Related links

Teams

• Wrexham

Players

• Richard Hope

Also see

• League Two fixtures
• League Two table
• League Two stats

Well since I joined you last there have been a few things going on, the main subject being that I have a new boss as Brian Little took charge at Wrexham.

Rumours had been going around for a while and it was not a huge shock but something different was the fact our old gaffer remained part of the new management set-up.

For me this was a good thing as despite the results there wasn't a massive change needed, perhaps just a bit more of an experienced look - which I think we have seen from an early stage.

Our performances as a whole have improved a lot and although we are very much still involved at the wrong end of the table the improvement is there and we are more than confident going into the second half of the season.

We haven't noticed too many changes around the place but when any new gaffer comes in you can always sense an upbeat in the mood and confidence.

Away from the pitch this week we had a practice match against Everton and I featured for the whole match - I went home to the North East straight after but as is always the case I was delayed beyond belief.

We had the drug testing unit in and it was just my luck that it was my turn to be tested and as well as you can imagine I was in no mood to go just when I had to! So a few glasses of water later and a few evil looks in the direction of the tester I was on my way! Not too amused though, but it is one of those things that people out of football never hear about - but it is something our sport is fully committed to and to be honest continues to show how clean it is in this country.

Christmas

I headed home to sort out a few things before Christmas and heading back, as my family are relocating to the area over the new few weeks, so there is a lot to do. But unlike most of you we don't have the luxury of having much time off.

We are at home on Boxing Day which means training on Christmas Day - but thankfully because we are at home, there is no overnight stay in a hotel which I know from experience is never nice.

One Christmas tradition that is associated with football is the annual party - but I have to report there hasn't been one at Wrexham this year, for the first time in my 12 years of playing this is the first time I have experienced this - but none of us are complaining.

We know we haven't performed this year and I don't think any of the lads felt that it was appropriate that we go out and party and as captain I take the responsibilities keenly and I just don't think it would have been right for our fans to see us out partying or thinking we were justifying the start we have made.

Don't get me wrong, as I said, we are more than confident of having a very good second half to the campaign - but at this moment we all need to get our heads down and fight for the cause.

Well that is me for this year once again, I would just like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I hope you all enjoy your football over the festive period.