WAYNNE PHILLIPS has fancied Wrexham's chances of promotion since the start of the season - and he would love to see former team-mate Bryan Hughes take the Reds over the line.

Hughes has been appointed as the club's third manager of the season, succeeding Graham Barrow who resigned last week.

Wrexham have been among the National League leaders since the campaign kicked-off in August, with Sam Ricketts laying the platform for an assault on the top seven.

The early-season form led Phillips to talk-up Wrexham's promotions credentials, and he hasn't changed his mind.

"Bryan has got to give it his utmost best and I'm sure he will because he was that type of player," said Phillips.

"Let's see where this season leads to because I felt from the off good foundations had been laid by Sam.

"I felt this season, this team has got a chance, something I have not felt for the last two or three seasons.

"But from the early stages I thought this team was capable of winning promotion, and I still do."

Hughes got off to a winning start with Saturday's 1-0 success over Dagenham and Redbridge leaving Wrexham just two points off top spot.

Phillips hopes the 42-year-old, who he played alongside at Wrexham under Brian Flynn in the 1990s, can bring success to The Racecourse.

"Like I do with any new manager coming in, I wish him all the best," said Phillips.

"Bryan being an ex-team-mate, you have a bit of a soft spot for them and I am delighted that he has got off to a winning start.

"The sooner that first win can come, it eases a little bit of pressure.

"He will have seen what needs to be done and how he can influence his style into the team but he will be delighted.

"A couple of points off the top of the league in third place, it couldn't have gone any better for him."

Hughes helped Wrexham reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1996-97, earning him a big money move to Birmingham City, one of three clubs he played for in the Premier League.

Phillips never knew then if Hughes would move into management after hanging up his boots but hopes he makes the most of his big chance at The Racecourse.

"Bryan was a talented footballer and that's why he got a £1 million move," said Phillips.

"You could see he had a bit of quality about him.

"You never know what players go onto, the coaching side of it, obviously somebody has seen something to give him the chance.

"He is a fortunate guy because there are hundreds who would have loved that job, to be stood out there being manager of Wrexham Football Club.

"It is his chance now, hopefully he can take it and be successful here, something other managers haven't been able to do."

Hughes lacks managerial experience but Phillips is not concerned as long as Wrexham keep on churning out results in a bid to end the Football League exile.

"You have got to forget whether they have got experience or not," added Phillips.

"You are a good manager while you are winning, as we have seen here with the eight previous managers in the last 11 years.

"While they are winning, the crowd are right behind you but that can quickly change.

"I am sure the crowd will be right behind Bryan from the off and we hope he is the man to get us back in the Football League.

"I keep saying it year after year, eight others have tried but let's hope he can do it.

"It will be a tough job, as it has been for any manager who comes here but delighted just to get three points in his first game, no matter how you get it."