CHRISTIAN DIBBLE can handle the step up and has been tipped to be a success at Wrexham.

The 23-year-old is son of former Wales international Andy Dibble who was a big fans’ favourite at The Racecourse between 2002 and 2005, with the stopper helping the Reds win promotion under Denis Smith and lift the LDV Vans Trophy.

Christian, who started his career with Bury and Barnsley before going on to have spells with Chelmsford, Boston, Nuneaton and Chorley, has been brought in to compete with Chris Dunn to be Wrexham’s first choice goalkeeper next season.

Andy says Christian is determined to make the most of his move to The Racecourse and try to force his way into the side.

“I said to Christian he has got to go for it after he spoke with Dean Keates,” said Dibble. 

“This is the next progression for him and I think he can do well for Wrexham.

“He has played in around the Conference, I think he played 27 games on the trot for Nuneaton last season but he made a mistake in a cup game against York and was made a scapegoat.

“It happens and it will probably help him. Out of adversity you get stronger.

“He has got all the attributes. I am not just saying it because he is my son, he just needs someone to believe in him.

“He has just got to try and get in the Wrexham team and hopefully it happens.”

Andy was goalkeeper coach at Peterborough when former Wrexham captain Darren Ferguson was manager and Keates was helping the Posh climb the divisions.

Describing Keates as a model pro, Andy believes the Reds’ boss can also have a successful management career.

“I can’t speak too highly of Dean,” said Dibble. “He was a fantastic footballer, a fantastic trainer, a fantastic person and a dedicated pro.

“If he takes all those attributes to his management career I am sure he will go a long way.

“He is full of ideas and is very committed to Wrexham.”

Keates is revamping the squad ahead of Wrexham’s 10th campaign in non-league and Christian is one of eight new signings this summer, with James Hurst, James Jennings, Shaun Pearson, Manny Smith, Sam Wedgbury, Jack Mackreth and Chris Holroyd also arriving at The Racecourse.

After making the step up to join Wrexham in the National League having spent last season in the division below, Christian is relishing battling it out with Dunn to become first choice goalkeeper.

“You have always got to push someone, I don’t want to just come and sit on the bench,” said Dibble. 

“I will push as hard as I can to play. I don’t think any player signs just to sit on the bench, I will work hard in training to try and get where I want to be.”

Christian is hoping to help Wrexham end their Football League exile and challenge for promotion under Keates.

I am delighted to sign,” said Christian. “My dad loved his time at Wrexham and he loved the club so he is delighted.

“He said they are one of the biggest clubs in the Conference and can have a good go at promotion next season, and I say the same.

“From what I have seen of the signings, you look and think why shouldn’t we be pushing for the play-offs at least. That has got to be the aim.”

Andy, who counts Manchester City and Luton Town among his former clubs, helped Wrexham win promotion from Division Three in 2002-3 while injury ruled him out of the LDV Vans Trophy final success over Southend at The Millennium Stadium two years later.

The 52-year-old is eager to see Wrexham reclaim their place in the league.

“Wrexham are special in my heart and I hope they get back in the Football League where they deserve to be,” added Andy.