GRAHAM BARROW admits the managerial situation at Wrexham "needs to be addressed quickly".

Sam Ricketts, who took charge of the Reds in May on a three year contract, was asked not to attend Saturday's FA Cup second round tie against Newport County.

The former Wales international has been linked with the vacant managerial position at Shrewsbury Town and speculation grew on Friday that the League One club were closing in on a move to make Ricketts their new boss.

A statement read: "In view of the speculation surrounding the future of our first team manager Sam Ricketts, Wrexham AFC felt it is not appropriate for him to attend this evening's game.

"We will seek to clarify Sam's future as Wrexham AFC manager as soon as is possible.

"Graham Barrow, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Carl Darlington will take charge of tonight's second round tie."

Wrexham drew 0-0 against League Two Newport and Barrow, appointed assistant manager in July, took the post match press conference.

"I don't really know enough about the circumstances of what had gone on between Sam and the board here," said Barrow.

"Things in football could always be handled better, I have been on the other end of it.

"It needs to be addressed quickly and I'm sure they will do.

"Sam was basically asked not to attend the game.

"Once that happened and once I was asked to do it, we then had to get on with the game.

"It is now for the board and Sam to get their heads together and see what comes out of it."

When asked whether Ricketts has a future at The Racecourse, Barrow added: "I think there is always a way back but it is quite a unique situation, I haven't really come across it that much before.

"Managers have been sacked sometimes and maybe gone back.

"There is not a lot really I can say at this moment in time but fingers crossed whatever happens, it is the right decision for everybody to do with the club."

But it appears that Ricketts, who has attracted interested from Shrewsbury with Wrexham among the National League high-fliers, could be heading for pastures new.

However, Barrow, who spoke briefly to Ricketts on the day of the game, says it is not a foregone conclusion that the Reds' boss is leaving.

"No he didn't actually (say he was going)," said Barrow. "Probably more indecisive really if I'm being honest but that is going to be between him, here and Shrewsbury."

When asked whether he would follow Ricketts if he leaves, Barrow said: "I don't think that is a possibility to be honest.

"I go in to do something and I usually finish it off - or I get finished off myself!"

If Ricketts leaves then Wrexham will be looking for their third manager of 2018 - Dean Keates left to take charge of hometown club Walsall in March - but it doesn't look like Barrow wants to be considered for the role.

"I spoke briefly to the board, I would rather work as a member of staff," said Barrow.

"I have helped a few managers and I enjoy that role but I have to be allowed to work, if you can understand what I mean.

"We will just wait and see."

Barrow had no hesitation in taking charge for the cup clash, although he wishes it was under different circumstances.

"It is a bit sad that it got to that really," said Barrow.

"I have been there before, I did it three times at Wigan in the Championship.

"At the end of the day I work for the club and the club have been good to me.

"When I was asked to take the game, I never thought for one minute to turn the opportunity down because that is the thing to do.

"I have been really pleased since I came here, obviously a big decision in the summer but the passion about the club has always impressed me when I come and watched and played here.

"I was only too pleased but just wish it was different circumstances really."

More news is expected this week but Barrow will just prepare Wrexham for Saturday's home game against Eastleigh.

"Just keep trying to win football matches and see what happens this week," added Barrow.

"Get the lads ready for Eastleigh who are our next opponents.

"The last few weeks, a big crowd last week and a big crowd against Newport, it doesn't get any better does it?

"That is what I have always been in the game for and what makes it tick for me."