SCOTT SHEARER insists he has not joined Wrexham to be the club’s second choice goalkeeper.

The experienced 29-year-old, without a club after he was released by Wycombe Wanderers at the end of last season, has joined Wrexham on a two-year deal and will compete with Wales under 21 international Chris Maxwell for a place in the team.

And while he admits it is not a foregone conclusion who will get the nod, Scotsman Shearer, who counts Coventry City and Bristol Rovers among his former clubs, is ready to work hard in his bid to become Dean Saunders’ first choice shot-stopper.

“I am very happy to sign,” said Shearer. “I think everyone knows it is not a Conference club and it is run very professionally. There is a lot of ambition to get out of this league, that is the main reason I came.

“There are a few experienced people here and I am just adding to that. I don’t know much about Chris but I’ve seen him in training and he looks very promising.

“I am here to play and help the club move up the league so I am concentrating on myself.

“You need competition and cannot be complacent so you have got to be on your toes.

“I have got belief in myself - I won’t go anywhere to be second choice. You have got to work at it. It is not a sure thing.”

Saunders, eager to sign a second goalkeeper to replace Sam Russell who has joined Darlington, has not decided who will between the posts when Wrexham kick-off the new Conference campaign against Cambridge United on August 14.

Delighted with the acquisition of Shearer, Saunders has welcomed the competition.

“I was pleased when I got the call that Scott had agreed to sign. We needed a second goalkeeper. Chris is still a young man and the future of the club.

“I just felt we needed a bit of experience there. Scott is 29 and adds experience to the team.

“We were lucky to get him because other clubs were chasing him. Dean Keates played with Scott and he comes recommended by him, and he knows some of the lads like Andy Mangan and Andy Morrell.

“We have got nearly three weeks to go until the start of the season and it is the same situation as when Sam Russell was here.

“Chris has got to drive on and show he is better. I am really pleased with Chris, he is doing well but you have got to have competition. He knew we would need a second goalkeeper, whatever club you go to there is competition.”

Although he is working with a reduced budget, Saunders is still hoping to bring in more new signings, including another centre-back

“I want to get one or two more in if I can,” said Saunders. “It will give us a squad of experienced professionals compared to last year.”

While Saunders was unveiling his eighth summer signing, two players are going out on loan to gain more experience.

Centre-back Leon Clowes is joining Welsh Premier League outfit Airbus and striker Obi Anoruo is off to Conference North side Vauxhall Motors, with the length
of the loans still to be decided.

“Obi is still only 18 and he needs to go out and play against men, he has got a few (strikers) in front of him here,” said Saunders.

Wrexham continue their build-up to the new season with a friendly against Nantwich Town at The Weaver Stadium tonight (7pm).

“We did a lot of work in the last week or so and I gave them the weekend off,” added Saunders. “I had a look at them in training yesterday and I will decide on a squad.

“I want them to start playing longer and start to get a full 90 minutes in.”