Holywell & District Reds (Wrexham FC Supporters Group)

09/02/2019

OK, it's getting a bit tiresome saying this but a new era starts! Get behind Yosser & the boys & roar the reds to promotion! UTST

22/10/2018

So now we know who we'll play if we beat Harrogate in the FA cup replay. Western Super Mare away. I'd have preferred Western decidedly average Mare but beggars can't be choosers! UTST

11/07/2018

Match day in Portugal! The only game worth watching today! Come on you reds!

18/06/2018

30/04/2018

Wrexham 0-0 AFC Fylde

An ever-familiar end to a season means another campaign in the National League.

While Wrexham notched their 19th stalemate of the season, Saturday’s opponents clinched a place in the play-offs – it’s hard not to be envious.

As Wrexham began in the fifth tier all them years ago, the name AFC Fylde had only just been born having been previously known as Kirkham and Wesham Football Club. Indeed, the side has only been in existence for 30 years, yet they find themselves within reach of the promised land - the football league.

Meanwhile, at the Racecourse, there are big decisions to be made.

There is unrest amongst the faithful, and rightly so. From being in a solid top seven position, we have slipped to a tenth-place finish. An eleventh campaign outside the top four divisions beckons and while a side such as Accrington Stanley, with their 1,978-average crowd, clinch the League Two title, we have simply stagnated.

There is little doubt that this current side is better than last season’s, however this campaign can only be seen as a failure. Dean Keates leaving did not help, but to fall as quickly and painfully as we have is totally unacceptable.

Whoever comes in as manager will know they have a big task on their hands. His first job will be to decide who to offer a new contract to – who has the quality, desire and heart to get this club promoted – the past few weeks may be a help in letting the new man at the helm decide.

What is of some consolation is knowing there isn’t the need for wholesale changes, as in previous seasons, and there have been players who deserve credit for their performances namely Shaun Pearson and Sam Wedgebury.

But knowing this season was the one where we had a real opportunity to challenge for promotion only to tumble quickly from contention is hard to take.

We will do, however, what we supporters have done for the past decade. We will go away, enjoy our break and come back with renewed hope that the new campaign really is the season when we get promoted.

Shaun.

29/04/2018

Maybe he saw my tweet and applied 👀👀

23/04/2018

Leyton Orient 1-0 Wrexham

That’s it then. Defeat on Saturday at Leyton Orient leaves us needing snookers even Ronnie O’Sullivan would scratch his head at. It’s fair to say, Wrexham have made a complete mess of this season.

After falling out of the play-off places on Tuesday, for the first time since September, the chances of securing a top seven place are now near non-existent. Too many ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ mean it’s almost inevitable we’ll be in the fifth tier for an eleventh campaign.

Wrexham’s downfall since Dean Keates left for Walsall is nothing short of embarrassing. When we needed the players to stand up and be counted, they’ve simply failed and shown they haven’t been capable of completing the task when they were left in a comfortable position. It’s not good enough.

Averaging a crowd of more than 4,600 does not give us the right to win the league, but it should mean we are competing at the very top of the division come the end of the season. There were more Wrexham supporters at Brisbane Road at the weekend, than Boreham Wood usually get at home. Boreham Wood are above us.

This was the season where we could have made real progress in our fight to get out of the league, yet we’ve stagnated and there is a real feeling we’re back to square one.

The board have a huge task on their hands in finding the next manager and they must get it right. It’s still an attractive job. We can boast a big fanbase, an excellent set-up and a competitive playing budget which I suspect and hope would be boosted with the funds from the build the budget and sell-on fees from former players.

With the season seemingly finished, all we can do now is hope the right man is brought in at the helm and builds a squad that will thrive on the pressure to succeed.

Shaun.

17/04/2018

Accrington Stanley with average attendance of 1,789 have just been promoted to League One. We have an average gate of 4,681 and have just slipped out of the play-off places in the fifth tier.

