RYAN BARNETT experienced play-off final disappointment last season but the wide-man is focused on automatic promotion this time around.

The 23-year-old has signed for Wrexham from National League rivals Solihull Moors for an undisclosed fee, putting pen to paper on a contract at the Racecourse until the end of the 2024-25 season.

After joining Solihull permanently in the summer of 2021 following a loan spell, Barnett helped Moors reach the play-off final last season where they lost 2-1 to Grimsby Town.

Wrexham are battling it out for the title with Notts County and Barnett, who started his career at Shrewsbury Town, is aiming to help his new club realise the dream of securing a return to the Football League following a 15-year absence.

“It was tough losing in the play-off final and I know Wrexham lost in the play-offs as well,” said Barnett, who has been an unused substitute for home wins against Dorking Wanderers and Chesterfield since his arrival in north Wales.

“Wrexham strengthened to go again this season and they have put themselves in a great position.

“I have come in and hopefully I can help put some more points on the board and we achieve our goal.

“It is a very relentless league.

“You look at the quality that’s in the league now and it is tough.

“You have got to win almost every Saturday-Tuesday now to keep with each other at the top of the table.”

Barnett, brought in to compete with Anthony Forde in the right wing-back position, is a versatile player who turned out on the left-flank during his last outing for Solihull before making the switch to Wrexham.

“Although I am 23, I played nearly 100 games for Solihull,” added Barnett.

“The play-off disappointment last year has only aided my performance this season.

“We used to switch formations quite a lot at Solihull so I would say I am normally a winger but I have played in the right wing-back position quite a lot during my career.

“I have also played on the left. I played left wing-back the other night against Halifax so I like to think I am adaptable and can play wherever the gaffer wants me to.”