PLAYERS old and new believe Wrexham are developing a team spirit that will be key to their success in the Blue Square Premier.
Brian Little’s new-look side’s promising pre-season preparations continued on Saturday with a 0-0 home draw against Blackpool which followed the 1-0 victory over another Championship outfit, Wolves, seven days earlier.
Veteran goalkeeper Gavin Ward, one of the few squad members to survive boss Little’s cull following the club’s relegation from League Two, said: “Do you know what’s really pleasing me at the moment? That both the young lads stepping up and the new players coming in are all gelling with the existing, senior players.
“There is a great atmosphere in the squad, which is growing in training and I think is becoming evident in the friendlies.
“Not losing any match, whether a practice or a league game, just helps everyone’s confidence and I think you can see in the friendlies that even with the wholesale changes that have been made, it isn’t upsetting how we play.”
Ward, 38, has never played outside the Football League but summer signing Jefferson Louis has.
The 29-year-old striker, who scored seven goals in 16 starts for Weymouth in the BSP last season before his January switch to Mansfield, said: “I’m settling in well. They’re a great bunch of lads, it’s a great set-up and I’m enjoying it.
“We’ve got a solid defence, which is very important, and we’ve got a great team spirit running all the way through the squad. I think that’s the key in the Conference. Good team spirit is essential if you want to get promoted.”
The stalemate with Blackpool, Wrexham’s third shut-out in four matches, marked the debut of centre-back Darran Kempson, who has become Little’s seventh capture.
The 23-year-old made 26 appearance for Shrewsbury last season, as well as spending a stint on loan at Accrington, before being told by manager Paul Simpson he no longer figured in his plans.
Kempson, whose career began at Preston and has also taken in spells at Morecambe and Crewe, has penned a two-year deal and said: “This is a big club and I’m excited at the prospect of helping it regain League status.
“I’ve played Conference football before and know that it’s a good standard, but we seem to have a decent squad here and I’m sure we can give it a go.”
Little is now turning his attentions to boosting his attacking options and has this week been running the rule over 23-year-old midfielder Adam Smith, released by Chesterfield.
The Dragons’ penultimate friendly comes on Saturday away to Colwyn Bay of the UniBond First Division North (2pm). Tuesday’s home clash with League One’s Crewe was played after the Chronicle went to press – see www.wrexhamchronicle.co.uk for a report.
Neil Taylor (groin), Simon Brown (thigh), Kyle Critchell (calf), Wes Baynes (ankle), Louis (groin) and Chris Maxwell (groin) and Shaun Whalley (ankle) should be fit.
Paul Chaloner, 27 from Gresford, has been named as Wrexham’s new groundsman after long-serving Johnny Edwards retired.
