SAM RICKETTS has described captain Shaun Pearson as a "great captain" who leads by example on and off the pitch.

Pearson scooped the Player of the Year award last season and the centre-back has helped Wrexham emerge as one of the early frontrunners this term, the centre-back scoring his first goal in Saturday's 1-0 win at Braintree as the Reds kept a seventh clean sheet in 10 games.

His work in the community and the way he represents the club has not gone unnoticed, with Ricketts heaping praise on fans' favourite Pearson.

"Shaun is a great captain for the club and he has been ever since he has been here," said Ricketts ahead of today's clash with Ebbsfleet at The Racecourse.

"Not just on the field but off the field as well. Everything he does within the team and for the community.

"Shaun is someone I looked into before I took the job so I understood him as a person.

"I made sure I met him in the summer and he hasn't disappointed me with his leadership skills on and off the pitch.

"It was pleasing for him and the team that he can pop up with a goal. It has taken him 10 games to score a goal but when he has, it has really counted."