RIGHT-BACK Curtis Obeng has assured fans there is still a lot to come from him.
The 22-year-old, who joined Wrexham following his release by Manchester City in the summer of 2009, has signed a new 18 month deal which will keep him at The Racecourse until January 2013.
Without a senior appearance at City, Obeng has been manager Dean Saunders’ first choice right-back over the last two seasons but the England C international admitted he took time to get used to playing in the Conference.
And although Obeng was pleased with his form as he helped Wrexham reach the play-off semi-finals last season, he insists there is a lot more room for improvement.
“It took a season for me to get used to playing regularly in this division,” said Obeng. “When I left City for Wrexham, I went from the reserves to the first team, and was playing a different style of football to what I was used to.
“It is a lot more physical in the Conference as I found.
“I think I had a good second season, I was pleased with my form, but I can go up another level and keep improving.
“I am 22 and there is a lot more to learn about the game and what comes with it. I will keep listening to the gaffer and keep learning.
“There is still a lot more for me to show the fans. They have been great with their support, hopefully I can repay them some good performances, good defending and assists when I can.”
Obeng, who played 36 league games last season, scored his first senior goal in the 4-2 victory against Tamworth on April 25.
Willing to get forward at every opportunity, Obeng is hoping to get on the scoresheet more often.
“Hopefully I get a few goals,” he said. “I got one last season but would like to get about five a season.
“Scoring is something I want to add to my game. It is another weapon to have in your armoury and can help take my game to another level.
“I had nine or ten assists last season but if I can get goals as well, it is another weapon to have.”
But that solitary goal means Obeng got the better of left-back Neil Ashton, another player who has committed his future but has yet to get on the scoresheet for the Reds.
“We had a few shooting competitions in training and I said I would finish higher than Neil in goals and I did!” he joked.
Admitting that a number of clubs were chasing his signature, Obeng was delighted to extend his stay at The Racecourse and is looking to launch a fresh promotion challenge.
“An 18 month deal is good, it is not too long and not too short,” he said. “I had a few other things from quite a lot of teams in our division and the one above.
“But Wrexham is a bigger club and I was more than happy to stay where I am.
“Playing games is obviously a good thing and I was happy with my own form and that of the team.
“Hopefully I keep my spot going into the new season and get even more games.”
Obeng added: “You want to be playing regularly, that is what it is all about, and to do what you can for the team.
“You aim to finish as high as you can and hopefully get promoted.
“Hopefully we start the new season the way we left off. We want to continue to win the majority of games and get to the play-offs at least.”