SAM RICKETTS thanked Wrexham for giving him his big break in management and insists it wasn't an easy decision turning his back on the Reds' promotion challenge.

Ricketts was linked with the vacant managerial position at Shrewsbury since John Askey was sacked in November and he was appointed the League One side's new manager on Monday after compensation was agreed between the clubs.

Only unveiled as Wrexham boss in May - Ricketts was lead coach of Wolves U16s before taking his first management position - his reign lasted seven months and he is grateful that the board felt he was the right man for the job.

"I would like to say thank you to the fans, their support has been excellent," said Ricketts, who leaves with Wrexham among the National League frontrunners and in the second round of the FA Cup.

"I wish the club all the best for the future.

"The foundations are in place now, Wrexham have got this far in the FA Cup and there is really good money to spend, at least £200,000, on players in January and really push on.

"I am really grateful for the opportunity to manage Wrexham and really grateful for the support in me and more importantly the players.

"It is in a really good place financially and on the pitch, virtually two points a game which is a really solid start to the season."

Ricketts insists it wasn't an easy decision making the switch to Shrewsbury, who started to pull away from the relegation zone under caretaker manager Danny Coyne.

"I was really torn between the two," said Ricketts.

"If it wasn't some other teams in League One, I wouldn't have left Wrexham.

"Since I was at Wolves, I thought Shrewsbury was a really good club and one I would like to manage one day.

"That opportunity came round and if I didn't take it now, I might not get that again."

Rumours spread that Ricketts was close to moving to Shrewsbury last Friday and the Wrexham board decided they didn't want him on the touchline for The FA Cup second round tie with Newport the following day, assistant manager Graham Barrow instead taking the team for the clash with ended in a goalless draw.

"I didn't leave with haste, I didn't jump in, I didn't apply for the role, I didn't do anything like that," added Ricketts.

"I said that unless Wrexham agree compensation, I wouldn't speak to Shrewsbury.

"Shrewsbury never even reached the compensation limit in my contract yet I was given permission to speak to them.

"On the Saturday morning, I refused to say that I was definitely not going because I don't lie."