RELEGATION is the last thing on Jay Harris’ mind and the midfielder is determined to achieve the promotion he wanted when he first arrived at Wrexham 10 years ago.

The 32-year-old was at The Racecourse in 2010 and made nearly 200 league appearances in midfielder alongside current Reds manager Dean Keates before signing for Tranmere Rovers in 2015, and has re-signed for Wrexham after leaving Macclesfield.

Harris, an FA Trophy winner with Wrexham in 2013, made his debut as a second half substitute in Saturday’s goalless draw against fellow strugglers Dagenham which leaves the 19th placed Reds five points above the drop zone.

And after penning an 18 month contract at The Racecourse, staying up is all that matters to Harris before setting more meaningful targets.

“I worked alongside Dean in a partnership for five years, a good friendship, and we have kept in touch ever since,” said Harris.

“Dean asked me to come in and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work with him and a club close to my heart.

“I have so many happy memories here and have so much love for the club from previous years.

“When I was here we were ever so close to promotion but never quite did it.

“But now we find ourselves in a situation where we need to get out of it just to remain in the Conference.

“If we can just steady the ship, we can look to do what I always intended when I was here.”

Harris, who won back-to-back promotions with Tranmere after leaving The Racecourse, believes there is enough quality in the squad to ensure Wrexham, beaten in the play-offs last season by Eastleigh, start climbing away from trouble.

“They are a great set of lads,” said Harris.

“Lads I know - James Jennings, Luke Summerfield, Luke Young, Mark Carrington, the gaffer, and all the staff behind the scenes - they are a good bunch.

“What is missing I don’t know because the quality and the work-rate is there.

“The time I was here we were ever so close, last year Wrexham got to the play-offs and I look at the table and you see Wrexham and Eastleigh - what has gone wrong because they were top end last year and now they are towards the bottom.

“But I have not come here to stay at the bottom of the table.”

Although hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, Wrexham have 39 points and are on course for survival to secure a 13th season in non-league.

Although the Reds are 11 points away from the play-offs with 13 games to go, Harris refuses to rule out the possibility of his new club forcing their way into the top-seven.

“If you put a run together you never know,” said Harris.

“Kidderminster did it one year when they were rock bottom of the league and ended up second.

“It can be done with the ability of the squad.”

The return of Harris has been welcomed by supporters and it is something that he is grateful for.

“I had a good reception when I came on,” added Harris.

“The fans have always been there for me, they are always in my heart, and I have got plenty of time for every single one of them.

“I appreciate all the appreciation from previous years and I am glad I am back here now.”

Keates has also signed defender Jordon Thompson from Coventry on a one-month loan deal. But midfielder Bobby Grant, top scorer with eight goals, and goalkeeper Dawid Szczepaniak have joined Accrington and Cefn Druids respectively on loan until the end of the season. Midfielder Adam Barton has also left club.