MIKE INGHAM won't be the next goalkeeping coach at Wrexham - but he has put forward some recommendations.

The 38-year-old, who had two spells at The Racecourse, is a close friend of Reds' boss Bryan Hughes having worked together at the i2i International Soccer Academy in York.

Hughes is looking for a goalkeeping coach after Jussi Jaaskelainen left the club to return to his native Finland.

Ingham has been touted as a possible replacement but although it is a role that would appeal to him in the future, the stopper is not ready to hang up his gloves and is committed to playing part-time for Tadcaster Albion.

"I have had a couple of tweets about it," said Ingham. "One said 'I am going to have £100 on you being the next goalkeeping coach'. I just replied: 'Save your money'.

"It's all about timing really. I have still got aspirations to play as long as I can.

"I know it is non-league but I am captain and Tadcaster want me to play another year or two.

"It is part-time and I have got my job as a full-time goalkeeping coach at the academy in York.

"I am still learning the coaching side of it but I am close to getting my UEFA Goalkeeping A Licence, the highest award for goalkeepers.

"If it had come two or three years down the road it is definitely something I would have been interested in."

But while Ingham won't be heading back to Wrexham, he has put forward names who he thinks could be potential replacements for Jaaskelainen.

"Bryan's a good lad, we still keep in touch," said Ingham.

"There's a few players Bryan has been interested in and he has asked my opinion on them.

"I have also recommended one or two people for his goalkeeping coach too."

Hughes became Wrexham's third manager of the season in February and he guided the Reds to a play-off spot for the first time in six years.

The promotion dream ended with a 1-0 defeat to Eastleigh in the eliminator and Hughes is reshaping his squad ahead of the club's 12th campaign in non-league.

Ingham believes Hughes will relish having a pre-season to work with his players and put his stamp on the team's style of play.

"Wrexham are a massive club and when they are flying, it is a great place to be; playing in front of a full-house, 8,000 passionate fans," said Ingham.

"It is a big job but something I think he can thrive on and given time, I am sure he can be successful.

"It would have been nice to get over the line but it will be good for him to get a full pre-season.

"You can only really change tactics and style a little bit with only so many games left when you come in.

"He can work with the squad in pre-season and get the players he wants; get judged on his squad and his style."

While Hughes aims to make his mark in management, Ingham, who celebrates his 39th birthday next month, is set to continue playing into his 40s.

Having started his career at Northern Irish club Cliftonville, Ingham joined Sunderland in 1999 and had loan spells at a number of clubs - including Wrexham in 2004 - before signing for the Reds permanently the following year.

After leaving The Racecourse in 2007 and spending one season with Hereford, Ingham went on to enjoy a successful eight-year spell at Bootham Crescent, eventually deciding to leave the pro ranks in 2016 to sign for Tadcaster and also move into coaching.

Looking back fondly at a career that includes three full international caps for Northern Ireland, and shows no signs of stopping, Ingham added: "I've played for 22 seasons if you include the Belfast ones.

"I got paid for playing then so I have been paid to play football for 22 years; a long career and over 700 appearances, and now I am on the coaching side too.

"Fortunately I have stayed away from injuries - my first operation was last year at Tadcaster.

"The longevity has come from my attitude to the game. I believe better goalkeepers have not had the career I have had.

"My desire to come in every day and try to be the best means you impress people and they want you to play for them.

"I played on loan for Wrexham, Denis Smith liked what I did so he signed me, and it was the same at York after a loan spell. People remember you."