PAUL RUTHERFORD understands supporters' frustrations after failing to clinch promotion but the winger says Wrexham will come back stronger from their play-off disappointment.

Bryan Hughes' side finished fourth with 84 points to secure a play-off spot for a first time in six years but defeat in the eliminator to Eastleigh means the Reds will embark on a 12th season in non-league.

Rutherford will be part of manager Bryan Hughes' plans for 2019-20 having signed a new one-year deal and although the winger admits falling short in the quest to return Wrexham back to the Football League was tough to take, he says there are a lot of positives to take.

"We were in the play-offs for a reason, we won so many games for a reason and we got so many points for a reason," said Rutherford.

"The proof is in the pudding that we are not far off.

"I understand that disappointment sets in and people look at things negatively after the end of the season but the fans have been behind us the whole way - 100 per cent - and will be again next season.

"We have got a great side and a great spirit amongst the squad.

"The team is not far off and with a few right additions, I think we are going to be right in the thick of it again next year.

"We just need to add those few goals and I sure that is what the manager will be working on this summer."

Rutherford's big regret is that Wrexham will have to wait to put the play-off heartbreak behind them.

"It was disappointment after losing to Eastleigh but by the Saturday, I didn't want the season to finish and I would happily of started a new one then and gone again," said Rutherford.

"I am eagerly anticipating coming back in and trying to achieve those objectives again."

Rutherford, who signed for Wrexham in the summer of 2016, was delighted to be offered a new contract and was the first player to inform Hughes he was staying at The Racecourse when the retained list was announced.

"I was made up," said Rutherford. "You get to that time of year and obviously we were focussing on the play-offs but when the play-offs were done, it does turn to your future.

"It is up in the air and you don't know how it is going to fall but fortunately I got offered a contract.

"I say fortunate but you have to earn these things in football and I felt like I earned one, and the manager felt the same way."

Rutherford is hoping to help Wrexham finally get out of the fifth tier when he begins a fourth season with the club.

"As I always say, I have got unfinished business," added Rutherford. "I want to get this club promoted.

"We were unfortunate this time around and different circumstances, it could have been different.

"But it's the way it goes and we are all up for the challenge again next year, that is why I have agreed to come back on board."