstone last weekend. Despite a very poor first half where the Reds found themselves 1 nil down. They fought back to win 4 -1 taking all 3 points in a more than convincing second half. All Wrexham fans are hoping that the added incentives to perform will lift us up the table.
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE???
The most important signing of the season is yet to be made. It was announced by Humphrey Ker, who is acting as Executive Director on behalf of Ryan & Rob, that a shortlist of 3 potential chief executives has been drawn up. Kerr has been quoted in The Leader saying that the 3 candidates are ‘very experienced at differing levels of football and in some differing roles within the game’. It was also quoted that notice might have to be sorted. Implying that we may poach a CEO from another club.
That’s something that excites Wrexham fans as were used to signing freebies or players that nobody wants. Whoever is brought in to fill the role of Chief Executive undoubtedly has the biggest and most difficult task of getting Wrexham Association Football Club back to where it belongs in the Football League. The task may seem daunting. However, with the aid of Ex-Liverpool CEO Peter Moore on board in an advisory role, we couldn’t ask for a more experienced individual to guide us in the right direction.