FORMER Wrexham boss Kevin Wilkin is rooting for the Reds to gain promotion this season.

Wilkin spent 12 months in The Racecourse hot-seat, leading The Reds to Wembley in the FA Trophy final and a money-spinning FA Cup third round tie at Stoke City.

Now boss at National League North side Brackley Town where he signed a new two and half year contact this week, Wilkin said: "You need clubs like Wrexham playing in the Football League.

"They've got a great chance. They're top of the league, have a good side and fans who are desperate to see them promoted."

Since giving Wilkin the boot in 2015, the Wrexham board have struggled to find someone to stay long-term in the Racecourse hotseat.

Dean Keates, Sam Ricketts and Graham Barrow have all had a go before Bryan Hughes stepped in last month.

"I know it's been a bit of managerial merry-go-round there and that they had a bit of a wobble after Christmas but they've got every chance of winning the league. And I hope they do," added Wilkin.

Wilkin, who was axed by the Reds board just hours after losing the 2015 FA Trophy final in a penalty shoot-out defeat to North Ferriby, still has fond memories of the club.

"As a manager, I love bringing in players you think will do well and seeing them develop," added Wilkin.

"Louis Moult for one. I took him to Nuneaton and then to Wrexham and they made good money when he was sold to Motherwell.

"We still keep in touch and it's been great to see him progress."

Wilkin also brought in dependable defender Manny Smith but he reckons one of his best signings was coach Carl Darlington.

"I brought Carl into the club because I knew what a good coach he was having been on the B licence courses," added Wilkin. "He is a local guy and a Wrexham fan too.

"He came in a couple of days a week and I liked the way he worked. I'm glad he's still there and playing a part in their success."