More than a Little job

Last updated : 23 November 2007 By Gary Moss
Little becomes the third new manager of the season after the appointments of Charlie McParland at Notts and Peter Jackson with Lincoln City.

With the season approaching the halfway mark it is no real surprise to see another change in the dug out.

You would be surprised come May if five or even more managers hadn't faced the boot from the outset of the campaign. Such is the pressure on managers to preserve league status - a lack of reuslts can often lead to a swift exit.

The board cannot afford to be calm with a place in football's elite at stake.

Little was overlooked for the Imps post and now find's himself with the second worst off club in the division.

Game of the Day: Wrexham v Chester

Carey... Kept on in assistant role
Brian Carey became the third managerial casualty of the season last week in League Two stepping down into an assistant role alongisde new boss Little.

The Welshmen have had a troubled start to the campaign winning just three of their opening 14 league matches.

Matters were made worse for the Dragons after an embarassing 4-1 FA Cup exit at the hands of high-flying Peterborough managed by former player and job applicant Darren Ferguson.

Wrexham join Lincoln in the league drop zone but with two games in hand could climb as high as 20th after these.

The ex-Aston Villa man Little goes to the Racecourse Ground with a wealth of experience, but with a lack of funds faces a tough task to keep his new side in the Football League.

On a six game winless streak Little faces a big job to save the team from the drop.

His journey begins on Sunday at home to sixth placed Chester.

The Blues themselves are struggling for form - with just one win in the last five games in all competitions.

Defeat at Wrexham could see Chester drop out the play-off places while a win for the Dragons will see them move out of the relegation slots.

Wrexham delved into the loan market this week with the signing of
Aiston... Speedy winger impressive Dragon swoop
Northampton Town winger Sam Aiston.

Little's first signing is expected to make the team for his debut on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Chester missed out on their transfer target. West Brom front man John Hartson declined an audacious bid from boss Bobby Williamson.

Add to the mix it is a fierce rivalry across there and this could be a thriller.

NCM Prediction: The Dragons luck has got to change soon and this could be it - draw!

Elsewhere...

Shrewsbury bounced back after a barren spell in the league with a home win over Barnet. They will really be put to the test as they travel to Millmoor to face Rotherham.

The Millers are the divisions most in-form side over the last five games taking maximum points.

Goals from all over the park sees Mark Robins' team on the verge of the automatic promotion slots.

But a shock defeat in the FA Cup at the hands of non-league Forest Green could prove a set back.

Tudor... Wants to stay with Shrewsbury
The Shrews on the other hand have been boosted by the loyalty of winger Shane Tudor who has spoke out about making his move from Port Vale to New Meadow a permanent one.

Morecambe are becoming a rapidly fading force after such a great start to life in the Football League.

The Shrimps are without a win in the last six in all competitions but have the chance to put that right with Bury in town.

Early season star Carl Baker has had a tough time of it recently in the league being marked out of most games in recent weeks. Boss Sammy McIlroy would give a lot for a return to form of his main man.

The Shakers are set to introduce Wolves teenager Liam Hughes and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Sean McAllister to the frame

Mansfield will be looking for their first away win of the campaign when they hit the road to Rochdale. The Stags have collected just three draws away from Field Mill this season but go to Spotland in hope of climbing above Dagenham & Redbridge.

The hosts know a win could move them into mid-table, and suffering just one defeat in the last five, confidence will be high amongst Keith Hill's squad, who will be boosted by the re-signing of Accrington Stanley striker Lee McEvilly.

Full fixture list:

Barnet v Grimsby

Bradford v Stockport

Darlington v Wycombe

Hereford v Accrington Stanley

Lincoln v Notts County

Macclesfield v Dagenham & Redbridge

MK Dons v Chesterfield

Morecambe v Bury

Peterborough v Brentford

Rochdlae v Mansfield

Rotherham v Shrewsbury

Wrexham v Chester