INFLUENTIAL midfielder Jim Whitley (right) delivers a personal verdict on the probable Wrexham side to face the Shrimpers:

BEN FOSTER: Superman

Not because he flies through the air with his fists clenched, but because he kicks the ball so high. If the sliding roof is on, we're in trouble - we don't need another claim against us. Ben joined us on loan from Stoke and has been magnificent. A quiet lad off the field.

CARLOS EDWARDS : The Hairdresser

Long, short, braided? He has tried every hair style and they all look bad! He's just come back from a lengthy lay-off with a cruciate knee ligament injury and even in the early stages of rehab could run faster than me. A Trinidad International and our main threat, he glides past players and is definitely one to watch.

ANDY HOLT : The Hulk

Not because he's big and ugly but for the way he seems to run through people. He's been our 'Mr Consistent' this season.. A fans' favourite, he delivers a good ball, has a massive throw and has come up with great goals. Off the field, he hasn't a clue what the word serious means and always has a smile on his face, despite the problems the club has faced.

STEVE ROBERTS: The Hairless One

There are times when you just have to hold your hands up and admit that the hair is going and won't come back. Robbo is very laid back and one of those people who can turn his hand to anything. Plays piano, guitar and is a bit of an artist, too. He's very calm at the back, has an array of passing skills and reads the game well. Got rewarded for his solid performances with a call-up to the Welsh squad.

CRAIG MORGAN: The Hairy One

He would put a gorilla to shame and needs to shave three times a day. A Welsh under-21 international, Morgs is starting to realise his potential. Since he's been in the side, he's been as strong as an ox at the back. He's only a young lad and has a good future ahead of him.

DENNIS LAWRENCE : The Officer

He's the one that looks after the fines and keeps law and order in the dressing rooms. A Trinidad international, he's a danger at set pieces, solid at the back and has great feet. Big Den (above) always chips in with his fair share of goals. Standing 6ft 7in, I've seen him give high fives to his family while still on the halfway line.

MARK JONES : The Library

Known as the library because he's so quiet. I've heard a mouse string more words together with more volume. However, Mark produces the best one-liners and has everyone in stitches. An under-21 Welsh international, he is a very skilful player who floats round the pitch and is most effective and dangerous when going forward.

DARREN FERGUSON : The Skipper

A captain who leads by example. Darren seems to start all our attacking football, is dangerous at set plays and, like a predator, is always looking for an opening. Off the field he is very much a family man and is part of the Manchester driving school, although rarely picks us up. He's not one to get on the wrong side of on the pitch, as many have seen his fiery temper. To this day I scratch my head and wonder where he gets it from...

JUAN UGARTE: The Spanish Wonder

Juan (above) has amazed us with his goal scoring. He's always dressed smartly and is one of the friendliest guys I've met. His finishing has been phenomenal. Five goals in one game is a great feat at any level. The fact that nearly all his goals come away from home bodes well for the final.

MATT CROWELL : David Beckham

There's always one in the team that's a bit of looker. Matt's even tried the braids that Becks had and because of this has probably taken more stick than anyone in the dressing room. In his defence, he takes all of it in his stride and is now a Welsh under-21 international and is showing his full potential. He's been solid in midfield for us.

CHRIS LLEWELLYN: The Soldier

Cleans his equipment like no other living being. Never met anyone as meticulous with his gear as Izzy. A true professional who gives 100% and has forged a good partnership with Juan.

A former Welsh international, he can slot into midfield as well as up front. A rare trait, Izzy is very much two footed, has banged his share of goals in and is now enjoying life as a family man.

..and the probable subs:

RYAN HARRISON : The Foreigner

Only because he's the new boy and I don't really know much about him.

HECTOR SAM: Miami Vice

Is Wrexham's equivalent of Don Johnson and once even wore a white suit to the ground!

SHAUN PEJIC : Ronseal

Does exactly what the gaffer tells him.

SCOTT GREEN : The Terminator

Not for his muscles, but for saying: "I'll be back".

ALEX SMITH: Buxton

At Wrexham you get fined if you don't put your name on your water bottle. He didn't but tried to get out of it by saying his nickname was Buxton - genius.

The Inside Track on Southend   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

INSIDE TRACK ON SOUTHEND

A Shrimpers fan's irreverent view of his side's probable starting XI:

DARYL FLAHAVAN

Possibly the smallest keeper in the league, and was our second choice until Bart Griemink got injured. Since he came into the first team, we have enjoyed a 15-game unbeaten run. If he was taller, he would be in the Premiership.

DUNCAN JUPP

Duncan may be our weakest link. He played the first 20 games of the season but was replaced by Lewis Hunt, who is now injured. Duncan's biggest problem is his crossing. However, he has a chance to prove his critics wrong.

SPENCER PRIOR

Spencer was a major signing for us, and has gone from strength to strength. At first he struggled to get to grips with League Two, but is now one of the major reasons why we are top of the table.

ADAM BARRETT

Has to be one of our players of the year. He hardly ever puts a foot wrong, always gives 100%, scores goals and has struck up a formidable partnership in the centre with Prior.

CHE WILSON

We thought we had seen the back of Che after last year's nightmare of a season. Manager Steve Tilson kept faith with him and he has repaid that confidence by playing the best football in his career. He doesn't do anything clever, but is very solid.

MARK GOWER

On his day, Mark can beat any player. On others he would barely make the Conference. It will be interesting to see which Mark Gower turns up.

KEVIN MAHER

Like Marmite, you either love him or hate him. He has been with us for nearly 10 years and is now captain. In my opinion, he is the best player we have had in 20 years, but I am in the minority on this one. However, most would agree that he's a solid midfielder and great playmaker.

CARL PETTERFER

A terrier who gives his all each game. He should score more goals than he does, but is a versatile midfielder.

MARK BENTLEY

Big, strong, scores goals, but has something missing that I can't put my finger on. Signed from Conference side Dagenham last season and still seems to off the League Two pace.

ONE TO WATCH - FREDDY EASTWOOD

What can you say? If he doesn't go to the top, it will be a massive failure. He scored within seven seconds of his debut against Swansea and went on to make a hat-trick. In March he scored seven on the bounce, breaking another record, and has banged in 20 goals since signing in late October. He has skill, pace, and great awareness.

WAYNE GRAY

The perfect foil for Eastwood. His pace is second to none and he scores goals. Wrexham should watch out for his pace. I can't think of a quicker player in our league. Never says die.