WREXHAM’S chief planning officer has said he will take into account Wrexham fans’ wishes to protect The Racecourse ground from being developed on in years to come.
Reds’ supporters have launched a petition to secure the future of the stadium by having it recognised in the council’s forthcoming local development plan (LDP) as an area protected and reserved for leisure facilities.
The emerging LDP will eventually replace the current Wrexham unitary development plan (UDP) and will be the key framework for future development in the county borough up to 2021.
Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer Lawrence Isted says that, although the final decision will be taken by councillors, he will bring the plea to the attention of the planning policy panel, who are responsible for overseeing the preparation of the LDP.
In his response he says: “At the moment the LDP (local development plan) policies have not been drafted so I will certainly take your suggested course of action into account when doing so.
“I cannot at this time say whether The Racecourse ground justifies a specific policy or designation in the LDP or whether it should be covered by general policies for the protection of community facilities.
However, I fully appreciate the importance of the issues that you have raised and I will bring them to the attention of the planning policy panel.
“It will be for the elected members who serve on the panel to recommend how The Racecourse ground should be dealt with in the LDP, although the final decision on the content of the deposit LDP will rest with the council’s executive board.”
He adds: “Please rest assured that I and members of the council fully appreciate the strong feelings among many people in Wrexham regarding the future of The Racecourse stadium and the role which it plays as a venue for sporting and cultural events in North Wales and that we will give the matter careful consideration in the deliberations on the local development plan.
“You will also be aware that in the recent past the council has approved planning applications for the redevelopment of land to the south of the ground with the express intention of helping secure its continued operation and the construction of a replacement stand.”
The petition already has well over 1,000 signatures.
You can be signed by logging on to www.petitiononline.com/LDPWFC21/petition.html.
Showing posts with label Wrexham FC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wrexham FC. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
FRIENDLY: Wrexham FC 1-1 Preston North End
By Tom Norris
It is early days yet, but the signs are good for Dean Saunders’ side.
The men from The Racecourse looked lively throughout this tough test and even the early departure of injured striker Marc Williams failed to dampen their spirits.
Saunders has said all along that he needs time to build a team that he can call his own and on this evidence that is not too far away.
New signings and talented youngsters have been moulded together under the Wales coach and, given time, they can mount a serious push for promotion this season.
Wrexham, wearing their white away strip, enjoyed the opening 45 minutes as their passion and energy swamped a Preston outfit, who looked sluggish and short of fitness.
New signing Hedi Taboubi was the main creator for Wrexham, passing and probing from his central midfield position.
Another new boy, Adrian Cieslewicz was lively and always looking to beat the offside trap, while Mark Jones and Neil Taylor provided good width.Within six minutes of the start Saunders’ men had carved out their first goalscoring opportunity, Andy Fleming playing a pass to Taboubi, who sent an excellent raking ball to Marc Williams on the left, the striker crossed to Cieslewicz, but he was denied a path to goal and the ball went out for a corner.
The Reds then took the lead from the flag kick as Silvio Spann’s centre caused havoc in the Preston defence.The initial cross found Taboubi, via Fleming, on the edge of the area, he gave it back to Spann, and from his second bite of the cherry he found the head of Mansour Assoumani six yards from goal, the big defender doing the rest with aplomb.
Marc Williams limped off shortly after the celebrations died down and Saunders sent on trialist Matty Wolfenden in his place.
The switch failed to null Wrexham’s attacking threat as Jones fired over from 25-yards and Spann saw another centre flash agonisingly across Nicky Weaver’s goalmouth.Preston finally managed an attack soon after, Chris Sedgwick stinging the hands of Chris Maxwell from distance.
Alan Irvine’s men had caused few problems for the Reds’ defence up until Sedgwick’s strike, but this seemed to spur them in to action and Eddie Nolan fired a weak effort at Maxwell’s goal, while new skipper Callum Davidson miss-kicked when played in after a quickly taken flag kick.
Nolan then forced a smart low save out of Maxwell after a neat interchange with Karl Hawley.
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor was next to have a go as he used his strength to out-muscle Assoumani and Sam Williamson before firing inches wide of the right upright.
After soaking up the Championship side’s pressure, Wrexham found their foothold in the game once more, Taylor seeing a chip fail to trouble Weaver, before Wolfenden fired in a smart shot on the turn, only to see the former Manchester City stopper brilliantly tip round the post.
The hard working and pacey Cieslewicz then highlighted his undoubted ability by leaving two defenders for dead and firing a smart left-footed drive at Weaver who was equal to the task and fisted the ball clear.
Preston were able to come forward for one last time as the enterprising Sedgwick found the head of Mellor, but he failed to generate any power and Maxwell gathered comfortably.
