JACK MACKRETH believes the size of The Racecourse pitch will suit him down to the ground this season.

Winger Mackreth, brought in earlier this summer from Bury, played a key role last season as he helped previous club Macclesfield Town complete the double over Wrexham, winning both games 3-0.

Having terrorised the Reds’ defence in December’s win at The Racecourse, Mackreth says the vast playing surface is perfect for his game and hopes for similar success in a Wrexham shirt.

“Everytime I have come and played against Wrexham I have enjoyed it,” said Mackreth.

“It is a massive pitch which obviously suits me because you get so much space so hopefully I can do the same for Wrexham this year.

“I remember the game last season at The Racecourse, I got a lot of joy that day so hopefully I can repeat that this year in Wrexham colours.”

Mackreth signed for League One side Bury in January for an undisclosed fee following a string of impressive performances for Macclesfield.

But after making just three appearances for the Shakers, Mackreth returned to Macclesfield on loan.

Mackreth, who has also played for Barrow, Macclesfield Town, Grimsby Town and Tranmere Rovers, had no qualms about dropping back down to the National League after Wrexham boss Dean Keates showed an interest in him.

“I’d worked hard to get back into the Football League and it didn’t quite work out for me at Bury,” said Mackreth.

“I was only there six weeks and a new manager came in. He did say that I was welcome to stay at the club, I was a good lad to have in and around the place.

“But when Wrexham came in, it is a club I have always seen in a high place so I jumped at the opportunity.

“I think Wrexham have got to be up there as one of the favourites this year pushing for at least the play-offs and I think we will do with the squad the gaffer has brought in.”

Keates is revamping the squad after Wrexham finished 13th last season and Mackreth is one of nine new signings, with more to come.

Although only five players remain from last season, Mackreth did not need too many introductions when the Reds returned for pre-season on Friday with some familiar faces among the new signings.

“The gaffer has brought in a few players and whoever he signs, I seem to have played with at some point!” said Holroyd.

“It has been nice for me knowing people who have come in and everybody has been gelling really well.

“The lads who have been brought in will fit in really well.

“Everyone sort of knows each other so it is almost as if we have come in and it is not even a fresh new squad, it has been good.”

The Wrexham players are building fitness levels at the new Nine Acre training site but will today go white water rafting as part of a team bonding exercise.

“It has been okay,” said Mackreth. “We were in for a bit testing on Friday and it was hard work but Monday was good, we had the balls out straight away.

“It hasn’t been too bad so far. We have got a team bonding exercise today which should be a bit of fun.

“It is a chance to get a bit of bonding between the lads, but I am enjoying it.”

Wrexham’s opening pre-season friendly is against Lex at Stansty Park on Monday, with the new National League campaign kicking off on August 5.

“The first match is next Monday so we are looking forward to that,” added Mackreth, “You have just got to get your head down and work towards that.

“We have got a break away in Portugal as well which is something to look forward to but pre-season is something that has always got to be done as a player.

“I think everyone keeps themselves fit during the off-season anyway so it hasn’t been too bad.”