WREXHAM manager Denis Smith says his men will hold 'no fear' of anyone in League Two this season.

The Dragons begin their campaign when Boston United visit the Racecourse tomorrow.

Having been relegated from League One last term, Smith has seen a number of his biggest names depart.

But the boss, who's been involved in football for the best part of 40 years, says he won't be dwelling on the past.

He said: 'There's no point going into the season with fear. If you go into it thinking about the problems you've had or the problems that might arise, then you've got no chance.

'I've been pleased with how the players have done in pre-season. There's still work to be done before I'm completely happy but I've been encouraged by what I've seen.'

Despite the loss of top-scorer Juan Ugarte, Welsh internationals Craig Morgan, Chris Llewellyn and Steve Roberts, plus Trinidad duo Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam, bookies are tipping Wrexham as one of the favourites for the title.

The Reds were only relegated from League One after the Football League imposed a 10-points deduction on them for going into administration.

The 2004/05 campaign also saw Smith's men memorably win the LDV Vans Trophy.

So the boss - who guided Wrexham to promotion from the old Division Three in 2002/03 - understands why his team are being backed. But he refuses to be drawn into the prediction game.

He said: 'Some people may look at us like that but what they have to realise is there have been a lot of changes to last season's squad.

'I've got faith in the lads we've got here and we are

determined to do well, but I can't tell you what will happen. All I can do is prepare my team in the best way possible and let other managers worry about their own team.'

Wrexham returned from their pre-season tour of Northern Ireland on Saturday night.

The six-day trip gave new boys Michael Ingham, Dave Bayliss, Lee Roche, Lee McEvilly and Jon Walters the chance to bed into the 18-man squad.

With the club being in administration, Wrexham cannot employ more than 20 first-team players.

Spanish centre-back Alvaro Parra Dioni and former Blackburn utility man Paul Warhurst are training at Colliers Park, while Smith is hopeful of signing an unnamed young Premiership striker.

But with his options limited, the boss will ask his players to play in a variety of positions this season. And he's been impressed with Dean Bennett, who's been a revelation since moving up front.

Bennett led the line in assistant manager Kevin Russell's testimonial on Tuesday night against a Manchester United XI.

A strong United side featuring Phil Neville, Gabriel Heinze and Kleberson ran out 3-1 winners with Danny Williams getting the Dragons' goal.

Tomorrow's opponents Boston were in action at Alftreton Town on Tuesday and won 3-0 in what was also their final friendly before the kick-off.

Boston's 16th-placed finish last season has spurred boss Steve Evans into signing eight play-ers, including ex-Premiership strikers Julian Joachim and Noel Whelan.

Jim Whitley is ruled out for Wrexham while fellow midfielder Matt Crowell is struggling. The Reds go to Notts County on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Boston United

Coca-Cola League Two Saturday, August 6, 2005 Racecourse Ground (3pm)

Boston have been one of biggest spenders in the division over the summer in a bid to get among the pacesetters. But they'll need to improve on last season's poor away record if they are to leave the Racecourse with anything tomorrow.

The Pilgrims Last meeting: Boston 3 Wrexham 3 (Division Three, April 2, 2003).

One to watch: A lot's expected of former Leeds man Julian Joachim.

The veteran striker was a Boston fan as a youngster and now wants to lead his home-town side to promotion.

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