There were two different approaches at half-time with Saunders happy to to make just one change as former Preston player Nathan Fairhurst replaced Taboubi.
On the other hand, Irvine rang the changes by bringing on his big guns with Richard Chaplow, Ross Wallace, Jon Parkin, and Chris Brown in place of Neil Trotman, Mellor, Hawley and Adam Barton.
However the changes failed to spark any life into Preston as Cieslewicz went close once more, the teenager driving into the box having picked up the ball on the halfway line and firing at Weaver, who denied a second Wrexham goal.
Slowly but surely Preston found their footing in the game, Chaplow stamping his mark on the game with the equaliser.
When Sam Williamson failed to clear a ball any further than Sedgwick, the former Rotherham winger delivered an excellent cross and the ex-Burnley player headed the visitors level.
Williamson soon found himself out of the action as Saunders brought on promising defender Kai Edwards and switched to a 3-5-2 formation.Preston were looking increasingly likely to grab the next goal, but Wrexham and Cieslewicz were always dangerous in attack, the Pole curling an effort straight at Weaver.
Fleming then fired a drive over the North End bar, before Brown forced Maxwell into a smart low save from eight yards at the other end.Again Cieslewicz went close, hitting the side netting with an acrobatic effort after Spann sent in another teasing cross.Cieslewicz then received a deserved standing ovation when he finally made way for Wes Baynes with two minutes left.
And with time running out, Parkin went agonisingly close to sneaking a late Preston winner, while Brown saw another chance clear the Wrexham bar.
The referee brought an end to proceedings with supporters of both teams giving the players a warm send off.
It is early days yet, but the signs are good for Dean Saunders’ side.
The men from The Racecourse looked lively throughout this tough test and even the early departure of injured striker Marc Williams failed to dampen their spirits.
Saunders has said all along that he needs time to build a team that he can call his own and on this evidence that is not too far away.
New signings and talented youngsters have been moulded together under the Wales coach and, given time, they can mount a serious push for promotion this season.
Wrexham, wearing their white away strip, enjoyed the opening 45 minutes as their passion and energy swamped a Preston outfit, who looked sluggish and short of fitness.
New signing Hedi Taboubi was the main creator for Wrexham, passing and probing from his central midfield position.
Another new boy, Adrian Cieslewicz was lively and always looking to beat the offside trap, while Mark Jones and Neil Taylor provided good width.Within six minutes of the start Saunders’ men had carved out their first goalscoring opportunity, Andy Fleming playing a pass to Taboubi, who sent an excellent raking ball to Marc Williams on the left, the striker crossed to Cieslewicz, but he was denied a path to goal and the ball went out for a corner.
The Reds then took the lead from the flag kick as Silvio Spann’s centre caused havoc in the Preston defence.The initial cross found Taboubi, via Fleming, on the edge of the area, he gave it back to Spann, and from his second bite of the cherry he found the head of Mansour Assoumani six yards from goal, the big defender doing the rest with aplomb.
Marc Williams limped off shortly after the celebrations died down and Saunders sent on trialist Matty Wolfenden in his place.
The switch failed to null Wrexham’s attacking threat as Jones fired over from 25-yards and Spann saw another centre flash agonisingly across Nicky Weaver’s goalmouth.Preston finally managed an attack soon after, Chris Sedgwick stinging the hands of Chris Maxwell from distance.
Alan Irvine’s men had caused few problems for the Reds’ defence up until Sedgwick’s strike, but this seemed to spur them in to action and Eddie Nolan fired a weak effort at Maxwell’s goal, while new skipper Callum Davidson miss-kicked when played in after a quickly taken flag kick.
Nolan then forced a smart low save out of Maxwell after a neat interchange with Karl Hawley.
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor was next to have a go as he used his strength to out-muscle Assoumani and Sam Williamson before firing inches wide of the right upright.
After soaking up the Championship side’s pressure, Wrexham found their foothold in the game once more, Taylor seeing a chip fail to trouble Weaver, before Wolfenden fired in a smart shot on the turn, only to see the former Manchester City stopper brilliantly tip round the post.
The hard working and pacey Cieslewicz then highlighted his undoubted ability by leaving two defenders for dead and firing a smart left-footed drive at Weaver who was equal to the task and fisted the ball clear.
Preston were able to come forward for one last time as the enterprising Sedgwick found the head of Mellor, but he failed to generate any power and Maxwell gathered comfortably.
There were two different approaches at half-time with Saunders happy to to make just one change as former Preston player Nathan Fairhurst replaced Taboubi.
