Following the superb 4-2 win over Barrow on Saturday, United return to Plainmoor on Tuesday evening, as Wrexham travel down from North Wales to take on Gary Johnson’s men.
Who’s The Boss?
Dean Keates returned to the Racecourse Ground earlier this month, following the dismissal of previous boss Bryan Hughes. A hugely popular figure as a player at both Wrexham and his hometown club, Walsall, Keates made the step-up to manage both clubs. After taking his first steps into management in October 2016, he led The Dragons to a 13th place finish, before an upturn in fortunes saw the Midlands-based side come calling in March 2018 with Wrexham standing in 4th. His stint in charge at The Saddlers didn’t match his playing heroics though, and he left the club just over a year later.
How have they been doing?
The Welsh club have endured something of a hangover so far this campaign, following their play-off heartbreak last season. A 2-1 away defeat by Dagenham last time out saw them remain into the relegation places, with just 16 points gained from their 18 fixtures.
Player to watch
Bobby Grant has enjoyed a fine start to the season despite his side’s troubles, with his recent strike against Chesterfield being his seventh of the campaign so far. Equally at home in attack or midfield, Grant has also represented the likes of Accrington, Scunthorpe, Blackpool and Fleetwood in the EFL, prior to an on-loan spell at the Racecourse Ground last year.
Played For Both
Luke Young represented United with distinction for four years before leaving to join Bryan Hughes’ side in 2018. Born in Ivybridge and a product of Plymouth Argyle’s youth system, he made nearly 100 league appearances at Home Park, before arriving at Plainmoor. Despite suffering a number of injuries during his time with The Gulls, he remained the focal pint when fit, and made 133 National League appearances, many as captain, scoring 16 goals, including a unforgettable late volleyed winner against his current club in October 2014.
Previous Encounter
Ian Atkins’ Torquay were fighting for their League Two lives when Wrexham came to Plainmoor in April 2006, however a ninth-minute strike from Martin Phillips was enough to secure a vital 1-0 victory over their play-off chasing opponents, on the way to securing another famous Great Escape.
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