SAM RICKETTS believes that increased competition for places can inspire his Wrexham side to success this season.

The Reds boss completed his eighth signing of the summer this week, with the arrival of Brighton loanee Jordan Maguire-Drew.

Ricketts is keen to instil a more expansive and attacking philosophy at the Reds and has assembled a squad that he believes can challenge for promotion.

He said: “We’ve just tried to change the dynamics a little bit this season by injecting some pace and power and bringing in some youthful energy into the side.

“I wanted some freshness and new ideas and just tried to freshen up the team.

“Everyone needs to feel that pressure and competition for places. I think that’s what pushes all players. If you think you’re going to play every week regardless of how you play then you can be a be a little bit lax.

“Now we’ve got enough players that if anyone doesn’t perform then the next player is champing at the bit to come into the team.

“I want us to score goals and cause the opposition lots of problems and our forward players can hopefully deliver that.

“The aim for everyone coming into this club is promotion. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy - there’s probably five or six clubs saying exactly the same thing - but that has to be our aim.”

A busy opening week sees the Reds head to Dover for their opener tomorrow, before home games with Fylde and Boreham Wood.

“We’re really Really looking forward to the first game” added Ricketts.

“I’ve also got in the back of my mind that the start of the season is full-on with us coming straight back here after Dover for the Tuesday night game and then Saturday again.

“So it’s a hectic start but we’ve got a good number of players to give us plenty of options and keep players fresh and to cover for injuries or suspensions.”