MICHAEL OAKES has returned to Wrexham for a third spell as goalkeeper coach.

Oakes has replaced Jussi Jaaskelainen, the former Aston Villa, Wolves and Cardiff stopper set to work with Rob Lainton and Christian Dibble, right.

The 45-year-old held a coaching role at The Racecourse between 2008-15 after retiring from playing, before returning for the 2017/18 campaign.

Oakes left the Reds to join Dean Keates at Walsall, but has now decided to head back to north Wales and work with Bryan Hughes.

Also returning to Wrexham is sports scientist Nick Barnett, who, like Oakes, was part of Keates’ backroom staff in the 2017/18 National League season.

Barnett first joined Wrexham in 2011 on placement, impressing enough to eventually become head of physical performance in July 2017.

After Alun Andrews decided to leave Wrexham to return closer to his south Wales home, Hughes turned to Barnett’s expertise.

The Reds boss is delighted to have both Oakes and Barnett back on board ahead of the return for pre-season training.

Hughes said: “I’m delighted to welcome both Michael and Nick back to the club. Both have worked here before so they will be able to slot straight back in and get straight to work.

“Michael’s career speaks for itself. He has fantastic experience both as a player and as a coach. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Talking about the sports science department, Hughes continued: “Alun is a very professional sports scientist and we are sorry to see him leave. He has decided to move closer to his family in south Wales and we wish him all the best.

“The sports science department is really important. It helps us monitor the players workload by making catered training programmes for players and reduces the impact long term injuries can have on a season.

“After speaking to the club’s staff I decided that Nick was by far the best candidate to replace Alun and I am really looking forward to working closely with him.”