DENIS SMITH has blamed Wrexham's defensive troubles on the worst injury crisis he has experienced in more than 20 years of management.
The Dragons boss claims the disruption caused to his side in recent weeks is the reason why they have shipped a worrying 11 goals in their last four games - culminating in last Saturday's 5-1 loss to Hartlepool United.
Admitting a lack of continuity was costing his team dear, Smith said: "The problem has been that I've consistently had to change my team due to injuries. Unfortunately when that happens, the defence suffers.
"I've never known a run of injuries like it in my time as a manager. But people should judge us when we've been able to put out a full-strength team."
Only Stockport County and MK Dons have conceded more goals than the 37 the Dragons have shipped in League One this season, and Smith claimed his players need to show collective responsibility in a bid to become more resilient.
"It's not just about the lads who play at the back," said the Wrexham boss, whose first managerial role was at York City in 1982. "It's about the front players and the midfield too. They've got to work in units for the good of the team, but when you constantly have to keep changing those units it destroys any understanding you have."
Wrexham currently have centre-back Brian Carey and wing-backs Carlos Edwards and Dean Bennett sidelined, while midfielder Danny Williams - who performs a key protective role in front of the defence - is also injured.
The relegation-haunted Dragons go to Bradford City on Boxing Day - the first of four games in nine days - and Smith expects to be without utility man Scott Green. After recovering from the illness that forced him to miss Saturday's Hartle-pool game, the veteran has picked up a groin problem. Chris Llewellyn is also struggling to overcome a groin injury, but defender Shaun Pejic is back in training after a spell out with illness.
The Bantams have stepped in to help Wrexham - who are currently in administration - with a generous cash offer for Sunday's game.
The Yorkshire club will return to Wrexham the gate receipts for every away supporter who passes through the turnstiles once the 600-mark has been broken.
So if 700 away fans turn up, Bradford - who have experienced administration themselves twice in the last three years - will donate the turnstile money for 100 supporters.
Meanwhile, Wrexham have submitted an application to be invited to next July's Isle of Man Festival. The club expects to know sometime in the new year whether their application to play in the pre-season tournament has been successful.
* WREXHAM'S reserve team has a new home - at Welsh Premier club Newi Cefn Druids.
Pontin's League officials yesterday visited Plaskynaston Lane and approved the facilities, freeing the Dragons second string to play their home games there for the rest of the season.
Wrexham will pay Druids rent for the use of their ground, but they hope the move will be beneficial in the long-term as it will ease the burden being placed on the pitch at the Racecourse, which is also home to Liverpool's reserve team.
All games will kick-off, as usual, at 7pm. The Dragons' next home reserve match is against Stockport on January 5.
