LESS charitable footballers than Silvio Spann might welcome an opportunity to have a go at former Wrexham manager Brian Little for virtually ignoring the Trinidad international during his less than successful 10-month stint at the Racecourse.
Spann has figured in two of the three games under the new regime, as many outings as in the whole of the previous manager’s tenure, and he’s grateful for his opportunity to rebuild a career that looked to be going nowhere little more than a month ago.
With temporary loan signing Joe Allen reportedly out for at least two weeks with an injury to his ankle ligaments, the chance is there for Spann to shine in midfield.
“Obviously I am delighted with the way things have turned out because I’m playing first-team football, which means the coach has faith in me and my ability,” he said.
“It’s great to be part of something positive, there is a new sense of purpose and hopefully I can make a contribution to that.”
Of the Little era, Spann added: “It was a shame things didn’t work out with him. I thought he was a great coach and a nice man to know. I don’t have anything bad to say about him, even though I didn’t play as often as I would have liked.
“At the start of the season the talk was of promotion and I wanted to be part of that because history remembers only winners.
“So coming into work every day was frustrating at times, but my family and friends told me to keep my head down and continue working hard.
“At the end of the day, I wanted to be playing and to carry on living the dream, but it’s not in my nature to bear grudges or get annoyed with anyone. I try to treat people nicely and to stay happy and positive because I believe I will be rewarded.”
Coincidentally or otherwise, in the week leading up to Little’s departure Spann earned a surprise recall to the Trinidad World Cup squad for a crucial qualifer against the USA and played his part in a victory that has kept the Caribbean nation in the hunt for South Africa in two years time.
“It was a big surprise,” he added. “I was with (ex-Wrexham colleague) Josh Johnson when the phone call came that I was in the squad because someone had been sent off in the previous game with Guatemala.
“It had never entered my mind that I’d go because I haven’t played for Trinidad for eight months, so it was great to be involved. That and being part of the coach’s plans here at Wrexham has really boosted my confidence.
“The Wrexham fans have been great as well because they have stuck by me as they showed against York and at Mansfield on Saturday.”
A substitute at Field Mill in deference to the 20-hour trans-Atlantic return trip, Spann was called upon midway through the first half following an injury to Carl Tremarco. And his first contrbution to the game was an under-hit back pass that led to the home side’s goal.
“Maybe it wouldn’t have happened if I’d been on the pitch longer,” said Spann. “But it would have been a tough call to start the game and I was at fault for the goal.
“Everyone – the manager, the players and the fans – encouraged me to forget it and get on with it.
“We won the game so hopefully my mistake won’t be remembered too long. Things like that make me more determined to do my best and my aim is to play a full part in what looks like being a great future for Wrexham.”
Meanwhile, Kiki Musampa has denied reports he is set to join Wrexham.
Reports had suggested the Dragons were in talks to sign the former Manchester City winger after his football agent brother Jean was seen watching Wrexham’s 3-1 win over York City at the Racecourse earlier this month.
But Musampa said: “I never had contact with anybody from that team or that club.
“As soon as I heard the news I called him (Jean) and asked him what it’s all about, people asking me if I’m going there and I was supposed to go and play some games, or whatever.
“All I can say is that there’s nothing going on between me and the club.”
While Musampa won’t be joining the Racecourse outfit, manager Saunders will have been buoyed by his side’s efforts in a behind closed-doors friendly at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ training ground yesterday, despite them conceding a goal in the second minute.
The Dragons were unlucky to lose 3-2 , with a wonder strike from Shaun Whalley providing the highlight for the visitors.
Mark Salmon, Kyle Bennett and Mark Davies scored for Wolves, while Simon Brown netted a penalty for Wrexham after 81 minutes.