PAUL RUTHERFORD says the early signs are good after undergoing a first training session under Wrexham's third manager of the season.

Bryan Hughes has been appointed the new Reds' boss, following on from Graham Barrow, who resigned on Tuesday, and Sam Ricketts.

Fifth placed Wrexham are only four points behind leaders Leyton Orient and Rutherford hopes to maintain the promotion challenge with Hughes in the Racecourse hotseat.

"I think we were all taken a little bit by surprise, nobody expected that to happen with Graham," said Rutherford.

"There was no indication that he was going to go but the club have acted quickly, the manager has come in and took the first session yesterday.

"He really impressed everyone. He has come in and been spot on to be fair.

"The manager stressed that the position that we are in is a good position, a strong position.

"He was delighted to be asked to take over at Wrexham and that speaks volumes for where we are in the league and the squad of lads we have here - hopefully there is not much work that needs to be done.

"The manager has got some fresh ideas, he was really hands-on on the training ground and he brought a good energy to the place.

"Hopefully that can give us a little boost."