On the other hand, Irvine rang the changes by bringing on his big guns with Richard Chaplow, Ross Wallace, Jon Parkin, and Chris Brown in place of Neil Trotman, Mellor, Hawley and Adam Barton.
However the changes failed to spark any life into Preston as Cieslewicz went close once more, the teenager driving into the box having picked up the ball on the halfway line and firing at Weaver, who denied a second Wrexham goal.
Slowly but surely Preston found their footing in the game, Chaplow stamping his mark on the game with the equaliser.
When Sam Williamson failed to clear a ball any further than Sedgwick, the former Rotherham winger delivered an excellent cross and the ex-Burnley player headed the visitors level.
Williamson soon found himself out of the action as Saunders brought on promising defender Kai Edwards and switched to a 3-5-2 formation.Preston were looking increasingly likely to grab the next goal, but Wrexham and Cieslewicz were always dangerous in attack, the Pole curling an effort straight at Weaver.
Fleming then fired a drive over the North End bar, before Brown forced Maxwell into a smart low save from eight yards at the other end.Again Cieslewicz went close, hitting the side netting with an acrobatic effort after Spann sent in another teasing cross.Cieslewicz then received a deserved standing ovation when he finally made way for Wes Baynes with two minutes left.
And with time running out, Parkin went agonisingly close to sneaking a late Preston winner, while Brown saw another chance clear the Wrexham bar.
The referee brought an end to proceedings with supporters of both teams giving the players a warm send off.
WREXHAM FC: Dean Saunders feared the worst for Marc Williams
Dean Saunders admitted that he feared the worst after watching Marc Williams hobble out of action last night.
Williams lasted just eight minutes of the 1-1 draw with Preston North End having taken a knock on the same foot he broke toward the end of last season.
And as Williams headed towards the tunnel, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa attacker said he could think of little else other than the diagnosis.“I’ve just heard that Marc has a bruise and there is nothing wrong with his foot,” said a relieved Saunders.
“I couldn’t think of anything else through the first half to be honest, I was sick.
“I thought he’d broken his foot again and that would have been another striker we would have had to have signed.
“He has been having a bit of discomfort with it for a little while. He had an X-ray last week and got the all clear.
"He has been aching after training. He went over on it and hopefully it is just a fright and he felt something.
“When you get a break you get a lot of bruising around the bone, it takes ages to heal and no blood gets to that area.
“It is like when you break your finger it takes probably two years before you don’t feel any pain so hopefully it is that.
Saunders did manage to switch his attention to the game, giving praise to his side after a battling draw with the Championship outfit.“I thought we played really well first half, we knocked the ball around really well,” he said.
“As you can see some of them pulled up at the end with a bit of cramp so we are still a bit short, but they are four leagues above us, nearly five if they had won their last game the play-offs.
“Credit to the lads they played against a strong team there, they brought the two big front lads on and Chaplow came on in midfield.
“We switched systems to try and resist what was happening to us and we had chances to win it as well.
“I am pleased that they have come and played us, to play them is good for the fans and a good test for the players. I’ve still got three or four to add before the season starts.”
The game against higher opposition gave Saunders the chance to test out a different formation as the Reds went to 3-5-2 late on – and he felt it was the perfect exercise for his young team.
“There were some good performances there, they are learning the game,” he explained.“We went to three at the back towards the end of the game and some of them have never played that before.
“I was trying to teach them out on the pitch, but we need to try these things in pre-season and against good teams it is ideal.
“I was really pleased with how we passed the ball first half and how dangerous we looked, and second half I was pleased with how we defended.“If we had lost it is not the end of the world because you can try things.
“We had five or six missing tonight feeling terrible and obviously Gareth (Taylor) and Ashley (Westwood) are two big players for us.“We need a bit of experience in the team, but we have pace and that is what I want.”
Saunders also took the opportunity to take a look at trialist Matty Wolfenden, declaring his pleasure at the performance of the 21-year-old after he replaced Marc Williams with just eight minutes an the clock, before giving way to Obi Anoruo late on.
The striker was released by League One side Oldham Athletic earlier this week, and Saunders is pleased to have the chance to work with him.
He said: “He is an intelligent player, he makes great runs, he is a great signing for us.”
Williams lasted just eight minutes of the 1-1 draw with Preston North End having taken a knock on the same foot he broke toward the end of last season.
And as Williams headed towards the tunnel, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa attacker said he could think of little else other than the diagnosis.“I’ve just heard that Marc has a bruise and there is nothing wrong with his foot,” said a relieved Saunders.
“I couldn’t think of anything else through the first half to be honest, I was sick.
“I thought he’d broken his foot again and that would have been another striker we would have had to have signed.
