SAM RICKETTS says fans have got a huge part to play as he begins his journey for success at Wrexham.

The former Wales international, appointed Wrexham's new manager on a three year contract, will be at the helm when the Reds kick-off an 11th season in non-league.

It is his first managerial position - Ricketts was Wolves u16 lead coach before his arrival at The Racecourse - and he becomes the latest man tasked with trying to end Wrexham's Football League exile dating back to 2008.

Ricketts has already been impressed by the devotion shown by supporters, with Wrexham a fan-owned club. and he says backing his players on the pitch will be as crucial as ever come August's kick-off.

"The fans are everything at every single club and the fans own this club," said Ricketts. "We are nothing without the fans; they support the club and they work at the club.

"On the pitch we need the fans to drive us to be successful. When things are going great it is brilliant, everyone is happy.

"You can't be perfect every game, it is those moments where when the fans get behind you and drive the team on, it might just make a difference from a loss to a draw, a draw to a win.

"In every aspect of this club, fans are vitally important."

Ricketts was a vastly experienced defender who played for the likes of Oxford United, Swansea City, Hull City, Bolton Wanderers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City, as well as winning 52 caps for his country, before hanging up his boots in November 2016 because of a knee injury.

Swansea, like Wrexham, are a fan-owned club that has climbed through the divisions and he sees the south Walians as the perfect example of what can be achieved with the right structures in place.

"I have been around Swansea, I know their model, their structure that went from League Two to the Premier League," said Ricketts.

"Now that is many years away here but they had an idea of structure which they put in place that has carried the club through.

"Everyone wants instant success but we always need to implement processes and structures behind the scenes that maintains the success of this club for many years to come."

Ricketts welcomed the stability of Wrexham behind the scenes and he says this can run off on what happens on the pitch.

"It is a great club and 11 years at this level through numerous different things in the past, there has been huge upheaval both on and off the pitch," said Ricketts.

"The people at the club have stabilised the club off the pitch which is hugely important if you are going to be successful on it.

"Then with that it is just trying to add structures in place for immediate and also sustained long term success."

Supporters will get a chance to meet Ricketts at The Racecourse tonight.

A 'Meet the Manager' questions and answers event is being held at the Centenary Club, with doors opening at 7pm. Wrexham Supporters Trust membership is not required