GARY BENNETT is in no doubt that Wrexham will bounce back from an "absolute hammer-blow" and finally return to the Football League under Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

Phil Parkinson's side suffered a 5-4 defeat against Grimsby Town in Saturday's epic National League play-off semi-final and the Reds are now planning for a 15th campaign in the fifth tier.

Racecourse legend Bennett, who saw the promotion challenge come to an end, admits it was a devastating blow following a promising season that saw Wrexham take the title race down to the final weekend of the regular season, and suffer defeat against Bromley in the FA Trophy final at Wembley.

But former striker Bennett knows the co-chairmen will be determined to go one better next season.

"It is devastating for the owners, for the fans and for the players," said Bennett.

"We have got to start from scratch next season and go again.

"But I had a chat with Ryan and he said we are going to come back bigger and stronger so hopefully we will.

"This is the toughest league to get out of, we have been in it so many years.

"Everything at this club is geared for success and it is an absolute hammer-blow."

Bennett was particularly gutted for Wrexham's success-starved supporters but he is confident that the Reds will realise the promotion dream with McElhenney and Reynolds in control.

"Promotion will always be the priority," added Bennett.

"We had a bad performance at Wembley, I said to people before the Grimsby game 'would you accept losing the FA Trophy and getting promotion?'

"Everyone said 'promotion, promotion, promotion' but we failed on both fronts.

"It is really devastating and I really feel for the fans because they have gone through lots of ups and downs at this football club for years and years.

"They are craving for success and we will get it because Ryan and Rob will make sure of that."