By Mark Currie, Daily Post
05 June 2008
WREXHAM
coach Martin Foyle last night expressed his delight after former Mansfield Town
player Simon Brown agreed to join the club on a two-year contract.
The 23-year-old striker becomes the Dragons’ second new signing of the summer,
following last month’s deal that brought experienced midfielder Paul Carden to
the Racecourse.
And Foyle confirmed that Brown had been a top close-season target ever since
Wrexham’s relegation to the Blue Square Premier.
"Simon is someone we have been chasing for a while," he said. "I tried to sign
him when I was manager of Port Vale and he will be a good acquisition for us.
"We are particularly pleased because we know of at least two Football League
clubs that were after him, but Simon has liked what he’s seen here and wants to
be part of our plans to rebuild the club.
"There has been some negativity going around since the end of last season so
this is very good news for us because Simon could have stayed in the Football
League.
"Now we are looking to bring in a few more players to join him."
Brown played 32 matches last season for Mansfield, who he joined from West Brom
for £50,000 in 2004.
The player, who missed both League Two clashes with Wrexham last term, said:
"Sometimes in order to go forward you have to take a step back and I think that
could be the case at Wrexham. It’s a fresh, new challenge for me and one I am
really looking forward to.
"I’m pleased everything has been sorted out so quickly and I’ll be looking to
move closer to Wrexham so that I can devote more of my time to the work that
needs to be done."
Meanwhile, Wrexham manager Brian Little is warning out of contract duo Steve
Evans and Matty Done that he won’t be messed around as he waits for a decision
on their future.
The Racecourse boss has offered Wales defender Evans and winger Done new deals
that reflect the club’s changed circumstances next season.
And yesterday Little made it clear he was in no mood to negotiate over the
terms.
"In Steve’s case I have spoken to his agent and told him I want to speak again
personally to the player," he said.
"I’m under the impression he would like to sign but is not happy with what he
has been offered.
"From my point of view, though, I would probably rather not sign players who are
unhappy. If you look back at what happened last season there are not too many
players who covered themselves in glory.
"With Steve, there were certain things that were pleasing but he made a few
mistakes along the way as well, hence the offer we have made which we feel is
the right one.
"As far as Matty is concerned we have heard nothing from him or his agent and I
don’t want Wrexham to be his last option. He has had a decent offer and it’s
time for him as well to make a decision.
"We want players here who want to play for this club and to be fully on board
with what we want to achieve next season.
"I don’t want anyone who regards Wrexham as their last port of call or their
only port of call.
"We need players who are committed to working hard for Wrexham and to play even
better. I’m prepared to take a hard stance on that because I think it’s the
right thing to do."
Wrexham, who begin pre-season training on June 27, host Wolves on July 12,
Blackpool on July 19 and League One outfit Crewe on July 22. They travel to
Colwyn Bay on July 26 and Stafford Rangers on August 2.