DEAN KEATES' first team budget has been reduced by nearly £300,000 for the 2020-21 season.

Predecessor Bryan Hughes had a £1,256,900 playing budget last term, but Wrexham battled against relegation and eventually finished 20th - just one point above the drop zone - after clubs voted to end the season in April due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Keates will have a lower wage bill - £969,313 - for the upcoming campaign.

"That covers our players and our management team, and travel to away games," announced finance director Mark Williams.

"The cost of the club to travel to away matches next season will probably be around £40,000 and in terms of medical fees, we are also looking at around £40,000 as well.

"That is all included in there."

Keates only has seven players under contract at The Racecourse but Williams is backing the Reds boss to compile a "competitive" squad for the club's 13th campaign in non-league.

"We met with Dean on Thursday and went through his budget with him," said Williams.

"Dean is happy with that and confident he can get a competitive team for what we are offering in view of what is happening in the wider football world at the moment.

"I would expect movement in the next couple of weeks."