SPENCER HARRIS admits Graham Barrow's decision to resign as Wrexham manager was not a bolt out of the blue.

Barrow, only appointed boss on a permanent basis on December 18, stood down from his role on Tuesday.

Less than 24 hours later and former Wrexham midfielder Bryan Hughes became the Reds' third manager of the season, putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year contract.

Harris thanked Barrow for his efforts since originally arriving at The Racecourse last summer as assistant to Sam Ricketts, who he succeeded in the Racecourse hotseat, helping Wrexham emerge as promotion contenders.

"I would like to pay credit to Graham, he has been a big factor (in our promotion challenge)," said Harris.

"He had handled himself with dignity and we have enjoyed having him at the club.

"I have known for a little while that Graham would like to step back from his position.

"We worked together while we put in place someone to take the club forward."

Harris believes Hughes has the right attributes to be a success and although he is new to management, is a similar ilk to Ricketts and Dean Keates who were both rookie bosses and revived Wrexham's fortunes before switching to League One clubs.

"We have had managers taken from us, not through design, which has been unfortunate," added Harris.

"Many of our appointments brought in relative success and we lost them sooner than we would like.

"Bryan has a similar outlook and has all the skills and capabilities to help take us forward, and focus on the last 15 games and where we want to go.

"The club is in a fantastic position on and off the pitch. We are in with a real chance if we pull together."