SAM RICKETTS is yet to make any new signings but the Wrexham manager is going without a summer holiday to give him the best chance of landing the players he wants.

The former Wales international has taken up his first management position at The Racecourse and he inherited seven players who are under contract for the 2018-19 campaign, while another four have penned new deals.

The emphasis is on quality rather than quantity when it comes to building his squad and Ricketts has vowed to put in the hours to try and make Wrexham successful.

"I wish I could do everything in the next couple of days because it means I could have a week off maybe!" said Ricketts.

"As it goes there is no summer holiday this year, I am working every day.

"That is what it takes to be successful; you need to leave no stone unturned because if you don't and you are not successful, you will always have your regrets.

"My theory is you cover everything and then you have given yourself the best chance."

Ricketts has been in talks with potential targets but insists he will not make signings for the sake of it.

"I am talking to a different people but like I have always said, the signings have got to be right," said Ricketts.

"They have got to be the right quality so I am being really picky and fussy.

"But I am talking to a few people and trying to see does it suit us, does it suit them, and trying to piece it all together."

Ricketts is disappointed to lose key midfielder Sam Wedgbury.

Wedgbury was finding the commute from Sheffield for training too much of a burden and his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

"Did I want to lose Sam? No, of course not," said Ricketts. "He didn't want to go but he had some personal reasons why he needed to cancel his contract.

"I met up with him and tried to persuade him, tried to see if there was anything the club could do.

"Sam loved his time here, the club has been great for him and he has been great for the club, but I couldn't stand in his way.

"It wasn't a footballing decision on either side, it was a human element and I had to give in to his wishes as such.

"I couldn't keep him against his will because that is not fair on him, and I don't think we would have got the best out of him as a player, so I wish him well."

Ricketts wants to fill the void left by Wedgbury.

"It leaves a gap that we need to fill," said Ricketts. "Sam was a very good player for the side so it will take some filling.

"I am confident of being able to do that but it is just making sure we get the right people in."

Andy Davies opted against being part of Ricketts' backroom staff and has linked up with former Reds' boss Dean Keates at Walsall where he will again be assistant manager.

Ricketts won't rush into naming his right-hand man,

"It is exactly the same as my players," added Ricketts.

"My assistant will go down the same lines of ticking as many boxes as I can so I am really specific on my assistant, just as I am with the players."