“He has been having a bit of discomfort with it for a little while. He had an X-ray last week and got the all clear.
"He has been aching after training. He went over on it and hopefully it is just a fright and he felt something.
“When you get a break you get a lot of bruising around the bone, it takes ages to heal and no blood gets to that area.
“It is like when you break your finger it takes probably two years before you don’t feel any pain so hopefully it is that.
Saunders did manage to switch his attention to the game, giving praise to his side after a battling draw with the Championship outfit.“I thought we played really well first half, we knocked the ball around really well,” he said.
“As you can see some of them pulled up at the end with a bit of cramp so we are still a bit short, but they are four leagues above us, nearly five if they had won their last game the play-offs.
“Credit to the lads they played against a strong team there, they brought the two big front lads on and Chaplow came on in midfield.
“We switched systems to try and resist what was happening to us and we had chances to win it as well.
“I am pleased that they have come and played us, to play them is good for the fans and a good test for the players. I’ve still got three or four to add before the season starts.”
The game against higher opposition gave Saunders the chance to test out a different formation as the Reds went to 3-5-2 late on – and he felt it was the perfect exercise for his young team.
“There were some good performances there, they are learning the game,” he explained.“We went to three at the back towards the end of the game and some of them have never played that before.
“I was trying to teach them out on the pitch, but we need to try these things in pre-season and against good teams it is ideal.
“I was really pleased with how we passed the ball first half and how dangerous we looked, and second half I was pleased with how we defended.“If we had lost it is not the end of the world because you can try things.
“We had five or six missing tonight feeling terrible and obviously Gareth (Taylor) and Ashley (Westwood) are two big players for us.“We need a bit of experience in the team, but we have pace and that is what I want.”
Saunders also took the opportunity to take a look at trialist Matty Wolfenden, declaring his pleasure at the performance of the 21-year-old after he replaced Marc Williams with just eight minutes an the clock, before giving way to Obi Anoruo late on.
The striker was released by League One side Oldham Athletic earlier this week, and Saunders is pleased to have the chance to work with him.
He said: “He is an intelligent player, he makes great runs, he is a great signing for us.”
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tom Kearney leaves Wrexham FC
Midfielder Tom Kearney has become the latest Wrexham player to cancel his contract by mutual consent, after reaching an agreement with the club.
The former Everton player scored on his debut back in August last year, but is another who failed to feature regularly since the appointment of Reds’ boss Dean Saunders.
Of his 15 Blue Square appearances, 11 were made before the end of last September, although he did start in the final two fixtures of last season.
Kearney joined the club from Halifax Town a year ago and looks likely to stay close to his Liverpool home by joining another BSP club in the north-west of England shortly.
However, he does have other irons in the fire: “I’ve been coaching with the Everton Academy and I’m working towards my football qualifications,” said Kearney.
“So I’ll continue with that in the short term and see what opens up for me. I do have one particular club that has offered me a deal, so now I’ll try and get that sorted out.
“I’m just sorry it didn’t work out better for me and the club, but I have enjoyed my time at Wrexham.”
Kearney joins a growing list of players to leave the club this summer with Darran Kempson, Michael Proctor, Gavin Ward, Sam Aiston, Patrick Suffo, Carl Tremarco, and Nat Brown among those to depart.
The former Everton player scored on his debut back in August last year, but is another who failed to feature regularly since the appointment of Reds’ boss Dean Saunders.
Of his 15 Blue Square appearances, 11 were made before the end of last September, although he did start in the final two fixtures of last season.
Kearney joined the club from Halifax Town a year ago and looks likely to stay close to his Liverpool home by joining another BSP club in the north-west of England shortly.
However, he does have other irons in the fire: “I’ve been coaching with the Everton Academy and I’m working towards my football qualifications,” said Kearney.
“So I’ll continue with that in the short term and see what opens up for me. I do have one particular club that has offered me a deal, so now I’ll try and get that sorted out.
“I’m just sorry it didn’t work out better for me and the club, but I have enjoyed my time at Wrexham.”
Kearney joins a growing list of players to leave the club this summer with Darran Kempson, Michael Proctor, Gavin Ward, Sam Aiston, Patrick Suffo, Carl Tremarco, and Nat Brown among those to depart.
Wrexham FC News: Nathan Fairhurst out to impress
NATHAN Fairhurst is determined to show former club Preston North End exactly what they are missing at The Racecourse tonight, (7.30pm).
The 20-year-old from Chorley spent nine years at Deepdale, but joined Wrexham shortly after Dean Saunders took over as managerHaving played 20 times, including 15 starts, Fairhurst was ready to join the club on a permanent basis despite Preston boss Alan Irvine offering him a new one-year deal.