Bloody football. Still haven't got over losing 5-0 there 11 and a half years ago either...

Shaun.

17/04/2018

Goals for....goals against....😩

17/04/2018

Wrexham 1-2 Dagenham & Redbridge

This really isn’t going to plan. Having been in a play-off position for the vast majority of the season, we are now in real danger of missing out altogether.

As much as we huffed and puffed in the second half of Saturday’s defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge, it just wasn’t to be and epitomises the way our season is heading.

Our opponents had nothing to play for coming into the game, whereas the pressure has been mounting on the Wrexham players following a poor period in the aftermath of Dean Keates’ departure.

Had Scott Quigley’s header crossed the line, we might be in a different frame of mind, but it didn’t and the Daggers sn**ched all three points.

The optimism of a month ago has now been replaced with concern, despair and an ever cautious look over our shoulder.

Keates leaving was always going to have an impact. The timing was atrocious and we were on a good unbeaten run albeit with too many draws, but I don’t think anybody thought it would hit us as hard as it has. Based on the last five games, we sit a miserable 23rd in the form table, not what you need heading into the real business part of the campaign.

Having seen a potential title challenge diminish to worthy winners elect Macclesfield, we now have to rely on other results to simply make the play-offs. We could still do it, of course, but watching the players on Saturday, the wind seems to have disappeared from their sails.

The manager and players say the right things, but the time for words has now gone and only two victories will keep us challenging, and even then, it might not be enough. Stand up, be counted, secure the final six points on offer and hope results, starting tonight, go our way.

Shaun (as optimistic as I can be).

12/04/2018

Ok everybody peeps, there has been quite a bit of interest in the Portugal trip this year. We need to get numbers asap. If you're looking at going let me know with the next few days please. Paul

30/03/2018

Yet another draw 🙄 might have been a dodgy penalty decision for their goal, but against 10 men for 47 minutes, we should really be winning and winning well! Macclesfield sn**ched three points in the very last minute of their game at Woking, pains me to say it, but that's what champions do!

Frightening fact is we've dropped 21 points from winning positions this season!

Shaun.

27/03/2018

Gary Bennett is waiting for a through ball and is bound to score if the pass is right....
..which current or past Wrexham player would you expect to make that perfect pass?

I'll start this off.....Peter Ward

21/03/2018

WREXHAM MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR REST OF SEASON ANNOUNCED:

Andy Davies confirmed as manager for the rest of the 2017-18 season

Andy Davies and his management team will take on all responsibility of First Team affairs for the remainder of the season.

Stephen Wright steps up to support the First Team

Carl Darlington, Michael Oakes, Nick Barnett and Phil Davies will continue in their current roles as part of the management team

Wrexham AFC will continue the recruitment process to appoint a new manager for the 2018-19 season

COYR 🔴⚪⚽

19/03/2018

Woking 2-2 Wrexham

What an incredible difference a week can make in football.

Seven days ago, we were still celebrating beating our near neighbours in the cross-border derby and looking ahead as the amount of games remaining tilted into single figures.

Now we find ourselves managerless with all sorts of names being touted for the position.

Dean Keates’ departure was unwanted, but when your boyhood club comes calling, it’s always going to be near impossible to turn down. Keates has done well during his time in charge - He came into a difficult situation and steadied a very rocky ship, he built a side capable of challenging at the right end of the National League and instilled confidence and belief into the team and the fanbase. Our relative success under his management had clearly not gone unnoticed.

But that’s in the past now and it’s vitally important we keep our eyes on the real prize – promotion. Fortunately, we have an experienced squad of players, many who will have been in such a position before. Their job is to win football matches, not decide who leads the team from the dugout and they’ll know that.

After being ahead at Woking, a draw was disappointing, especially given that Macclesfield and Tranmere both lost. The stalemate was our 16th of the season and with the amount of points dropped against sides in the lower part of the league increasing, we’ll only have ourselves to blame if we remain in the fifth tier for yet another season.

