SAM RICKETTS is looking to put the finishing touches to his squad with the addition of "two or three" new signings.

Former Wales international Ricketts, who has taken on his first management role with Wrexham, wants to go into the 2018-19 National League season with an 18 or 19 man squad and he currently has 16 players at his disposal.

Keen to bring in another defender and add to his attacking options, Ricketts is close to completing his squad but insists the remaining slots must be filled with quality players.

"I am just trying to add the last few pieces to the jigsaw," said Ricketts.

"I would like around two of three more, depending on what becomes available.

"Defensive cover will certainly be part of it and also some more attacking players as well.

"I am looking for the good, quality players to come in and lift the quality.

"I am really happy with everyone here, we are just at the point now where anyone who comes in now has to be very good to lift the standard of the team and the squad.

"We have got a really good foundation of the side, it is just the last little bits now."

Ricketts wants defensive cover with Doug Tharme set to leave The Racecourse.

Teenage centre-back Tharme has completed his scholarship and was offered his first professional contract by Ricketts but is set to sign for a club in the Football League.

"Doug will be coming back and is signing for the club," said Ricketts.

Wrexham return to pre-season action with a friendly against Bangor City at Nantporth this evening.

Cameron Stewart, who has been training with Wrexham, is unlikely to be involved but midfielder Blake Robinson and other trialists are set to get a run-out.

"Cameron was not in with us yesterday and we are allowing Blake to get fit with us at the minute, and there are a few other trialists who will be in and around this week," said Ricketts.

Defender Kevin Roberts missed Wednesday's clash against Louletano DC during the pre-season tour of Portugal through injury while goalkeeper Christian Dibble and captain Shaun Pearson limped out of the friendly, which ended in a 2-2 draw, and may not be risked tonight.

"Nothing too serious hopefully," said Ricketts.

"Within the next week to 10 days everyone should be back, hopefully some sooner than others.

"It is just niggles and more precautionary as much as anything.

"I think if was a cup final, I am sure everyone would have played on but I don't want to risk anyone."

Youth team players will also feature against Cymru Alliance side Bangor, who are managed by former The New Saints boss Craig Harrison.

"I want to just bring it back down a little bit minutes-wise," said Ricketts.

"We go Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday now so we will manage the minutes of everyone a little bit and make sure everyone is physically ready.

"I don't want any injuries but I want everyone physically ready and improving all the time.

"It will be a good game of football, that is the idea of going there.

"It will be a good test for us footballing-wise and another game to try and implement our ideas."

Wrexham begin an 11th season in non-league with a trip to Dover Athletic on Saturday August 4 and Ricketts is happy with the preparations.

"We have got the last couple of weeks now building up to the first game of the season," added Ricketts, who saw Wrexham win their opening two friendlies before the draw in the Algarve.

"Just trying to develop and improve everything.

"The training intensity picks up, duration picks up and game time picks up entering the last few weeks of preparation."