NICHOLSON WANTS TO LEAVE WREXHAM IN STYLE
Rob Griffiths - Daily Post

STUART NICHOLSON is desperate to sign off his loan spell with Wrexham by finally getting on the scoresheet and helping the Dragons keep their Football League status.

The on-loan striker is yet to find the back of the net since joining the basement club in January, making his debut in the 1-0 home win over MK Dons.

And Nicholson has only two games left in which to make his mark before his loan period runs out following the visit of fellow relegation candidates Notts County on April 19.

But Nicholson admits Sunday's visit to Shrewsbury Town - where he spent the first half of the current campaign on loan - will be the perfect way to end his short stint as a Dragons player for manager Brian Little.

"I've really enjoyed my time here at Wrexham," he said.

"I've been playing a little bit out of position, but I have really enjoyed the football we have played.

"I know we got beat the other night at MK Dons, but it was probably the best football we have played in a long while, especially since I've been here.

"I am more used to a 4-4-2 formation and playing as a striker, but at Wrexham I've been back doing my share of defending in my own half and that's somewhere on the pitch I'm not used to seeing a whole lot of."

However the trip to Shrewsbury and the visit of Notts County will be the last action of the season for Nicholson, who has been released by his parent club West Bromwich Albion.

Nicholson added: "I am disappointed to be leaving West Brom, I've been there from the age of 17 and made my debut at 18. I've been in and out of the squad and scoring goals for the reserves.

"Then there was a change of manager and he told me to go out and score goals on loan and I thought I did that at Bristol Rovers scoring at least a goal every other game.

"But it happens and you have to move on."

And on the possibility of scoring the winner at Shrewsbury on Sunday, Nicholson added: "I don't think I would be able to describe the feeling if I got the winner.

"Like I said I have really enjoyed my time at Wrexham, they get the ball down and try to play, but at Shrewsbury it was all just long balls, not a lot of football and it was not the way I am used to playing."

Shrewsbury this Sunday and then the visit of Notts County the following week will be Nicholson's last acts in a Wrexham jersey, but he does admit it won't be the last time he will be at the Racecourse this season.

"I've already had a couple of clubs contact me and offer me a week with them training," he added. "So I have got a few options open to me.

"I'd really like to stay at Wrexham if I could, like I said I've really enjoyed my time here and I think it is a great club.

"I won't be going back to West Brom when I finish on loan, so my holidays are going to start two weeks earlier than anyone else, and I have every intention of going back to watch and support the boys in the last couple of games."

And Nicholson also believes there is still all to play for despite the table looking so bleak for the Dragons.

He said: "We've got Shrewsbury this weekend and then Notts County the week after, and if they don't get anything from Accrington Stanley on Saturday and we win our next two games then we are one point behind them with three games left.

"So I think there are still a few twists and turns left in the season."

SAM AISTON SAYS IT'S NOW OR NEVER FOR WREXHAM
Richard Williams - Wrexham Evening Leader

IT'S do or die time for Wrexham against Shrewsbury at The New Meadow on Sunday.

That is midfielder Sam Aiston's verdict as Wrexham continue their battle against relegation in the high noon showdown.

A run of six games without a win, where just two points have been gathered, has left Wrexham with a lot to do if they are going to pull clear of trouble.

Rock bottom Wrexham are seven points away from safety and Aiston knows that nothing more than victory will do against his former club.

"It is a massive game - a must win game," said Aiston today.

"I know everyone has been saying that about the last few matches, but it really is must win time now.

"We have to win to give us every chance of turning it around.

"We are at the stage where if we don't win, we are more or less down if other results go against us.

"It has been really disappointing recently, but it is a chance to get the crowd back on side and put in a good display."

Opponents Shrewsbury, at one time challenging for a play-off berth, have slipped down the table after failing to win any of their last 15 matches and are currently in 18th position.

But Aiston believes the Shrews are not in danger of relegation and although he knows the teams Wrexham have to target catching and which are in action 24 hours earlier, he stressed the need for the Reds to focus on themselves.

"I know Shrewsbury are down there but I think they will be okay," said Aiston.

"Notts County and Dagenham, and obviously Mansfield, are the teams we are trying to catch, but we shouldn't be worrying about other teams.

"If we don't win, it makes no difference.

"Even if we do win, we don't know what will happen.

"We can't do anything about other people's results. We have to just concentrate on ourselves and we know we need to win."

Aiston, who played for Shrewsbury between 2000 and 2005, admits he can't wait for Sunday's derby - Wrexham's first ever visit to The New Meadow Stadium.

But Aiston, Brian Little's first signing when he took over as manager in November, said he wished the meeting between the arch rivals was under happier circumstances.

"I am looking forward to the game, although I don't know if I'll be playing," added Aiston.

"I still live in Shrewsbury and I have a lot of happy memories from my time at the club.

"I know loads of people going to the match and I just wish it was under nicer circumstances. Obviously it would be nicer if we were at the other end of the table.

"But we will have a good following and it should be a fantastic atmosphere."