It seems to be said with every passing match, but Saturday’s game against Maidstone United is a must win - in fairness, they're all must wins.

With eight cup finals remaining, it’s imperative we begin a winning momentum heading into what would seem a play-off challenge.

Shaun.

16/03/2018

The new Wrexham manager has been announced...Welcome to the Racecourse, Gail Platt!

12/02/2018

Wrexham 1-1 Halifax

Frustrating, confusing, disappointing can all aptly describe Saturday’s game as Wrexham could only manage a point against struggling Halifax.

Knowing how tight it is at the top end of the National League, this was deemed a must win game, but Dean Keates’ side failed to deliver.

After going ahead, we seemed to take our foot off the pedal, fall further into our own half and invite the opposition to attack when it should have been us pushing on to finish the match as a contest.

In all truth, we were lucky to escape with a point in the end despite the opposition’s equaliser looking offside, as Halifax forward Tom Denton missed two guilt edged chances in the second half to take all three points back to Yorkshire.

The form table will tell you Wrexham are unbeaten in nine league games, but it’s a fact we’ve only picked up 15 points from the 27 on offer. Although teams around us are also dropping points, the 12 draws we’ve recorded already this campaign might well come back to bite us.

And it’s stalemates against the sides cemented in the bottom half, the likes of Guiseley, Barrow twice, Hartlepool, Torquay and now Halifax, that could be telling should we end up spending another season in the fifth tier.

Victory would have given us a strong platform heading into next Saturday’s crunch match at fellow high flyers Sutton United, instead we travel to Gander Green Lane knowing we have to pick up something, if not the win.

Only eight points separate the top nine sides in the league and while every point counts in this division, taking three rather than one will decide who secures the number one spot.

It’s now down to Dean Keates, his staff and the players to get back on track this weekend and get back to the league’s summit.

Up The Reds!

Shaun.

09/02/2018

The Day Before The Match Quiz!

Replace the BLANK with the surname of the missing player....no googling or using any other search engine or matchday programme 😂

7 points up for grabs...try name them all in one comment.

Answered!

THE GAME: Wrexham 5-0 Cambridge, Saturday 26 April 2003.

GK: Dibble,
DEF: BLANK (Roberts)
DEF: Carey,
DEF: Lawrence,
WNG-BCK: Carlos Edwards,
MID: BLANK (Whitley)
MID: BLANK (Barrett)
MID: Ferguson,
WNG-BCK: BLANK (Paul Edwards)
FWD: Morrell,
FWD: BLANK (Lee Jones)

Subs:
GK: Rogers,
DEF: BLANK (Holmes)
MID: Thomas,
FWD: BLANK
DEF: Morgan.

05/02/2018

Guiseley 0-2 Wrexham

It’s much better to be top of the table and setting the pace than playing catch-up.

Saturday’s victory at Guiseley has lifted us to the league’s summit and although we’ve played one more game than those immediately below us, I’d rather have the points, and a better goal difference, already secured.

With Guiseley struggling to retain their National League status, this was always going to be a must-win game for Wrexham and they duly delivered thanks to goals from Chris Holroyd and skipper Shaun Pearson.

Holroyd has been a superb signing. Always keen to get on the ball, enthusiastically running at defenders and a great eye for finding the back of net, the forward is a constant threat to the opposition and a prime reason we’re flying so high in the league. His goals, 13th of the season coming on Saturday, and high standard performances will no doubt have been brought to the attention of other managers, and Dean Keates might well be wise to think now could be a good opportunity to tie the former Macclesfield player to a new contract.

While Holroyd has been impressive, the only adjective to describe fellow goalscorer Shaun Pearson is outstanding. The Reds have now kept 18 clean sheets this season, by far more than any other side in the league, and Pearson has been absolutely vital in achieving that statistic. But the captain has also popped up with some very important goals including Saturday’s which wrapped up the win.

