CHRIS HOLROYD won't dwell on the past and the striker stressed the importance of the feelgood factor returning to Wrexham ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

The promotion challenge faltered badly in the run-in and the Reds eventually finished 10th in the National League.

Despite not making the play-offs, 13-goal top scorer Holroyd jumped at the chance to sign a new contract at The Racecourse and he will be in the ranks when Wrexham, under new manager Sam Ricketts, kick-off an 11th season at this level.

Holroyd says positivity around The Racecourse is key when Wrexham return for pre-season.

"I am really delighted to sign a new contract," said Holroyd, who has penned a 12-month deal. "I really enjoyed my first season at Wrexham, loved every minute of it.

"The infrastructure is great, good set of lads and the fans are brilliant, so when the opportunity came to sign on again it was an easy decision for me.

"Obviously disappointed not making the play-offs, I think it hit everyone hard but we have got to try and put a positive spin; get the feelgood factor back around the club going into next season.

"Everyone will probably agree that progress has been made, probably not as rapidly as everyone would have wanted.

"It was a really poor run of form at the end of the season and it left a bad taste in everyone's mouths, all the squad included, but everyone will agree we have taken steps forward as a team."

Wrexham only scored 49 goals in 46 league games and Holroyd admits a lack of chances created for the frontmen was an area for concern that needs addressing.

"It has been highlighted that scoring goals was an issue," said Holroyd.

"For me personally, there were times when we were starved of service as a strikers and the creation of chances hasn't been there.

"But we take responsibility for that as a whole team and it is not pointing fingers at anyone, we know it is something that needs to be addressed and improved on."

Holroyd joined Wrexham last summer from Macclesfield but he dislocated his shoulder on the opening day of the season against his former club, keeping him out of action for five weeks, and he also missed the final four games with a toe injury.

But the 31-year-old, who made 34 league appearances, will be fully fit for pre-season.

"It was disappointing that I missed crucial stages of the season," said Holroyd. "I missed a big chunk of games at the start and ended up missing a few games, important games, towards the end.

"I have been in for treatment to get my toe right so I am ready to go in pre-season and try to impress. It is a bit later than what I would have wanted but I am all sorted now."

Ricketts announced his retained list this week and Paul Rutherford, Mark Carrrington and Christian Dibble have also agreed new deals.

Seven players - Chris Dunn, Marcus Kelly, Scott Boden, Jonathan Franks, Jack Mackreth, Olly Marx and David Raven - have been released by the Reds boss, who has cancelled Sam Wedgbury’s contract by mutual consent because of personal reasons.

Captain Shaun Pearson is among seven players already under contract and Holroyd does not believe wholesale changes were needed to the squad.

"We have made improvements this season so it was important to keep the group together," said Holroyd.

"It is natural at any football club that people will leave but it opens up opportunities for new players to come in and hopefully improve us again.

"You look to improve season on season and we look forward to next season."

Holroyd is relishing working with former Wales international Ricketts and is pleased first team coach Carl Darlington is staying at the club.

"I met Sam the day he got unveiled and I am looking forward to working with him," added Holroyd.

"Carl staying is a massive plus as well for the club, I really enjoyed working with him this year and his coaching input has been very valuable to the team."