Wrexham AFC fans have reacted following the appointment of Graham Barrow as the club’s new manager.

It’s fair to say, the response from Reds fans has been mixed, as the 64-year-old - who had been in temporary charge of the club since Sam Ricketts’ appointment as Shrewsbury Town boss on December 3 - was unveiled at a press conference at the Racecourse Ground on a damp and drizzly on Tuesday afternoon.

Vastly experienced, Barrow has managed and coached from the Premier League to National League level since calling time on his playing career, including stints as boss of Chester, Wigan, Rochdale and Bury.

Having been named as assistant manager to Ricketts in July, Barrow recently signed a new contract keeping him at The Racecourse until the end of the 2020-2021 season and has now penned a two-and-a-half-year contract as manager, again tying him to the club until the summer of 2021.

A club statement read: “We are delighted that Graham has accepted the offer to lead Wrexham AFC at an extremely exciting time in the development of the club.

“Graham has impressed everyone since joining us in the summer and, along with the current backroom staff, has been a massive part of a great start to the season.

“He was the outstanding candidate to build on that work and hits the ground running after several impressive displays by the team under his guidance.”

On fans’ online forum Red Passion, news of Barrow’s appointment was met with mixed reaction.

Ugolini said: “Nothing flash about Graham but he knows the ropes. Good luck Graham.”

NottsRed said: “Could have been done much sooner but I’m happy with how we’re playing with Barrow in charge. Big games coming up and a massive transfer window to come but at least there isn’t going to be that transition period. The squad will know what to expect Saturday.”

Bowler said: “Fans on here called Ricketts a disaster, which turned out true but not in the way fans thought! Give the man [Barrow] a chance. And I don’t agree with people saying he’s an old man. He’s not a pensioner; probably got another five years before he’s classed in that department. Roy Hodgson is 70 and in the Premiership, Neil Warnock is 69, what’s with this ageism thing, don’t get it.”

But The Sleeping Giant Dies added: “Very disappointed in this cheap option again, if the board don’t buy in January, they may as well stick two fingers up to our fans. There’s a lot of work getting done at the stadium, so I want to see money spent on strengthening the team, we’ve been crying out for two decent strikers for the last four seasons.”

And OrigialRhylRed added: “Underwhelmed, was he pushed into the job because we couldn’t get anybody else? It was only a couple of weeks ago he was insisting he didn’t want the job. We just need to back him now.”

As the new man at the helm, Barrow was quick to point out how proud he was to be given the job and that a new assistant manager would be appointed in the next few days.

He said: “First of all, I’m so proud to be appointed. It’s much better to take over a club in this situation, I felt I played a part in getting them in this situation which is great to carry on that work.”

Spencer Harris, the club’s chairman said: “Graham has worked at every level of football and for where we find ourselves today, he was the outstanding candidate and we are delighted to appoint him.”