ROOKIE boss Bryan Hughes admits it was difficult telling people they no longer had a future at Wrexham.

The 42-year-old, who became the club's third manager of the season in February after Graham Barrow and Sam Ricketts, guided the Reds to a fourth placed finish in the National League and a play-off spot for the first time in six years.

However, Wrexham were beaten 1-0 by Eastleigh in last Thursday's eliminator meaning inevitable changes to the squad as Hughes plans for a 12th campaign in non league.

Chris Holroyrd, Kevin Roberts, Nicky Deverdics, Kemy Agustien and Luke Simpson were told they weren't part of Hughes plans for the future and not being offered new deals, something that wasn't easy for the Reds boss.

"It was difficult and it is not a nice moment telling people that you don't need their services any more," said Hughes.

"The players have been great for me since I have come in.

"I have had three months to assess them quite quickly.

"Everyone has had an opportunity. They have all played games and all had minutes.

"I have made judgements on what I want, how I want the team to play, and how they fit into the structure, and made some difficult decisions.

"The players have been magnificent to work with and I wish them all the best."

Seven players have have been offered new contracts.

Rob Lainton James Jennings, Mark Carrington, Luke Summerfield, Doug Tharme and Kieran Kennedy have all been offered terms.

Paul Rutherford has been offered and already accepted a new deal while Leo Smith has been invited back for pre-season training.

Goalkeeper Lainton, who won the Player of the Year award and kept 25 of Wrexham's 26 clean sheets this term as they equalled a club record, is bound to attract interest from other clubs but Hughes is hopeful of keeping his first choice stopper.

"A lot of players will be targets," said Hughes.

"We have finished fourth and had a lot of clean sheets so when you look at our defenders and goalkeeper, they will get suitors.

"The problem is Rob is out of contract.

"I have offered him a good contract, I want him to stay and he knows that so hopefully I can get him over the line.

"He loves it here, he is settled, we have had a good season and he has been a big part of that. Rob has been fantastic.

"Anything can happen and if big clubs come in you can't compete but I definitely want him to stay."

Nine players are already under contract for next season.

Christian Dibble, Manny Smith, Shaun Pearson, Jake Lawlor, Luke Young, Akil Wright, Mike Fondop and Jason Oswell are under contract while Bobby Grant has exercised an option to remain at The Racecourse.