SAM RICKETTS admits his assistant manager must “tick a lot of boxes” as he takes his time over an appointment.

The former Wales international, unveiled as the new Wrexham boss on a three-year deal, is looking for a right-hand man after Andy Davies left to link up with former Reds boss Dean Keates at Walsall.

Previously lead coach with Wolves U16s, Ricketts has taken up his his first managerial position at The Racecourse and says the successful candidate has a crucial role to play as Wrexham head into an 11th season in non-league.

“A number of people will be interested but like with players, I have to make a decision that is right for me and the club,” said Ricketts. “I am very specific in what I want and do not expect an imminent appointment.

“I know what I want, I want an awful lot. He has got to tick a lot of boxes and I have to make sure it is right for us to be successful.

“I am not just going to appoint the first person.”

Ricketts said he did not plan changes to the backroom staff already in place when he was appointed manager.

Davies, who finished last season in the Wrexham hotseat, has ended a 25-year association with his hometown club to become Keates’ assistant at Walsall and Ricketts says he could not stand in his way.

“Andy has been at Wrexham for 25 years and has been fantastic for the club, he knows it inside out,” said Ricketts.

“He said to me he had the opportunity to go to Walsall with Dean in League One and felt it was a now or never moment for him.

“He has earned the right to do that and test himself at the next level.

“I am disappointed for him to go but won’t stand in his way and wish him all the best.”

But Ricketts has welcomed first team coach Carl Darlington’s decision to extend his contract until the summer of 2020.

“I am delighted Carl has signed,” said Ricketts. “He was in demand from other clubs but he wants to stay and be part of trying to make Wrexham successful.”

Ricketts announced his retained list on Monday and seven players - Chris Dunn, Marcus Kelly, Scott Boden, Jonathan Franks, Jack Mackreth, Olly Marx and David Raven - have been released.

“It is never nice that situation,” said Ricketts. “Telling good players who have done well for the club that you are not going to offer them anything.

“I have to do what is best for Wrexham Football Club and I have not done it quickly. There has been a lot of deliberation so hopefully we have come to a good conclusion.”

Four players have been offered - and accepted - new contracts to stay at Wrexham next season.

Top scorer Chris Holroyd, Paul Rutherford, Mark Carrington and Christian Dibble have been retained by Ricketts who said it was important to get decisions on whether they were committing their futures as soon as possible.

“I am trying to build for next season and be very deliberate in all my actions,” said Ricketts.

“I have got things moving and it is good that the four have agreed to stay. Three have signed and the other will sign later this week.”

Seven players - Nicky Deverdics, James Jennings, Shaun Pearson, Kevin Roberts, Leo Smith, Manny Smith and Akil Wright - are under contract for next season.

Sam Wedgbury is a surprise departure after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent due to personal reasons, and Ricketts’ search for signings is on-going.

“I have just come in but it has been a bit difficult with players and agents going away on holiday and thinking about offers,” added Ricketts. “I want to make sure I am getting the best value for money and account for all the players available. Some teams are still playing and some haven’t done their retained list yet.”