MICHAEL CHAMBERS believes Wrexham have what it takes to improve on their failed 2018/19 promotion bid - and that’s because he was watching from afar.

Chambers, signed on a one-year deal last week, was an interested spectator as Wrexham battled it out with Eastleigh, who won 1-0 after extra time in the play-off preliminary round back in May.

The 25-year-old defender was made aware of Wrexham’s failings in the attacking third courtesy of the television coverage, but feels that Bryan Hughes’ recruitment could right those wrongs this term.

JJ Hooper, Leighton McIntosh, Mark Harris and Devonte Redmond have boosted Wrexham’s attacking options, while Bobby Grant and Jason Oswell are settled and looking to hit top form this season.

“I watched Wrexham play in the play-offs last season,” revealed Chambers. “It was just random that I watched the play-offs and it popped up a few times that the leading scorer had only scored six goals and that was a centre-half.

“The fact that the core of that team has stayed together and added a few strikers, who are known to score goals, will stand us in good stead going into the season.”

The former Crystal Palace youngster spent time on trial with League Two duo Leyton Orient and Carlisle United this summer, but is glad to have his future sorted heading into the first week of the National League season.

“It’s been a bit of an odd pre-season, a bit up and down and hectic in places, but I’m happy to be here now,” he said. “I left trials to come and speak to the manager here, and when I got here it felt like a place that would be conducive to me doing well.

“I haven’t obviously haven’t had the privilege of seeing too many Football League clubs, but being here for a short while, the club has that stature and the ambitions are to get the club promoted.”

Cutting short trials with Football League clubs to speak to Wrexham, for whom he played against Fleetwood, shows how impressed Chambers is with the Reds.

“For me, it’s a massive club with massive ambitions, which is something I want to be a part of,” said Chambers, who felt it was the right time to ‘spread his wings’.

“All the boys, from the gaffer down, have made me feel really welcome - I was saying that to my parents the other day - and I feel like I’ve been here a while already.

“I’m happy to be here and excited to get started this weekend.”

Chambers, delighted to return to full-time football, is now ready to challenge the likes of Shaun Pearson, Jake Lawlor, Adam Barton and Manny Smith - when fit - for a place in the Wrexham defence - starting against Barrow.

“It’s important for a team pushing that there is tough competition for places,” said Chambers. “That will not only push me, but also the other boys, to get them in that starting XI. You can maybe get disheartened not to be involved in one or two games, but then there could be that chance with someone picking up an injury, or the gaffer could change the way he wants to go, so it’s important to be ready.”