SEVEN managers have tried and ultimately failed to get Wrexham back into the Football League.

If ever Graham Barrow wanted to know the size of the challenge facing him after becoming 'number eight', he only has to take a brief look at the failings of his predecessors.

We will never know if Dean Saunders, Dean Keates or Sam Ricketts would have ended Wrexham's Football League exile, but the task has been a difficult one ever since Brian Little took the Reds down at the end of the 2007/08 season.

"We've got to have a focus on trying to get away from the bottom of the table," said Little when he was appointed as manager in November, 2007 with Wrexham languishing in League Two.

Relegation followed and the former Aston Villa man didn't last too long into Wrexham's first season in non league.

"The board would like to thank Brian for his honesty, integrity and unceasing efforts and wish him every success in the future," read a statement on the club's official website.

Enter Saunders, who was something of a surprise appointment to everyone associated with Wrexham given his commitments as Wales assistant boss to John Toshack.

Then chairman Geoff Moss said: "Initially I only asked him to give me his advice on certain aspects of the club, but after long talks with him I realised that this is something he wanted to get involved with. His enthusiasm is infectious and it's something that really excites me, and as to what he can bring to us."

Nearly three years later and Saunders' work, which included a failed play-off campaign, caught the eye of Doncaster Rovers and the former Liverpool striker was packing his bags.

"Whist we are obviously disappointed to lose him, even more so with Wrexham challenging at the top of the Conference, we have to thank Dean for all his hard work and professionalism throughout his three years with the club," read a statement.

It took little time for Andy Morrell to take up the reins as player/manager, but despite winning the FA Trophy, the Reds came up short in both play-off challenges, the second a heartbreaking final defeat to Newport.

With the club struggling to mount another promotion push in his third season in charge, Morrell and Wrexham parted company.

Morrell said: "I'm disappointed with how this season has gone, as I desperately wanted to lead the club I love back to the Football League where it belongs."

Having tried a couple of big names and then a fans' favourite, Wrexham opted to appoint Kevin Wilkin, who was considered a bright young manager.

"We are thrilled to have landed one of the most sought-after young managers outside the Football League," said a Wrexham statement in March 2014, but after an FA Trophy final loss just 12 months later Wilkin was sacked.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision," the club said.

Next up was Gary Mills, who had pedigree in promotion having led York City back into the Football League.

"There will be no excuses here. The club has everything you need to go and be successful," said Mills, but 18 months later he too was heading out of The Racecourse exit.

"This was a difficult decision but despite some exciting and entertaining football last season, our main priority is promotion back to the Football League and we have not made the progress expected towards that aim,” read a statement on the club’s website.

Wrexham returned to the 'promote from within' policy as former captain Keates took up his first managerial role.

After taking stock in his first season in charge, Keates put Wrexham firmly in the promotion last term before leaving for a 'dream job' at his hometown club Walsall.

"People might just think I am saying this but if it wasn't Walsall, I wouldn't have gone. If it wasn't my hometown club I would have stayed," explained Keates, who no doubt watched on as Wrexham's promotion push fell flat.

The latest Wrexham pick saw them choose Ricketts, who lasted just seven months before departing for Shrewsbury after a promising start to management at The Racecourse.

“I am sorry to go," said Ricketts. "Wrexham believed in me in the summer. They let me start my managerial career."

Ricketts won't be remembered fondly by Wrexham fans, but he brought Barrow to The Racecourse and if the 64-year-old does what those before him haven't quite managed, all might be forgiven.