REDS fans have reacted with mixed emotions to the departure of manager Dean Keates.

Club legend Keates, who had been in charge at the Racecourse for 18 months, could not resist the chance to take over his boyhood team Walsall on Friday, but it has left the Dragons in limbo.

Assistant manager Andy Davies and coach Carl Darlington are temporarily steering the ship with the Dragons in the play-off places with just eight games to go and promotion in their sights.

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In the last few days fans have contacted the Leader to express their views on Keates' departure, and to have their say on who should replace him, with many tipping Carl Darlington as the ideal candidate to complete the job.

Craig Herling, 23, from Borras, said: "I'd ideally like to see Carl Darlington take the job until the end of the season.

"He's been there since the start of the season with Keates and obviously has a lot of respect in the game.

"The only downside is he has a job at the FAW (Football Association of Wales) but I think with the squad Wrexham have now could get in the play-offs and the promotion that the club wants."

On the Leader's Facebook page, Brian Roberts said it was time for the club to move on.

"The football hasn't been the the most entertaining under Keates, hence the number of draws, we now need to move on with a leader who isn't afraid to lose", he said.

David Goodwin said: "Thought his heart was at Wrexham, obviously not, money talks again."

Jim Hamilton added: "Good move for him as there’s no saying Wrexham would go up even via the play-offs .

"He’s left them in a better position than when he started so they can’t complain."

Trefor Evans simply said: "Give Darlo the job!"

On the fans online message board Red Passion, many are also tipping Darlington for the role at least until the end of the season.

Another name in the frame is ex-Wales international and former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy, with fans hoping his links with Darlington could attract him to the Racecourse.

Redinsaudi said: "If Bellamy so much as shows an interest in us we MUST snap him up. The players that he’d attract would be awesome alone."

Redted added: "Bellamy would be great. A bit of passion wouldn't go amiss."

Other names mentioned by fans as possible successors to Keates range from former Airbus, TNS and Hartlepool manager Craig Harrison, to former Wrexham AFC trainee Adam Owen, most recently coach of Lechia Gdansk in Poland.