MANNY SMITH jumped at the chance to rejoin Wrexham.

After seeing his contract at National League rivals  Gateshead terminated by mutual consent, The Racecourse came calling again for the Reds’ fans’ favourite.

The centre-back, released by Gary Mills in 2016 after two seasons at The Racecourse, has signed a two-year deal after he was allowed to leave the Heed because of personal reasons.

A number of clubs expressed an interest in signing Smith who was eager to move closer to his family in the Midlands, and a return to Wrexham, managed by former team-mate Dean Keates, ticked all the right boxes.

“My agent put out a few calls and four or five teams came back straight away after the gaffer agreed to cancel my contract,” said Smith.

“Wrexham was one of them and it was just finalising a deal that was best for both parties.

“As soon as I found out Wrexham were interested, knowing the gaffer here, the set-up and being here before, and knowing it is great for me travelling-wise, I think it was the best option for me and one that I was looking forward to as well.

“Dean was one of the influences, Wrexham is close for me home-wise getting up and down, I have played here before and the massive crowd.

“You can’t shy away from playing in front of so many people and it is just a good place for me.”