KIERAN KENNEDY jumped at the chance to rejoin Wrexham despite the Reds' decline since he left the club.

The 26-year-old centre-back, who arrived at The Racecourse in January after leaving Shrewsbury Town, helped Wrexham reach the play-offs last season but Bryan Hughes' side were beaten 1-0 by Eastleigh in the eliminator tie.

After rejecting the offer of a new contract, Kennedy signed for Port Vale in the summer but has found opportunities limited at the League Two club and has joined Wrexham on an initial month-long loan deal.

The Reds are embroiled in a relegation battle but Kennedy is convinced Dean Keates, who replaced Hughes as manager at the start of October, can turn things around.

"Obviously I have been at Wrexham before and really enjoyed it," said Kennedy.

"I know the fans well and I know a lot of the players so as soon as it came about, I didn't have to think twice.

"Since I left the club, I still follow their results because I have got a lot of friends here and I am delighted to be back.

"100 per cent we can get out of it. A lot of the players I was with last season are still here.

"They have managed to keep the spine of the team which is always good.

"Wrexham shouldn't be where they are in the league and that will be put right.

"The gaffer has come in recently and he will definitely put it right."

Kennedy admits the club's loyal supporters deserve better than the Reds' lowly position

"They come out in their numbers every week, Wrexham have probably got the best fan-base in the division," said Kennedy.

"The fans deserve a lot more, the players know that and obviously the staff know that.

"Everyone is working hard every day to put it right."

It is a far cry from last season's promotion challenge when Wrexham were top of the table at the start of March, eventually finishing fourth in the table.

Eastleigh's win in the play-offs condemned Wrexham to a 12th season in non-league and Kennedy is still smarting that his goal was ruled out for a foul by Shaun Pearson.

"It ruined my summer and I am still fuming about my goal that should never have been disallowed," said Kennedy.

The lure of league football persuaded Kennedy to choose Vale over Wrexham but he has only made four appearances for the club.

"It has been a difficult season so far," said Kennedy, who made 13 appearances for Wrexham last season, scoring two goals..

"I had a little niggle in pre-season which killed me a bit but I have not really kicked on this season.

"Hopefully I can come back here, get some games and help get the club back to where they should be in the league."

Kennedy made his second Wrexham debut in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Yeovil, coming on at right-back after fellow new signing Tyler Reid limped off injured.

But it's a role that is not unfamiliar to Kennedy.

"Wherever the gaffer wants me to play, I am happy to come in and fill in that role," said Kennedy.

"As long as I am on the pitch, I am happy. Every player will say the same.

"I have played right-back a few times and I have played there for Vale this year.

"My only start for Vale was actually at right-back.

"Obviously I am a lot more comfortable at centre-back but Jake Lawlor was next to me and he talked me through the game which helped."

Kennedy was disappointed not to mark his return with a win as Wrexham twice came from behind to level before taking the lead, but Rhys Murphy completed his hat-trick to ensure Yeovil left with a point.

"He was a good player," said Kennedy.

"We were all disappointed with how we were defensively, we should have dealt with it a lot better when they attacked."