Graham Barrow admits his spell at Wrexham AFC became less enjoyable as manager

The 64-year-old was only appointed Reds boss on December 18, penning a two-and-a-half year contract, following a spell in temporary charge after Sam Ricketts left to take over as manager of League One side Shrewsbury Town earlier in the month.

Originally brought in as Ricketts' assistant last summer, Barrow initially ruled himself out of the running to become permanent manager before having a change of heart.

But Barrow, whose last job as full-time manager was at Bury in 2005, admits he didn't enjoy being back in the hotseat which has now been filled by Bryan Hughes.

When asked about how long he has been considering resigning, Barrow said: "I think it has been a few weeks.

"I don't want to sound selfish but I am doing it for the sake of the club.

"I just hope they can kick on. I have had messages off the players and I have encouraged them all to get behind the new manager and complete the job, which is the most important thing.

"The most important thing out of this in my mind has been the club first - I am just thinking about the bigger picture.

"You leave with a bit of pride because Wrexham are only four points off the top and it is a strong position to be in."

Barrow loved his time at The Racecourse but admits is became less enjoyable when he became manager.

"I really want to thank everybody for the opportunity," said Barrow.

"I said at the time I never thought about being a manager again for the last 10 years or so.

"I was really enjoying the training ground and the dressing room with the players, and helping young managers as much as anything.

"I did it with Gary Caldwell, Uwe Rosler and obviously Sam, but being a manager is a totally different job.

"The responsibilities are huge. I am not frightened of responsibility but as time went on, it is a while since I did it.

"Everybody was great at the club, I have no complaints. I had the backing of the board and I felt I had the backing of the supporters.

"But I just feel if you are not happy in what you are doing or not really content, something is going to suffer somewhere."

When asked why he decided to return to management, just after signing a new two-and-a-half year contract to stay on as assistant, Barrow added: "In the end I felt obliged to do it.

"I don't think there is any secret that Dennis Lawrence was linked with it which would have been perfect for me because we worked together before.

"That working relationship is vital for me. I am not saying you can be picky or choosy, sometimes you have got to get on with it.

"Twenty years ago you would work harder at it but when you are 64, it was a big decision to come to Wrexham in the first place.

"I turned a couple of jobs down to come to Wrexham because of the passion of the place but also for job satisfaction which is what I got at first.

"When the opportunity came up to take the job, a few results went right and everybody seemed to be happy.

"But when I became manager my role changed and I didn't think that was for the better for the dressing room really.

"I had a really strong relationship with the players. When you are assistant you can be close but keep a distance, but all that changes as manager.

"It almost took the enjoyment out of the job for me."

Barrow felt he had a superb partnership with Ricketts, with the duo helping Wrexham emerge as promotion contenders following a superb start to the season.

"The working relationship with the manager and the board has to be right but they key one is assistant manager and manager," said Barrow.

"Sam sort of give me a free hand as had Gary Caldwell and people like that.

"It was a really good thing we had going and speaking to Shaun Pearson, he thought it was as good as he had ever worked with.

"Even though we had a few good results when I was manager, I just thought it lost a little bit of something.

"I have been in the game too long now and I wouldn't say put up with things but it is more job satisfaction you are looking for at my time of life and that is no disrespect to the club because I think the club has been fantastic with me."

Barrow ended by reminiscing about Wrexham's 5-1 thrashing of title rivals Salford City in front of nearly 8,300 fans at The Racecourse on Boxing Day.

"There were some highlights and that was something special, especially with such a big crowd!" added Barrow.

Meanwhile, Mike Newell, who was appointed as assistant manager to Barrow on December 19, has left Wrexham by mutual consent.