Play-off spot is a must says Dean

13 August 2010

By Richard Williams - The Leader

Dean Saunders remains as determined as ever to succeed at Wrexham – and admits a place in the play-offs is the minimum target this season.

Wrexham kick-off the new Conference campaign tomorrow when Cambridge United visit The Racecourse (3pm) and expectations are high despite two disappointing mid-table finishes since dropping into non-league.

Although he is working on a reduced budget, meaning a smaller squad, Saunders believes he has compiled a side that can challenge for promotion – and top spot is in his thoughts.

“There are 13 teams trying to do what we are doing,” said Saunders. “We haven’t got as big a squad, probably five or six bodies lighter, but I definitely think we have got a better team than we had last year.

“I am trying to get promotion. If we have to do it through the play-offs, we have to do it through the play-offs. If we can get a good start, and we go and win a lot of games on the trot, then you go ‘let’s stay there’.

“Lets see how the team clicks but I am looking to get into the play-offs at least.
“I don’t want to work in this league, we don’t want to be here too long. Our fans travel everywhere which is brilliant and they want to see us winning.”

Saunders, who took charge in October 2008, knows the onus is on him to take Wrexham back into the Football League and although he insists it won’t be easy, is in no mood to throw in the towel.

“I have come here to try and get the club out of this league,” said Saunders. “It is really difficult, some teams took eight or nine years to get out.

“But we want success, all the Wrexham fans want success. If you don’t win everybody gets frustrated with the manager but if I wasn’t the manager it would be somebody else.

“The easiest thing for me to do is just say ‘it is too hard this job.’ But I am determined to get it right. I have got to get it right.

“I know all the fans are relying on me to try and guide the club out of the league so I can promise the fans is that I am trying my best. I am giving it all I can to try and get the right combinations on the pitch.

“I am learning about the league as I go but I think we are better equipped for this league now. I know what is coming.”

Saunders has once again revamped his squad this summer in the quest for promotion with a host of players were released at the end of last season and others decided their futures lay elsewhere.

But he has made 11 new signings including midfield playmaker Dean Keates – the new captain – and former Reds favourite Andy Morrell.

His latest capture was Trinidad defender Marvin Andrews, who signed a short term deal yesterday.

Andrews, who lists Rangers among his former clubs, said: “I’m very grateful to the club for giving me the chance.”

Saunders believes the addition of more experienced players bodes well for Wrexham: “We have got a smaller squad but I have added a bit more experience and it showed against Stoke, they didn’t panic and did the right things.

“But we have to improve on the discipline side as well, we can’t have as many bookings and sending offs as we had last season or that will kill us.

“The likes of Keates, Chris Blackburn, Frank Sinclair, Gareth Taylor, Morrell, David Brown and even Jamie Tolley who is 27, we are a lot more experienced and a more aggressive which is what we needed.”

Saunders wants to play the passing style of football Wrexham are renowned for but
knows his side will have to change their approach in some matches.

“We had 24 clean sheets last year but we missed lots of chances and teams stop you playing football,” he added. “I would like to play silky football all the time but teams stop you. I want us to win and play football I enjoy watching as well.

“Wrexham are known for passing the ball and I don’t like sitting on the side when the ball is up in the air all the time. But we have to play the right way for the right game. Sometimes teams will let you play, other times we have to go and have a good fight with them.”