Gee hails his new sidekick

Wrens manager Kevin Gee is hailing the part played by his new first team coach Ian ‘Chalkie’ Whyte in their surge up the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South table ahead of their top six clash at home to Stamford on Tuesday night, writes Gordon Foster.

Rainworth hit fourth place after last Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at resurgent Belper Town, the victory extending their unbeaten run to seven games with the four victories and three draws all coinciding with the recent arrival of Whyte, pictured, at Kirklington Road.

The Wrens dropped a place to fifth spot after enjoying a rare weekend off but Gee was quick to acknowledge Whyte's contribution to their new-found success.

He said: "Our relationship is going from strength to strength and the biggest compliment I can pay him is that it feels like I’ve been working with him for years. I believe in surrounding myself with the right people and Ian’s input has been fantastic.

"He brings a terrific fine detail to the group and the players are responding to that tuition. Yes, we are probably riding by the skin of our pants a little at the minute, and Lady Luck currently seems to be on our side in key moments in games, but we’ll take that and continue to try and improve on the bits that we are not doing so well at the minute.

"We have a really strong team sprit at the club right now that will take some breaking down, coupled with a terrific work ethic which is putting us in good positions to try and win games - and thankfully the chance to conversion ratio by our attacking options is extremely high."

Rainworth are hoping to see a significant increase in their attendances, starting with Tuesday's fixture. Despite their current good form and Saturday games tending not to clash with neighbours Mansfield Town as they did last season, attendances are significantly down on the last two campaigns when the Wrens were battling relegation.

Club officials are baffled. Added factors like frozen ticket prices should be bumping up crowds and Gee added: "Of course it is disappointing that the people of the village don’t seem to want to get behind us currently. At the end of the day you can try all the gimmicks you like, but the only thing that will boost the crowds in the longer term is the fare on offer.

"We are doing well, playing attractive football, and winning games in a league of high standard. All we can do is to continue to spread the word and hope that people ultimately get the message about the good things that are happening in a club within their community."