DOUG THARME has vowed to repay the faith shown in him by Wrexham manager Bryan Hughes.

The centre-back came through the ranks at The Racecourse and signed his first professional contract last summer but was restricted to just five appearances this term with Wrexham's defence keeping a club record equalling 26 clean sheets.

Tharme got a rare opportunity when Hughes rang the changes for the final day 2-1 win over Harrogate Town, the 19-year-old earning high praise from his manager who rested experienced players for the play-offs.

He did enough to be offered a new contract and Tharme has put pen to paper on a one-year deal.

"I was over the moon to get a new contract," said Tharme.

"The manager brought us in and said that he wanted to keep me, he said he sees something in me.

"I want to repay the faith he has shown in me when I have an opportunity.

"Staying at Wrexham seems the best way to go forward in terms of my development."

Tharme might have played a bit part with Wrexham challenging for promotion and boasting one of the best defensive records in the National League but he has learnt a lot this season after making the step-up to the senior ranks.

"This season was tough," said Tharme.

"I did a lot of waiting because the defence was very good and it taught me a lot; that I need to be patient and I need to take my opportunity when I get it.

"It was my first year as a pro and not playing a lot, it taught me that people who are experienced will play but I am still developing."

Although influential skipper Shaun Pearson, Jake Lawlor and Manny Smith are ahead of him in the pecking order, Tharme is looking forward to staking his claim for regular football when Wrexham return for pre-season.

Tharme knows it will be a tough ask but it is a challenge that he is looking forward to.

"We have got a few pre-season games which I will be involved in," said Tharme, who began his summer by doing charity work in Sierra Leone.

"The manager said he will have regular conversations with me about my development.

"There is big competition in defence with some great centre-backs at the club but I will rise to that.

"It will be tough to get into the team but I am looking forward to it, especially working with the management as I continue my development.

"The goal as always is to get promotion. We want to push for the title for the first port of call and if not, do it through the play-offs."

Hughes has lost one defender as Kieran Kennedy has rejected his new contract offer.

"It is one less body!" added Tharme, regarding the competition for a centre-back spot.

"Although he was only here a short amount of time, Kieran was a great guy and he will be a loss to the changing room."