CHRIS HOLROYD admits he is excited by Dean Keates’ vision for the future and jumped at the chance to join Wrexham.

The 30-year-old striker turned down the offer of a new contract at Macclesfield Town in favour of signing for the Reds on a one-year deal.

Wrexham are preparing for a 10th season in non-league and Holroyd was impressed by Keates who he says was a major reason why he switched to The Racecourse.

“Always when you look at joining a football club, that is who you are going to be working for so the manager is a massive factor,” said Holroyd, pictured below with Keates. “Obviously other things come into the equation but every decision I have made to join a football club has been off the back of meeting managers and getting a general feel and speaking to people about it.

“Everyone I spoke to has been really positive about the club, the manager and the staff, so I am really looking forward to start working with everyone.”

Keates took over as boss in October and guided Wrexham away from the relegation zone, eventually finishing 13th in the National League.

This is Keates’ first managerial position and Holroyd is looking forward to working with the former midfielder.

“When you join a club where the manager is quite new into management, it is nice to hear their ideas and the way they are going to go about things,” said Holroyd. “I was really impressed with what the manager’s ideas were and the way he would run the football club and run training.

“I have played against the gaffer a couple of times, I know what he was about as a player and if he takes that into his management, he will be a success.”

Wrexham have failed to reach the play-offs in each of the last four seasons and while the competition for promotion will be as fierce as ever next term, Holroyd is looking to mount a challenge with Wrexham.

“It is a really tough league to get out of and you have seen big clubs struggle to get out of it,” said Holroyd. “Hopefully it is only a matter of time before everything knits together and the time is now.

“Speaking with the manager and his plans and organisation, it all bodes well.”

Holroyd, who helped Macclesfield complete the double over Wrexham last season, winning both games 3-0,  is looking forward to playing at The Racecourse in a Red shirt.

“Every time I have played at this stadium I have really enjoyed it,” said Holroyd. “It has a really good atmosphere and when the team is playing well, the fans are fantastic.

“Having that behind you is a massive help in this league.”

Holroyd played for Chester City, Cambridge, Brighton, Rotherham, Preston and Morecambe before joining Macclesfield, where he’d already had a loan spell, in the summer of 2013.

Having made more than 150 league appearances during the last four seasons, Holroyd has fond memories of his stint at Moss Rose but says it is time for a fresh challenge.

“Macclesfield were keen to keep me,” said Holroyd. “I have been there since the manager John Askey arrived and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

“It was a tough decision to make but speaking with the manager here quite a few weeks back, his intentions for the season and the squad he is looking to put together, it was a really attractive proposition and one I’m delighted that I have been able to sort.

“It is  time for a new challenge in my career and one I am really looking forward to.”

Holroyd’s last game for Macclesfield was on Sunday but the Silkmen were beaten 3-2 by York City – managed by former Wrexham boss Gary Mills – in the FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium.

“The season has finished just a couple of days ago for me and it  was disappointing to lose,” added Holroyd. “I would loved to have ended on a high, I had some really good times at Macclesfield and I hold it close to my heart.”

Left-back James Jennings also secured a permanent return to The Racecourse yesterday as he penned a two-year deal.