HARRY LENNON expressed his gratitude after being offered a new deal by Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson despite a length spell on the sidelines.

The centre-back arrived at The Racecourse last summer following an injury-plagued spell with Southend United and immediately caught the eye but a back problem brought an early end to his season and he underwent surgery.

The 27-year-old made 17 league appearances and scored twice for the Reds - his last run-out came in the 2-1 win at Yeovil on January 22 - but a new contract was put on the table to give him time to prove his fitness for the 2022-23 campaign.

After putting pen to paper on a new 12 months deal, with the option of an extra year, as he continues to work towards his return to playing, Lennon admits he was delighted to be retained.

"It is always tough. When I picked up the injury at the end of January, it was a tricky time because I knew I was going to be out for the rest of the season," said Lennon.

"You do worry and in the back of your head, you are thinking 'what am I going to do next year? Are they going to offer me anything?'

"It was good of the club to offer me something because they didn't have to; a lot of clubs would have cut their ties and be gone with you.

"I am grateful for the offer they made and I am happy to prove my fitness again in pre-season, and get back in the team."

Parkinson is looking forward to Lennon getting back to full fitness and recapturing the form he showed in the first half of last season.

"I am pleased Harry has re-signed," said Parkinson.

"It will give him the opportunity to get back fit.

"Prior to Harry getting injured, he was looking what we all know he is which is a very accomplished player."