JUSSI JASSKELAINEN has been an integral part of Bryan Hughes' backroom staff but the Wrexham boss is resigned to being without his goalkeeper coach next season.

The 44-year-old old arrived at The Racecourse last summer, a surprise addition to newly appointed manager Sam Ricketts' coaching team.

Ricketts left to take charge of Shrewsbury Town in December but Jaaskelainen continued to play a prominent role behind the scenes alongside his successor Graham Barrow, and Hughes, who became the club's third manager of the season in February.

Although rumours have circulated that Jaaskelainen would link-up with Ricketts at the League One club, Hughes revealed that the Finn, considered one of the best goalkeepers to have played in the Premier League, is set to return to his homeland and won't be on board when Wrexham kick-off a 12th season in non-league.

"I don't think Jussi is going to be here. I think he is going back to Finland," Hughes said about Jaaskelainen, who made more than 500 appearances during a 15-year stint at Bolton, where he was a team-mate of Ricketts', and also played for West Ham and Wigan.

"The plan was for him to sell his house and go back home at the start of last season so we have done well to keep him for the whole year really.

"But it looks like he is going to be selling his house and moving back to Finland which is a bit of a disappointment.

"He is great to work with, especially when it was a bit of a whirlwind at the start for me when I came in.

"Jussi was good to have on my side and sort of give me all the information that was needed going forward with the team."

Hughes appointed former Wrexham manager Brian Flynn as his assistant, with the duo working alongside Jaaskelainen, first team coach Carl Darlington and other members of the backroom staff.

"I always knew that I could learn from Brian's experience and knowledge," said Hughes.

"Carl as well, he has been at the club numerous years and a real big impact behind the scenes with the management team with his detail and stuff.

"I have got a strong team behind the scenes and I will be looking to keep that in place as much as I can."

In a surprise twist, Barrow was unveiled as Ricketts' new assistant at Shrewsbury on Tuesday.

Ricketts told the official club website: “I thought it was really important for myself and for the club with what we are trying to achieve here to have someone who has managed and coached at all levels as part of the group.

“Graham has experience to lean on when required as he’s been there and done it, but he is very good and very driven at being successful.

“He wants to be successful, as do I and the club, and I think it will be a perfect fit with his experience and drive.

“I believe he will be a valuable asset to the team and will help to improve standards and push us on.”