Little gets busy in transfer market

Jan 19 2008 by Darren Devine, Western Mail

WREXHAM boss Brian Little’s frenetic transfer activity continues to gather pace following the capture of former Tranmere Rovers’ man Carl Tremarco.

The defender is Little’s third signing of the week and eighth of the January transfer window as he attempts to revive the League Two basement club.

West Brom striker Stuart Nicholson (left) agreed a three-month loan deal on Thursday and former Cardiff City midfielder Jeff Whitley returned to the Racecourse on Monday.

But Little has also seen others move in the opposite direction, with both defender Ryan Valentine and Basque strike Juan Ugarte leaving the Racecourse.

Valentine was expected to complete a move to Darlington late yesterday or on Monday, while Ugarte had his contract terminated by “mutual consent” after a two-year injury lay-off.

Ahead of today’s top versus bottom clash with MK Dons, Little indicated the club’s recent form with eight consecutive defeats demanded change.

“There’s a few variations to the squad now and it gives us little things that will change the team a bit.

“We’ve still go things to do, but the team is changing and we just need to try to change the fortunes of the team on the field of play.

“We just need a little result from somewhere to give us a lift off.”

Twenty-two-year-old Tremarco played under Little during the Wrexham boss’ spell in charge at Prenton Park.

Little added, “He’s a direct replacement for Ryan as a left-sided wing-back.

“He’s quick and aggressive and he’s played more than 50 games in League One in his career.”

Whitley came to Wrexham for a loan spell towards the end of last season, but went Awol on the final day of the campaign when the Dragons beat Boston United to stay in the league.

The 28-year-old has completed a month-long spell in the Sporting Chance clinic for alcohol problems and Little felt the player could again help steer the Dragons clear of the Conference.

“He’s had a few personal problems, but he’s trained with us now for over a week.

“He’s here on a non-contract basis and we’ll just see where things go.

“Everybody makes the odd mistake in their life and at this moment in time we feel we need people who can help.”

Little said 20-year-old Nicholson’s career had stalled at West Brom and the three-month loan move could help him recapture his form.

The player enjoyed loan spells at both Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town before arriving at the Racecourse.

“Stuart’s very lively and bright. He burst onto the scene at West Brom and scored some goals in their first team and went to Bristol Rovers and scored goals there.

“But, quite honestly, this season just hasn’t clicked for him.

“He went to Shrewsbury and it didn’t work.

“That can happen to any player, but we, like a lot of other people, believe he has the potential to score a goal or two.”

Dragons’ midfielder Mark Jones (hamstring) will miss out, while colleague Sam Aiston (ankle) is also a doubt.

MK Dons go into the contest with no fresh injury concerns after their 1-0 defeat to Barnet last weekend.