IT'S make or break time and Adriano Moke says a strong mentality is required to ensure former Wrexham don't suffer the same fate as York City.

The Reds reached the play-offs last season but have struggled this term and the club parted company with manager Bryan Hughes in September, with Dean Keates returning for a second spell in The Racecourse hotseat.

Keates managed to steer Wrexham to National League safety when he first took the reigns during the 2016-17 campaign, but York were not so lucky.

Managed by ex-Reds boss Gary Mills, the Minstermen, who had been tipped to challenge for promotion back to the Football League, were relegated to the National League North for the first time in their history.

Moke, currently helping York challenge for a return to the fifth tier, can't believe Wrexham, who he played for during the 2015-16 season, are battling to avoid the drop and the 30-year-old hopes that a club so close to his heart secures safety.

"I still follow Wrexham and always look out for their results," said Moke.

"Everyone who knows me knows how gutted I was that I didn't get offered a new contract.

"But I loved my time there and it was such a shame I could not carry on there.

"The fans were amazing and made me feel so welcome.

"Wrexham is a massive club and it is a big surprise to see them down there after getting to the play-offs last year.

"I would be really gutted if they went down so hopefully Dean Keates can turn it around and they stay up."

Wrexham drew 0-0 against fellow strugglers Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday and are currently 19th in the table, five points above the relegation zone with 13 games to go.

Moke says the Reds' players cannot hide during a crucial final three months and need to meet the challenge of staying up head-on.

"York proved no club is too big to go down," said Moke.

"It is a really tough league and you have got to be mentally strong to stay in there.

"Wrexham need that mentality that they are not going down: 'we are a big club and we are going to stay up, and go again next year'."

Moke also sounded out a warning to players who will be contemplating sixth tier football if Wrexham fail to pull clear of trouble and finish in the bottom four.

"I am not being arrogant but you get used to playing for big clubs," said Moke.

"Me and Dominic Vose did well at Wrexham but nothing is guaranteed, you don't always get another opportunity.

"But I have enjoyed it at York and we are having a good season in National League North.

"It just makes you appreciate that you have played for big clubs like Wrexham and York; you have got to be a good player for them to sign you."

Moke would love to see York, in contention for the title, win promotion and Wrexham to guarantee a 13th season of National League football so the teams meet in 2020-21.

"Mark Carrington is still there and I know James Jennings from when we were at Cambridge, he is a really good player," added Moke.

"I hope they stay up and we get promoted, and it's York against Wrexham next season, two big clubs going for it.

"I would love to see that."