Having had a very good January transfer window, this Wrexham squad now has more than enough quality to hold on to top spot, and barring any significant injuries or suspensions, there is no reason we can’t go on and win this league.

Our next opponents, Halifax, may well have a new manager in place by the time they visit the Racecourse, but it’s another game where should secure maximum points, and hopefully with a big crowd to push the team on, we will still be looking down at the other 23 teams come Saturday night.

UP THE REDS!

Shaun.

31/01/2018

Gateshead 0-0 Wrexham

The win we wanted never came and we didn’t lose, but draws are hindering our hopes of climbing to the top of the league.

Last night’s stalemate was our fifth in the last seven games and although it may not seem a bad point on paper, a victory would have put us within a point of Macclesfield going into Saturday’s game at relegation threatened Guiseley.

With the likes of Jamal Fyfield and Russell Penn, who we know well, in the home side’s line-up alongside the fact we haven’t won at Gateshead since 2013, this was always going to be a tough game.

But given our position and being 13 points ahead of our opponents, it’s the type of game we should be winning.

It might have been different had Scott Quigley not been forced to leave the pitch in the first half, and we now hope his injury is only minor so he can continue his blistering start in a Wrexham shirt.

Much like Saturday’s game against Tranmere, there was nobody to replace Quigley who could pose a real threat to the opposition’s backline. In the past there was the likes of Adrian Cieslewicz and even Hector Sam, who could come on and make something happen, if not pop up with a winning goal.

With no like-for-like replacement on the bench, it will undoubtedly fuel Keates’ desire to bring another forward in before today’s transfer deadline strikes.

I did say a few weeks ago that these past three games would be a real test of how far we’ve come and with five points from a possible nine, we’re still very much within touching distance of the league’s summit.

But we need to start turning draws into victories and anything but a win at struggling Guiseley at the weekend would be very disappointing.

Before then though, let’s hope the manager has a busy day today and adds the final additions of quality to what could be a title winning squad.

Up the Reds!

Shaun.

29/01/2018

Wrexham 2-2 Tranmere

Matches against local rivals are often tense yet exciting contests, and Saturday’s battle certainly didn’t disappoint.

In front of a packed Racecourse Ground, both Wrexham and Tranmere entertained from the first minute to the last which resulted in it being a great advert for the National League.

A draw was a fair result in the end, although we have Chris Dunn to thank for ensuring the game ended all square. The Wrexham keeper has been criticised for some of his displays this season, but made two magnificent saves at the weekend, one being world-class.

The game started at a pulsating pace with some people still taking their seats as the third goal hit the back of the net. But they wouldn’t have been too disappointed as the contest rarely left supporters time to look at their watch, such was the nature of the game.

Following his debut double at Hartlepool, Scott Quigley once again showed his tenacity and eye for goal as he opened the scoring for Wrexham having superbly spun the Tranmere backline to fire past Rhys Taylor. The former New Saints striker is already proving to be the real deal with many fans already calling for his loan to be turned into a permanent move.

Quigley took the sponsors’ man of the match for his effort, but for me, the accolade goes to the man who didn’t know he was in the squad until the morning of the game. David Raven was thrown into battle very early for the injured James Jennings, and put in an excellent performance. Cool, calm and commanding, the 32-year-old adapted to the rapidity of the game with ease and kept Tranmere relatively quiet on their right wing, whilst also causing problems when he ventured forward.

It’s simple to see why both sides are near the top, but with a couple more quality additions, it could easily be Wrexham who sit at the summit over the coming weeks.

UP THE REDS!

Shaun.

26/01/2018

Are we ready for Tranmere? Get behind the lads & roar them to victory! UTST!!!!!!!!!!!

22/01/2018

Hartlepool 0-2 Wrexham

Wrexham put in a very professional performance on Saturday to secure a vital victory at Hartlepool.

With our opponent’s off-field issues now well known, there was a sense of the football family coming together as the home side were backed by a packed-out Victoria Park with fans from neighbouring clubs provided a helping hand in the club’s hour of need.

