MIKE NEWELL has left Wrexham by mutual consent.

The 54-year-old was appointed as assistant manager to Graham Barrow on December 19 and was part of the Reds' backroom staff for nine games.

However, Barrow resigned on Tuesday and the club has appointed former Reds' midfielder Bryan Hughes as the new Racecourse manager, with Newell now departing the club.

A club statement read: "Following the departure of Graham Barrow and subsequent appointment of Bryan Hughes, Wrexham AFC can confirm that First Team Assistant Manager Mike Newell has left the club by mutual consent.

"We would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his short time at the football club and wish him all the very best for the future.

Wrexham AFC will make further announcements regarding a replacement assistant manager as soon as possible."

Newell, who played alongside Barrow when the pair were at Wigan together between between 1983 and 1986, won the Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers in 1995 and scored the fastest hat-trick by an English player in the Champions League against Rosenborg.

He also had spells with the likes of Leicester City, Everton and Blackburn, scoring 119 goals in more than 500 appearances.

After his playing career came to an end, Newell managed Hartlepool United, Luton Town, where he won promotion from League One to the Championship, and Grimsby Town, and has also spent time as a first team coach at Accrington Stanley.