MICHAEL OAKES has decided to step down as goalkeeping coach so Wrexham's new manager can pick his own backroom staff.

The former Aston Villa, Wolves and Cardiff stopper returned to The Racecourse for a third spell in the summer of 2019.

He previously spent seven years at Wrexham between 2008 and 2015, and rejoined the Reds in 2017 during Dean Keates’ first spell in charge. After a season with Walsall, Oakes returned to Wrexham in 2019 under then-manager Bryan Hughes and was reunited with Keates a few months later.

Keates, assistant manager Andy Davies and first-team coach Carl Darlington were told last week that they not being offered new contracts after Wrexham failed to secure a play-off spot.

Although Oakes was not included in that list, he has elected to leave the club too to ensure a new manager can bring in their own backroom team moving forward.

Oakes told the official website: “I thought it was a good time. I do believe new managers should be able to choose their own staff coming in, I’ve always thought that.

“It was nice to be considered to be kept on, but having thought about it I believed it would be the best for the new manager coming in to bring their own full team in.

“I’ve been at Wrexham a long time over my three spells, and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a great club, and I’ve worked with several managers who have all worked extremely hard to get promoted.

“It’s an extremely difficult league to get out of, and it doesn’t get any easier. But I wish the club and the fans well, and I hope they achieve that goal

“The time I’ve had at Wrexham has been incredibly enjoyable, I’ve met some great people and I can only thank everybody at the club.”

Oakes praised current Wrexham goalkeepers Rob Lainton and Christian Dibble, who have both signed two-year deals to stay at the club.

He added: “It’s great for the club that Rob and Christian have signed two-year deals. I can’t speak highly enough of those two.

“Rob has performed at an extremely high level since he came to the club, and Dibbs had a great season contributing to the 17 clean sheets they kept – finishing with just one less than Rob," added Oakes.

“They are great to work with on a daily basis, and two great guys off the pitch; two great characters in the dressing room. Whoever’s coming in will have no problem working with the two of them.”

CEO Fleur Robinson said of Oakes' departure: “The Club would like to thank Michael Oakes for his contribution to Wrexham AFC and respect and understand his decision. We wish Michael well for the future.”