Barnet manager John Still Credit: Steve Bardens /Allsport

Rookie Ricketts Takes On Lower League Master Still

Rookie manager Sam Ricketts, aged 36, goes head-to-head with a master of lower division football at the Racecourse this afternoon.

Barnet boss John Still is a 68-year-old veteran of more than 1,000 matches in management and, like Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock, has been involved in football for more than 50 years.

Over the last four decades he has managed eight different clubs and this is his third spell in charge of Barnet, who visit Wrexham’s Racecourse Stadium in the Vanarama National League this afternoon.

While Ricketts is working on bringing success to Wrexham in his season of management, Still has won titles with Leytonstone, Dartford, Maidstone United, Redbridge Forest, Dagenham and Redbridge plus Luton Town.

He has been awarded the freedom of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham plus Luton for his services to football on those areas.

Wrexham’s Jordan Maguire-Drew, 21, had great respect for Still after playing for at Dagenham.

 “John and his assistant, Darren Currie, were brilliant with me,” said Maguire-Drew. “They are a great coaching pair.

“But I would love to get one over them for this club.”

Maguire scored 15 goals in 44 league appearances under Still, helping Dagenham reach the play-offs where they were beaten in the semi-finals by Forest Green.

“I am looking to replicate that with Wrexham, go a little farther and earn promotion,” said Maguire-Drew, who is on loan from Brighton.

Manager Sam Ricketts pictured during a post-match press conference. Pic: Wrexham AFC.

Wrexham are fourth in the table, just behind leaders Leyton Orient, Salford and Harrogate after 13 fixtures.

Manny Smith is still out injured, while James Jennings will be assessed close to kick-off. 

Wrexham go into the game with one win in their last three having battled to a goalless draw at Harrogate in midweek.

Midfield player Luke Young was able to play for Wrexham at Harrogate after his dismissal during the match against Sutton was overturned hours before kick-off following a Dragons’ appeal.

Wrexham, possible: Lainton, Roberts, Lawlor, Pearson, Carrington, Summerfield, Walker, Young, Rutherford, Fondop, Maguire-Drew. Subs, from: Dibble, Jennings, Deverdics, Wright, Holroyd, Beavon.

Match tickets here  

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