SAM RICKETTS won’t rush into naming his retained list as he starts making plans for next season.

The former Wales international has been appointed Reds boss on a three year contract and one of his first jobs will be to decide which players to offer new deals.

Ricketts, who was Wolves u16 lead coach before taking up his first managerial role at The Racecourse, does have eight players under contract for the 2018-19 season.

Defenders Kevin Roberts, Manny Smith, Shaun Pearson and James Jennings, and midfield quartet Sam Wedgbury, Akil Wright, Nicky Deverdics and Leo Smith, were tied down by former manager Dean Keates.

The 36-year-old Ricketts now has to decide on the futures of top scorer Chris Holroyd, goalkeeper Chris Dunn and others before announcing who he wants to keep.

“The retained list will be done as soon as possible,” said Ricketts. “I want to make sure I make more right decisions than wrong decisions.

“I have got all the information, have watched games on DVD and spoken to people.

“It is not just how they did last year, I have got to think about whether they fit in how I want to play, the budget I have got to work with and what other players are available so there is a lot to weigh up.

“But I am conscious of the fact I have got to let the players know how they stand because they have got lives and futures.

“I will speak to all the players individually as and when.”

Wrexham’s promotion challenge embarrassingly petered out this season with the Reds finishing 10th in the National League after failing to win any of their last seven games with rookie boss Andy Davies in charge.

It is inevitable that changes to the squad will be made ahead of Wrexham’s 11th campaign at this level and Ricketts has a list of targets he would like to bring to the club.

“I have got a list of players for all different positions,” said Ricketts.

“I will try to work through it and try to make it all work so ultimately the club is successful.

“I have to weigh up the finances and spend the money wisely.

“Even Manchester City have a budget they have to work to, otherwise I am sure they would go out and try to sign Lionel Messi!”

Ricketts would like to have new arrivals in place soon but he won’t make signings for the sake of it.

“It will be on-going,” said Ricketts. “Whether things happen sooner rather than later, it would be nice but players become available at different times.

“You don’t want to go and spend all your money straight away and then you see something but you have got nothing left.”

Ricketts, who has met captain Pearson since being unveiled as manager last Wednesday, has also reiterated his desire not to make changes to the backroom staff already in place at The Racecourse.

That means the likes of Davies and coach Carl Darlington are set to stay with the club.

“I have met Shaun and spoke to him to make contact,” added Ricketts. “I am really happy with the staff and I am not going to be changing anything round.”

Brickfield are back on top

BRICKFIELD RANGERS are back to the top of the Welsh National League Premier Division after Sam Molyneux netted all four goals in their 4-1 success at bottom-of-the-table Coedpoeth.

Rhys Hughes hit back for Coedpoeth who are in action tonight at home to Mold Alex.

Chirk AAA entertain Lex Glyndwr and skipper Phil Pierce will be back from suspension while Sean Dodd could return for Lex.

Penycae host Saltney Town and home boss Ian Andrews said: “It would be nice to finish with a home win before two away fixtures.”

Brymbo will seal the Division One title if they win at Mynydd Isa Spartans, who are back in action after a 4-2 win over Rhydymwyn. Mike Whales hit three with Liam Bowen also scoring.

New Brighton ended their campaign with a 5-2 win at Maesgwyn thanks to Matt Williams (2), Ben Heath (2) and Pete Morris. Dan Roberts scored both for Maesgwyn.

Tonight’s Reserves Division fixtures: FC Nomads v Hawarden Rgrs; Mold Alex v Ruthin. Reserves and Colts Division: New Brighton Villa v Brickfield Rgrs; Overton v Holywell.

Christleton Celtic head to Ellesmere Port Town A in the Chester and Wirral League Premier Division tonight.

In Division One, Cestrian Alex go to Hoole Rangers, FC Uber host Upton JFC and St Saviours entertain Elton Athletic.

In Division Two, Hoole Youth are at home to Ellesmere Port Reserves while in Group B of the League Cup, Shaftesbury go to Newton Athletic.