ALL SYSTEMS GO
Wrexham Evening Leader

TOMORROW promises to be a busy day for Brian Carey and his staff - with two matches and a scouting trip to the North East.

Wrexham will complete their pre-season with games away against Hednesford and NEWI Cefn Druids, while the scouts enjoy a day up North, where the will watch the season's opening day rivals Darlington in action against Billingham.

Racecourse boss Carey today confirmed that the stronger of the two squads would feature in the match against Hednesford (kick-off 3pm), although he would also be taking a strong squad to Welsh Premier outfit NEWI Cefn Druids (kick-off 2.30pm).

"We won't mix it up as much as we did earlier in pre-season but we will take strong teams to both matches," he said.

The two squads are set to be revealed later this afternoon but despite Carey confirming he has already got a good idea of how he will start the new campaign on August 11, he is adamant that there is still time for players to force their way into the reckoning.

"We have got as strong idea about how we will kick-off the season but by no means is anything set in stone just yet," he added.

"There are still definitely places up for grabs - it's now up to the players to prove how much they want it."

And with the new campaign rapidly approaching, Carey already has one eye firmly fixed on the season's opener against Darlington.

Carey went to watch The Quakers in a 1-0 defeat against Leeds on Tuesday night and is planning another scouting mission to have them watched against Billingham.

However, the best news ahead of the new season is the speedy recovery of centre back Steve Evans, who has returned to training far earlier than anticipated.

"Steve is back in training and working alongside the medical crew," said Carey.

"It is a big step forwards for him after the injury he suffered in Newtown. We thought he would be out for a long time as the injury looked a nasty one.

"For him to be on the mend and back in training so soon is a really big plus."

Meanwhile, Richard Hope sat out of yesterday's training session after feeling some discomfort with the heel injury he suffered in Northern Ireland and Eifion Williams spent the latter part of training on the sidelines alongside club physio Mel Pejic due to a bit of stiffness.

Both players are expected to be available for selection tomorrow.

Wrexham players will also be on duty on Sunday for the club's open day at The Racecourse when fans will be able to watch the Reds train and get pictures and autographs during the day that starts at 11am.

The new away shirt will also be up for grabs at a reduced price of £34.99 while Marston's, who struck a sponsorship deal with Wrexham last week, are offering a free pint to the first 180 adults who come through the gates.


PROCTOR - YOU'LL SEE THE BEST OF ME
Mark Currie - Daily Post

STRIKER Michael Proctor, whose late goal on the final day of last season secured Wrexham's Football League status, predicts both he and the Dragons will hit the ground running when the new campaign gets under way at Darlington in 10 days' time.

The 27-year-old Wearsider jumped at the chance of making a permanent move to the Racecourse during the summer and believes the pre-season preparation has given manager Brian Carey's side no room for excuses this time round.

"The staff here have set everything up for us to have a successful season and now it's up to us as players to show that they have got it right," the former Hartlepool man said.

"Last week's trip to Northern Ireland was spot-on in terms of the facilities and the friendly games.

"We put in a lot of hard work over there, to say nothing of bonding as a group

"Even when things were not going well last season, it was obvious that the dressing room was still strong - which was what got us through in the end - so there is no excuse for us not to build on that this time round."

A regular in Hartlepool's side at the beginning of the last campaign, Proctor underwent knee surgery in October and was thereafter unable to force his way back into contention as Danny Wilson's side roared towards the League Two title.

And he reckons that his long lay-off also denied Wrexham fans the opportunity to see him at his best.

"It's been important for me to get in a full pre-season and I'm feeling good," he added.

"I was not as fit as I could have been when I came in on loan because I had been sidelined for three or four months.

"When I was fit again I did not play much first-team football and we also lost a lot of reserve games to the weather, so I was pleased to come to Wrexham.

"But it was only in the last three or four games that I felt I was getting close to what I'm capable of.

"Now I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running and we'll take it from there.

"What happened last season is behind us now, but the thought of what might have been should act as a spur to everyone.

"A few, good experienced players have come in during the summer and I honestly believe the squad is as good as any in the league.

"So the first priority has to be a solid start at Darlington on Saturday week and then to take each game as it comes."


DRUIDS TOLD TO FIGHT FOR THE JERSEY
Daily Post

NEWI Cefn Druids boss Wayne Phillips admits none of his Welsh Premier side are assured of their places as they continue their pre-season preparations at home to a Wrexham XI tomorrow.

"We've got three friendlies left and we need to start thinking about our first league game against TNS in two weeks," said former Wrexham man Phillips.

"Wrexham will be a good test and it's a good chance for the players to stake a claim as nobody is guaranteed a game, including myself."

Meanwhile, Newtown's new signing Shane Sutton will not face former club Shrewsbury Town at Latham Park tomorrow after picking up a knee injury.

He could be out for at least six weeks after suffering the setback in training, meaning he will miss the start of his new club's Welsh Premier campaign.