But Wrexham had made the long journey for the three points and there was no room for sentiment on the pitch.

Hartlepool have not won a game since November, and if we are to make a real title challenge then picking up maximum points at sides in the bottom half of the league is imperative.

After a blank first half, Wrexham went through the gears quickly in the second period and took control of the game.

All eyes were on debutant Scott Quigley, and after what looked a nervous first 45 minutes, he tormented the Hartlepool backline thereafter and took his goals superbly. He could well be the forward we have been looking for to take us to the league’s summit.

Although his first goal showed his impressive strength and eye for goal, the second was simply sublime as Wrexham implemented a swift counter-attack, going from one end of the pitch to the other in a matter of seconds, for Quigley to race through and calmly slot the ball past the oncoming keeper.

Each and every Wrexham player had a solid game which left Chris Dunn with very little to do in between the posts.

The travelling support was brilliant and again a massive testament to the club, with over 400 fans loudly backing Dean Keates’ men from the first minute to the last.

While the three points are massive for us in our fight to win the league, I wish Hartlepool all the very best in their own battle and hope their long-term future is secured positively soon.

Shaun.

08/01/2018

Wrexham 4-0 Torquay

We needed a reaction after New Year’s Day’s disappointing draw against Barrow and the Reds certainly delivered on Saturday.

Cheered on by the Wrexham faithful and 200 loud Magdeburg supporters, Dean Keates’ men were excellent and put on an impressive show for our German friends.

Although Torquay were poor and often lost possession easily, we can only beat the opposition we’re up against and Wrexham did it in style.

Scoring four goals in the same match is unheard of this season and the result is not only welcome because of the three points, but it also provided a much-needed boost to our goal difference.

Chris Holroyd deservedly took the plaudits for his hat-trick, but even if he hadn’t scored he would still have been a contender for man of the match. His movement, passing, the threat he posed the opposition and ability to bring others into play was sublime. Dean Keates will surely be considering whether to offer the forward an extension to his one-year contract sooner rather than later given his excellent form this season.

The travelling Magdeburg supporters certainly made a difference and it was great to hear them chanting Wrexham to victory. They were a credit to their club and I think we can all say the German side now have a place in our heart and are welcome back to the Racecourse anytime.

Although Wrexham now have a two-week break, our next fixtures will be a real test of our resilience to stay in title winning contention. Dean Keates may strengthen his side before we face Hartlepool away, Tranmere at home and then another long journey to the north east to face Gateshead. But the results from those three games will be a real indicator of how far we have come and indeed whether we have the resolve to continue to challenge at the top of the league.

Shaun.

02/01/2018

Wrexham 3-3 Barrow

A kick in the teeth it was, but in all truth Wrexham should have put this game to bed long before Barrow had the chance to sn**ch a draw from the jaws of defeat.

Our opponents weren’t a good side and with the gaps they left throughout the pitch it’s evident why they are struggling at the wrong end of the table.

But Wrexham are their own worst enemy at times and after taking the lead through Chris Holroyd, who impressed yet again, and control of the game, they then proceeded to press the self-destruct button.

I’m sure Chris Dunn is nice guy, but a commanding, loud, authoritative goalkeeper he is not. Out-muscled to the ball for Barrow's opener, it is another mistake Dunn will have to add to a growing list of errors. Christian Dibble must surely be thinking he will now get his opportunity this weekend, something more and more fans in the stands are calling for.

Back in it and with the bit between their teeth, Barrow then took the lead with Wrexham’s promising start completely disjointed. Thankfully, James Jennings decided to rifle his free-kick instead of trying to place it, to bring Wrexham back level on half time. The break was needed.

With Marcus Kelly now running the show and after regaining the lead, we should have pushed on and finished the game as a contest, and not being able to do could be the difference between winning the league and not.

When we played Macclesfield last month, after going ahead for a second time the Silkmen didn’t sit back, and so the third and fourth goal soon followed. They’re top of the league for a reason.

