ASHLEY WESTWOOD is warning his fellow players against any kind of complacency tomorrow as Wrexham begin their FA Cup journey.
The Dragons entertain Eastwood Town tomorrow in the fourth qualifying round of the famous old trophy, hoping to avoid the indignation of falling at the first hurdle.
And Westwood, who earned rave reviews following his performance at Mansfield last week in his debut for the Dragons, is guarding against taking it easier against a side two divisions below them.
“If you look at the cup historically there are always shocks and so-called giant killing,” he said. “I am sure there are a few lads in the dressing room who have been on the wrong end of a cup upset.
“We need to go into the game like we would any other and make sure we play our game.
“We have got to be positive. The new boss (Dean Saunders) has come in and he’s making sure there is no complacency in our play at all.”
Saunders is so far enjoying a honeymoon period at the Racecourse, having guided them to eighth in the Blue Square Premier with three consecutive victories.
And Westwood admits there is something of a good feeling surrounding the club at the moment, but that despite results having turned around, no-one is assured of their place in the starting line up.
“It’s very positive at the moment,” he added. “The new manager has come in and everyone is well aware of his stature in the game and what he has achieved.
“I am sure you can imagine his phone is constantly ringing with people offering him different players, so we know that if we are not performing there could be someone waiting to step in for us.
“And that’s great because it keeps you on your toes and drives you on.”
After a positive beginning to life outside the Football League, in which Wrexham thumped bookmakers favourites Stevenage Borough 5-0 on the opening day of the season, the wheels had started to come off.
However, since the introduction of Saunders, Wrexham have bounced back and Westwood believes they are realistic contenders to make a charge for the title.
“I don’t see why not,” he said when asked whether Wrexham could challenge for honours come May. “I think the manager’s mentality and attitude is that we go out looking to win every single game.
“You can’t complain with three out of three so far, and he expects us to win every game we play. If we do that then we should be up there.”
l THE FA Cup will be on show today in Wrexham and will be on view in the club shop on Mold Road from 12.30pm to 2pm.
