GARETH Owen says the mood in the Airbus UK Broughton camp is buoyant on the eve of tomorrow’s long trip to European chasers Carmarthen Town (2.30pm).
The Wingmakers were left frustrated after the postponement of Saturday’s match at Porthmadog (waterlogged pitch) and Tuesday’s derby at home to Connah’s Quay Nomads (floodlight failure) robbed them of the chance of building on their fine win over Port Talbot two weeks ago.
But Owen has maintained the high spirts among his players by organising team-bonding sessions – which the player-boss particularly enjoyed.
Owen said: “The lads were really up for the games with Porthmadog and the Quay as they are really keen to go on a winning streak.
“But the confidence and the mood is still really good. After we heard the game was called off on Saturday, we trained instead, and then watched the Sheffield derby together, played a few games of pool and had a good afternoon.
“With some new faces introduced into the squad, it’s important to have a few get-togethers as morale and spirit are important to any team.
“We’ve been go karting as well at The Circuit in Sandycroft, and believe it or not the gaffer only went and won! The lads were gutted that the old man was beating them!
“We organised some winners’ and losers’ prizes, one of which went to Mark Allen. He got a pink fluffy steering wheel which he had to bring to training with him, which to be fair was very sporting of him.”
Captain Allen is suspended for the clash with Carmarthen, whose player-manager is Owen’s former Wrexham team-mate Deryn Brace.
Owen said: “Caernarfon, who are below us, recently had a result against Carmarthen so it shows they are not invincible.
“We’ve played well down there the last couple of years but never came away with a result, so we’ll have to be at our best to change that.
“Me and Deryn go back a long way and he always gives us a warm welcome. He’s proved over the last five or six years, including his time at Haverfordwest, that he’s a good manager at Welsh Premier League level.
“The word I would use to describe him at Wrexham is tenacious. He liked a tackle but he could play a bit as well. He was a team player first and foremost and he was great to have on the pitch and in the dressing room. Carmarthen are lucky to have him.”
Owen has lost midfielder Alan Hooley to Connah’s Quay, but he has plans to replace him, saying there are a “couple of irons in the fire” before the transfer window closes.