There was a huge element of luck in Barrow’s injury-time equaliser though and the commotion in the dugout didn’t help proceedings, but we should have had the game won by then.

We have to learn to finish teams off when we have them in the palm of our hand. Instead it’s two points dropped and anything but a win against bottom of the league Torquay on Saturday is unthinkable if we’re going to push on in the second part of the season.

Finally, a very Happy New Year to all Holywell Reds and fellow Wrexham fans.

Shaun.

25/12/2017

A very merry Christmas and a new year with promotion to celebrate. Nadolig Llawen i'r cochion Trefynnon

22/11/2017

Wrexham 1-0 Solihull Moors

It wasn’t pretty, but Wrexham’s victory last night against struggling Solihull has sent us to the top of the league for the first time in nearly five years.

Paul Rutherford’s effort in the first half was enough, though Solihull will feel they could have sn**ched a point.

But it’s yet another clean sheet meaning we have, remarkably, only conceded 12 times in 21 matches. Our problems in the final third are evident, but teams are continuing to find it difficult to break down our constant solid defensive displays.

Manny Smith and Shaun Pearson’s centre-back partnership is already up there with the best I have seen at the Racecourse, but add to that the performance of the full-backs, especially in the last two games, and that of the combative Sam Wedgbury and busy Akil Wright, it’s no wonder the opposition is failing to get much of a sniff of goal.

It’s also clear that despite the fans’ nerves reaching tipping point as the clock heads towards the final whistle, this side is very calm and organised from the first minute to the last, something Dean Keates and his staff must receive a lot of credit for.

Both Marcus Kelly and Paul Rutherford also had a good game last night on either wing and the latter fully deserved the sponsor’s man of the match for his tireless effort.

The task in hand now is remaining top of the pile. It’s certainly no mean feat and there are a number of sides within easy reach of us.

There is no issue at all with our defensive side of the game. However, we have yet again failed to really test an opposing keeper and it is becoming a common theme.

It’s vital we find another gear when we’re attacking and ignite the spark which could see the gap increase between us and the rest.

With Alex Reid returning to Fleetwood and January fast approaching, now is the time for Dean Keates to find the man who could be the difference between another season in the fifth tier or a place in the football league.

Shaun.

20/11/2017

Wrexham 2-0 Ebbsfleet United

Another victory, up to second in the table and only one point off the top of the league. But perhaps the most pleasing part of Saturday’s win was some of the individual performances.

Manny Smith and Shaun Pearson have taken the vast majority of plaudits this season, and rightly so, but against Ebbsfleet there were others who stood out and deserve recognition.

The midfield has often been criticised this season for its lack of creativity and, at times, ability to control a match. But on Saturday, both Akil Wright and Sam Wedgbury were superb in the middle of the park, with the latter being my man of the match. They chased, pressured and were eager to get on the ball to spearhead attacks. It was great to see and vital they now kick on with their form.

Chris Holroyd continues to improve and although his goals weren’t classics, one being from the penalty spot, it’s evident his confidence is increasing with every game. All Holroyd is missing now is a strike partner who poses an equal threat to the opposition – it could be the springboard to our title challenging hopes and now imperative Dean Keates gets the right man in come January.

We may well have had that forward already had we looked closer to home and signed former Welsh Premier League golden boot winner Jason Oswell, who was then with Newtown. Since moving to Stockport County in the National League North, Oswell has hit the back of the net 15 times and finds himself as the league’s top scorer. It’s no guarantee he would be a success at the next level in the pyramid, but obvious he knows where the goal is and one who may well have slipped through the net.

Keates knows he has a transfer kitty to use and if we can remain at the top end of the league until January, I’d be happy for him to pay that bit more for a striker with impressive scoring stats next to his name like Oswell, than one who has been sitting on the bench waiting for his chance. It could be a signing that catapults us back into the football league.

Shaun.