Wrexham hero Bennett says: It’s win or bust

Mar 9 2008 by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

IT says everything about Wrexham’s current plight that Gary Bennett will have none of his normal split loyalties at today’s derby clash with Chester.

The former striker, who retired in 1999, has fond memories from his time at both sides – but Football League survival at the Racecourse outweighs anything else.

Wrexham are increasingly in danger of being cut adrift at the foot of League Two unless Brian Little’s side improve upon one win from their last seven games.

And Bennett believes the change in fortune must begin with a derby victory in today’s high-noon showdown at the Deva Stadium.

He said: “I normally sit on the fence with my two old sides but on this occasion I will be firmly supporting Wrexham.

“They desperately need the points and relegation is starting to stare them in the face.

“It was massively disappointing against Mansfield last week and for the first time I really started worrying about Wrexham’s future.

“If that was a six-pointer then this is a 12-pointer. It’s do or die now; that’s how serious it has become.

“Time and games are running out fast and there is only so long you can go on without winning. Anything other than a win today and I would really start fearing the worst for Wrexham’s chances of staying up.

“They have to start winning games – and fast – or they can kiss goodbye to playing in the league.”

While Wrexham’s stalled revival has them floundering at the foot of the table, managerless Chester are in danger of being dragged into the relegation fight.

Having just sacked Bobby Williamson on the back of a wretched run of results, the Blues have plummeted down the table.

Not that Bennett, now 44, has any room for sentiment with Chester’s struggles – at least today.

He added: “Although form goes out of the window with derby games, both teams simply have no form. It’s just whoever wants it more and surely that should be Wrexham.

“Chester’s confidence must be rock bottom and they are without a manager.

“I had many great years at Chester and it’s worrying what’s going on there, but not half as worrying as what’s happening at Wrexham.

“There couldn’t be a better chance to go to a rival and win – and that’s what they must do.”

Wrexham are once again without injured pair Steve Evans and Neil Roberts, but midfielder Danny Sonner is in line to return after shrugging off an Achilles injury.

Bennett added: “The injuries have not helped one bit, especially when you lose experienced players long-term.

“All teams get injuries, but Wrexham’s seem to be worse than most sides.

“They can’t use that as an excuse much longer, though.”