PAUL RUTHERFORD wants to be on the scoresheet more often next season and he believes some of his Wrexham team-mates will also demand a better goal return from themselves.

Although Wrexham challenged for promotion last term they were one of the lowest scorers in the division, the Reds only finding the back of the net 49 times in 46 National League outings.

Rutherford got two of them, the same tally in the 2016-17 campaign, although he did supply a double figure number of assists.

Proud of that statistic, Rutherford admits he should score more goals but says his fellow Reds will also feel they can do better in that department.

"I did get a lot of assists but this season I would like to have a few goals," said Rutherford, who went close with an early chance as Wrexham beat Lex XI 2-1 in Friday's opening pre-season friendly.

"I certainly feel from the shape that we have been doing, that is something that can happen.

"Already in training and against Lex, I had a decent chance.

"If we can get that system right then there will be a lot more chances for myself to get on the scoresheet.

"I want to maintain or hopefully better the level of assists that I had last season, and hopefully add a good few more goals to it.

"Other lads would want a couple more goals from themselves and I think we can definitely get more numbers between us."

Wrexham kept a club record 22 league clean sheets last season but Rutherford admits there needs to be an improvement in the number of scoring chances created, and taken, at the other end under new manager Sam Ricketts.

"There are some changes from what the manager wants from previous managers," said Rutherford.

"Like he said in the off-season, there are a lot of good things that we will probably look to try and maintain.

"But there were certain areas, especially in attack, where we want to improve and maximise the opportunities we create, and certainly be a bit more clinical in front of goal."

Wrexham operated with a 4-2-3-1 formation against Lex, Rutherford, Nicky Derverdics and Leo Smith operating as the three midfielders behind striker Chris Holroyd in the first half before Ricketts rang the changes.

It is a system welcomed by Rutherford who wants to secure one of the places on the wing.

"I am a winger my trade and fortunately for me I can play on either wing and play behind a striker if needed as well," said Rutherford.

"I think I am multi-functional so if we do go with the system that we played against Lex, I will be looking to nail down one of the wide spots.

"I think there is a lot more freedom and versatility for the lads in the three to interchange a little bit.

"I know that is not the full focus but there will be times, if we are using the three lads from Friday night - Leo, myself and Devs - will end up in different areas of the pitch and cover each other.

"Between us and whoever else plays in that system, we will find a way of making it work and I'm sure the manager won't stop until it is working how he wants."

Wrexham continue their build-up to an 11th season in non-league with a trip to Airbus on Friday.

"The lads have all come back in good shape so it is all about getting those minutes under our belt and getting match sharpness back," added Rutherford.

"More than anything, it is getting used to what the new manager wants in terms of playing, how he wants to approach games and how he wants us set-up.

"That is going to be the big focus in pre-season and every game we have before the first game of the season is going to be building towards that."