SHAUN BRISLEY says appointing Phil Parkinson as manager has signalled Wrexham's intentions for the 2020-21 season and was a big factor in him coming on board.

The 31-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year contract after leaving Port Vale, becoming Parkinson's first new signing following his appointment as Wrexham boss..

Parkinson, who has managed the likes of Bradford, Bolton and Sunderland, has three promotions on his CV and becomes the first manager brought in by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds after they completed their takeover of the club in February.

Brisley feels the fact that the famous owners have placed their faith in Parkinson says a lot ahead of Wrexham's 14th campaign in non-league and helped him decide that his future lay at The Racecourse.

"You could see when they appointed the manager that they were putting out a big statement to try and do well this season, and get the club back where it belongs," said Brisley.

"I have come across Phil Parkinson's sides a few times before and he has done really well.

"As soon as I heard of the interest, I knew straight away it was going to be a good project for him to drop to this level.

"There must be big plans in place to put something together to have a really special season, and that was one of the main factors in me signing.

"I am really happy to have got it all sorted quite quickly. It is the start of pre-season and I can crack on from there.

"It is a big season ahead and hopefully a successful one."

Wrexham has received global publicity in the wake of the high profile takeover by the famous actors and Brisley admits the "exciting project" was a huge lure.

"There's been a lot of media coverage of it and it is something I have been aware of," said Brisley.

"I am really looking forward to an exciting project here.

"I met the manager and he told me all the plans that are in place, and it sounded really exciting.

"That made my decision and I thought 'this is the right place for me to come and play football'."

Brisley, a tall, physical defender, has previously spent his entire career in the Football League and played permanently for Macclesfield Town, Peterborough United, Carlisle United and Notts County.

He had no qualms abut dropping down to the National League.

"None whatsoever," said Brisley, who won the Football League Trophy with Peterborough United in 2014.

"It is a massive club and they don't deserve to be where they are.

"I am excited to come here and help them get back to where they belong and that is the Football League."

Wrexham are one of the favourites for promotion and Brisley hopes the Reds can realise the high expectations.

"Everyone realises it is one of the toughest leagues to get out of with only one automatic promotion spot.

"It is going to be a tough season but with the size of the club, all the foundations are in place to be one of those teams challenging at the top of the league.