WREXHAM have expressed concerns about playing two away matches in less than 48 hours during a hectic opening to the new season.
The Dragons begin their Blue Square Premiership programme at home to Stevenage Borough on Saturday, August 9, but then face a televised evening clash at York City on Thursday, August 14 and follow that with a trip to Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday, August 16.
Football League regulations require a minimum of 48 hours between fixtures, but Wrexham secretary Geraint Parry said he would be seeking guidance on the possibility of putting the Nene Park match back by 24 hours.
Dragons manager Brian Little said: “We’ll try and check out the finer details, but if that’s how it’s got to be, then fine.
“The first few games will be a good early test for us and mean we will have to quickly come to terms with what this league is all about. I’m not at all worried by the prospect of four matches in 12 days, but we’ll certainly ask the right questions about playing at York and Rushden so close together.”
Two of the Dragons’ opening four games will be televised live, with cameras at the Racecourse for the visit of Oxford United a week after Wrexham’s York City clash.
And Little hopes broadcaster Setanta will keep coming back for more as the season progresses.
“It’s something of a compliment that we are being featured twice during the opening fortnight of the season,” said Little. “The important thing from our point of view it to persuade Setanta to make it a regular occurrence and the easiest way to do that is by winning matches.
“If we can persuade them to keep following us around it will be because there is an unfolding story for them to cover.”
Yesterday’s publication of the fixture list 48 hours ahead of schedule has brought a sharper focus to Wrexham’s pre-season build-up.
Little added: “Now that we are aware of the first few games we can make plans to have the teams watched, but that sort of homework has already started.
“From conversations I’ve had and from what I’ve seen and heard we know a little bit about our opponents.
“Stevenage were a bit disappointed to miss out on the play-offs last season, so they will be one of the stronger sides this time, Rushden have brought in a few good players and obviously intend to have a real push this year, while York seem to be going with a younger group of players.
“But our main task is to make sure we are ready for what lies ahead and that’s what we will do. Seeing the fixture list for the first time gives everyone a bit of a buzz and it’s fair to say everyone here is looking forward to the start of the season.”
Dragons’ midfielder Tom Kearney, one of Little’s six summer signings, echoed his manager’s comments.
“Last season Stevenage were one of the league’s best sides and, like most of them at this level, are strong and well-organised, so they will be a very good test for us and demonstrate just what the Confernece is all about,” said Kearney.
“There are a lot of big, physical teams that we need to compete with on equal terms and I’m looking forward to the new challenge here as part of a club that will be going for promotion. Expectations are high, both within the club and from the supporters, and I’m sure we will be among the favourites to do well.
“We have to accept that might be the case and get on with it.”
