Keepers handed new deals

03 March 2010

By Richard Williams - The Leader

Sam Russell is the latest Wrexham player who will be offered a new deal by Dean Saunders.

Goalkeeper Russell, like the majority of his team-mates, is out of contract in the summer but Saunders is keen to retain the services of the 27-year-old who joined Wrexham last summer following his release by Rochdale.

Installed as first choice custodion, Russell dislocated his elbow in only the fourth game of the season, the 2-1 defeat against Kettering Town on August 22, but returned to the side in December after making a full recovery.

And Saunders has been pleased with the contribution of Russell, who has kept seven clean sheets in 15 appearances.

“I am going to make Sam an offer,” he said. “Sam had a bad injury, had to work hard and be positive.

“But he got his chance and has done well. Sam has got drive, kicks the ball brilliantly – as good as anyone – but he has got to keep up those standards and work on all parts of his game.”

With Russell sidelined for nearly four months, Chris Maxwell took over between the posts and he kept ten clean sheets in 21 outings.

That excellent form led to Saunders offering Maxwell a contract extension and he has now agreed to extend his stay at The Racecourse until the end of next season.
“It is great news he has signed,” said Saunders.

“Chris is still only 19 and has done better than everyone thought he would do. He made a few mistakes but they all do. In general, he has done well but he has still got a lot of improving to do.

“Chris has got a great attitude and will have a good future. If he keeps working, listening and improving, he can go on and do better things.”

Saunders has also offered new deals to Frank Sinclair, Neil Taylor and Andy Fleming, but with the majority of his squad out of contract in the summer, the Reds’ boss said: “The rest are fighting for contracts.”

Russell is currently keeping Maxwell out of the side and Saunders believes that healthy competition can only benefit Wrexham.

“It is good competition between Chris and Sam,” said Saunders. “If Sam takes his foot off the pedal, Chris will be back in, they are there to push each other which is good for us.

“They are working with Michael Oakes and it brilliant for them to have a coach like him.

“We have kept 17 clean sheets – it is at the other end we have got to improve.”
Wrexham have struggled in front of goal this season and have only scored 31 goals in 31 league games.

Striker Gareth Taylor is top of the scoring charts with ten goals in all competitions but he suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury in last Tuesday’s defeat against Stevenage Borough.

But Saunders, who has only been able to pair Taylor in attack on two occasions with transfer window signing Andy Mangan, hopes the former Wales international is available for Saturday’s clash against Ebbsfleet United at The Racecourse.

“Gareth has had two knocks in his comeback games now and is back to square one,” said Saunders.

“It has been frustrating not being able to play Gareth together with Andy but hopefully he will okay for Saturday.

“Gareth has still played 20-odd games so far which is a good return, but he will want to get 20 goals.

“It’s been difficult for him with the set-backs but Gareth is a good pro and really good with the younger players.

“We just can’t rely on Andy to do everything though.”

Wrexham’s goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Salisbury City came from Christian Smith and Saunders was pleased to see the midfielder rewarded for his efforts.

“I was pleased with Christian getting a goal,” added Saunders. “He made five or six runs into the box in the first half and the same in the second half, and eventually he got on the end of one.”

Saunders is assessing the fitness of Silvio Spann who limped off with a hamstring problem at Salisbury, but Sinclair and Lamine Sakho have both returned to training.