BRYAN HUGHES insists that Shaun Pearson was always going to continue as Wrexham captain this season.

The Reds revealed their squad numbers for the 2019/20 National League season over the weekend, as well as confirming that Pearson would remain as skipper with the versatile Mark Carrington staying as vice-captain.

An inspirational and much-loved figure on and off the pitch, it would have taken a brave man to remove the armband from Pearson, but Hughes revealed that that was not an option.

“He’s the heart and soul of the club,” said Hughes, who has been hugely impressed by the 30-year-old since taking over the reins at The Racecourse in February.

“He’s a great captain to have and he was fantastic for the team last season with his leadership qualities, now just on the pitch, but off it as well, because he’s a big presence in the dressing room.

“He was always going to be named captain this season.”

Central defender Pearson has kept number five shirt with Jake Lawlor swapping 30 - taken by JJ Hooper - for six.

Fellow new arrivals Leighton McIntosh and Devonte Redmond have taken numbers 35 and 10 respectively, while Rob Lainton has moved from 18 to one and Bobby Grant is to wear 11 after starting life with the Reds in 32.