Now Fairhurst wants to impress both his current and former employers by carving out a long and successful career in the professional game.
“There will be a few familiar faces at the game that’s for sure and I am looking forward to playing against some of my former team mates,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to it, I keep in touch with a few of the lads on a day to day basis and it will be nice to see them and hopefully get the better of them.
“It was difficult to leave Preston in the first place. I had to make the decision about whether to stay for another year or come here and play first team football.
“I made the choice to come here and play regularly and I am pleased to have done it really. It is a chance to push on and I can really dig deep to get myself a starting role on a regular basis.
“There is a lot more competition for places now with the gaffer signing a couple more midfielders, but as a midfielder you have to thrive on that.
“Competition will make you a better player and it is good to be pushed by other people. I want to show everybody who watches the match that I have what it takes.”
Fairhurst is expected to play some part in tonight’s friendly encounter, while Saunders is also hoping to finally have Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bounzanis available to him for the clash with the Championship outfit.
Speaking about the teenage shot stopper, Saunders said: “Hopefully he will be here tonight, I am still waiting.
“They are just trying to tie up his contract at the club and once he has sorted that out he will be on his way over.”
Saunders also outlined his plans for this evening, admitting that now is the time for some of his first team squad to get 90 minutes under their belt.
“Some will play the full game, some won’t,” he said. “I might also have a look at other players throughout the game as well.
“Not many trialists will play because it is a big game for us really against Preston and attitudes have to be right.
“They are not where I want them to be fitness wise, we have had a number of hard days training and some of the players have not played a whole game yet.
“I am going to try and have a look at the whole thing, I might try playing in a different formation or I might look at one or two other things.”
One man who is expected to line-up against Wrexham is former England under-21 and Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver.
The 30-year-old has joined Irvine’s men on trial and will get the chance to impress with regular stopper Wayne Henderson currently out injured.
Supporters attending tonight’s friendly are reminded that the Eric Roberts Stand will be closed for the game and all remaining pre-season fixtures.
The club apologises to those supporters who particularly enjoy sitting behind the goal, but any pre-bought tickets for the remaining friendlies can be used in either the Mold Road or Yale stands.
The 20-year-old from Chorley spent nine years at Deepdale, but joined Wrexham shortly after Dean Saunders took over as managerHaving played 20 times, including 15 starts, Fairhurst was ready to join the club on a permanent basis despite Preston boss Alan Irvine offering him a new one-year deal.
Now Fairhurst wants to impress both his current and former employers by carving out a long and successful career in the professional game.
“There will be a few familiar faces at the game that’s for sure and I am looking forward to playing against some of my former team mates,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to it, I keep in touch with a few of the lads on a day to day basis and it will be nice to see them and hopefully get the better of them.
“It was difficult to leave Preston in the first place. I had to make the decision about whether to stay for another year or come here and play first team football.
“I made the choice to come here and play regularly and I am pleased to have done it really. It is a chance to push on and I can really dig deep to get myself a starting role on a regular basis.
“There is a lot more competition for places now with the gaffer signing a couple more midfielders, but as a midfielder you have to thrive on that.
“Competition will make you a better player and it is good to be pushed by other people. I want to show everybody who watches the match that I have what it takes.”
Fairhurst is expected to play some part in tonight’s friendly encounter, while Saunders is also hoping to finally have Liverpool goalkeeper Dean Bounzanis available to him for the clash with the Championship outfit.
Speaking about the teenage shot stopper, Saunders said: “Hopefully he will be here tonight, I am still waiting.
“They are just trying to tie up his contract at the club and once he has sorted that out he will be on his way over.”
Saunders also outlined his plans for this evening, admitting that now is the time for some of his first team squad to get 90 minutes under their belt.
“Some will play the full game, some won’t,” he said. “I might also have a look at other players throughout the game as well.
“Not many trialists will play because it is a big game for us really against Preston and attitudes have to be right.
“They are not where I want them to be fitness wise, we have had a number of hard days training and some of the players have not played a whole game yet.
“I am going to try and have a look at the whole thing, I might try playing in a different formation or I might look at one or two other things.”
One man who is expected to line-up against Wrexham is former England under-21 and Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver.
The 30-year-old has joined Irvine’s men on trial and will get the chance to impress with regular stopper Wayne Henderson currently out injured.
Supporters attending tonight’s friendly are reminded that the Eric Roberts Stand will be closed for the game and all remaining pre-season fixtures.
The club apologises to those supporters who particularly enjoy sitting behind the goal, but any pre-bought tickets for the remaining friendlies can be used in either the Mold Road or Yale stands.
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