SHAUN PEARSON says his first conversation with new boss Sam Ricketts has allayed any fears about Wrexham’s targets for next season.

The former Wales international has been appointed manager on a three-year deal and he will oversee the Reds’ 11th campaign in non-league.

Wrexham saw their promotion push fade badly this term after Dean Keates left to take charge of Walsall in March, the Reds eventually finishing 10th following a dreadful run-in.

Captain Pearson, who won promotion to the Football League with Grimsby in 2016, is adamant he wants to be challenging for honours in his second season at The Racecourse and is delighted Ricketts is singing from the same hymn sheet.

“I have no doubt if Dean had stayed we would have got in the play-offs, that is the frustrating thing,” said Pearson. “It is frustrating that we couldn’t do it without him.

“In the conversation I had with Sam, I made in pretty clear to him and he made it pretty clear to me that I didn’t want it to be a process year where you are trying to build something for the following year.

“I am 29 now and I want to achieve a promotion. I didn’t come here to play in the Conference, I came here to get promotion and play in the Football League with Wrexham.

“As soon as I said that, he was the same as me so we are very similar thoughts, we are driven, we want to achieve and we want to achieve it this year not two or three years down the line.”

Pearson welcomed the appointment of Ricketts, who was Wolves u16 lead coach before taking up his first managerial role with Wrexham.

“I knew him because of what he has achieved in football but didn’t know him personally so I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Pearson.

“It is still early days in terms of we have not worked together properly but I obviously met him the other day.

“I am not going to lie, at the end of last season I was a bit down in the dumps and needed to get rid of that negativity and after meeting him, it was a really positive meeting and I genuinely can’t wait to get started with him.”

Wrexham, who drew 19 of their 46 league games, were one of the lowest scorers in the division with 49 goals and Pearson knows Ricketts will be eager to address this area.

“He will no doubt have looked at games and seen where we need to improve,” said Pearson. “It is pretty clear for everybody to see that we need to score more goals so he will try and address that.

“That is not just strikers scoring goals, it is our general play, having more time on the ball and having more chances to score goals.”

Wrexham kept a club record 22 league clean sheets and Pearson was recognised for his efforts with the Player of the Year award, although the defender admits it was bitter-sweet.

“Obviously you are thankful for people voting for you and you appreciate the support,” said Pearson. “It is pleasing from a personal point of view and shows you have had a good year. You don’t get voted for awards unless you have done well.

“I would rather be player of the year in a team that has been promoted or not player of the year in a team that has got promoted.

“You would sacrifice anything for overall promotion.”