Relegation threat hit Wrens hard

Rainworth Miners Welfare are set to unveil their new backer next week to the relief of Wrens manager Kevin Gee who's admitted the club's original decision to seek voluntary relegation from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League had 'knocked the stuffing' out of everybody at Kirklington Road, writes Gordon Foster.

The First Division South Wrens were saved last week when a mystery backer came forward after news of their financially driven move won widespread sympathy and support. The Wrens say they were forced to take what they called a 'heart-breaking' decision to drop into Step 5 to secure their long term future.

Expressing the widespread relief felt at the club, Gee, pictured, said: "When the heart-wrenching decision was made to take automatic relegation I think it knocked the stuffing out of all involved. Although conversations were private, rumours and gossip will always raise heads, which eventually and unfortunately got through to the players. We have gone full circle now and, thankfully, new investors are coming in to give the club a bit of long term stability which is fantastic news."

Like everybody at the club, Gee is intrigued to find out who rode to their rescue and prompted an urgent request to the Evo-Stik NPL and FA to rip up their letter of resignation. "Human nature means the rumour mill starts as to who is the knight in shining armour and we all have a bit of that journalistic mentality in us and want to be the first to know," admitted Gee.

The Wrens manager was speaking ahead of their penultimate match of the campaign against promotion-chasing Coalville Town. A resilient defensive performance earned Gee's side a 0-0 draw at home to Northwich on Tuesday night, continuing an improved run of results that has seen them take seven points from their last three matches.

Gee, whose side beat Leek and Stamford before drawing in midweek, praised his side and his defence in particular, for their performance against the Vics. "I must compliment the whole team, especially the rearguard including goalkeeper Neil West, who were terrific in the last twenty minutes having to deal with a bit of an onslaught on our goal," said Gee. "But for the times we were throwing ourselves across people and getting blocks in on a consistent basis we deserved a point and a second clean sheet in three games.

"The draw means we have taken points from 21 of our matches with two still to go, and we probably could have got something out of at least nine of the other 19, so the season as a whole has been really encouraging.

"Looking forward, with two games to go to the end of the club's best ever season at this level, we are three points away from the magic 50 points target. Both of our remaining games are against two or the better teams in the division yet again, and both will be difficult games but we are looking forward to them.

"Coalville, for me, are the best offensive team we’ve played against this season, and they have had a fantastic season. Whether they go up automatically or have to go through the play-off route, on their day they can beat anybody. Their current form may not be what they would like, but they will be a threat.

"However, we can go into the game Saturday with no fear as all the pressure is on them and we are expected to be beaten, so we are looking forward to that challenge. Gresley, on the last day of the season, will basically be a case of who wants it the most coming out on top."

* The Wrens says fans who didn't attend Tuesday's game to pick up their 'three for one' promotion admission voucher can still pay to see the Coalville fixture and receive a voucher for free admission to Gresley on the final Saturday.