Former Wales international Sam Ricketts has been appointed Wrexham’s new manager.

Ricketts, a defender who played for Swansea, Hull, Bolton and Wolves, earned promotion three times during his 16-year playing career.

He was captain of Wolves in League One and the Championship.

Ricketts said: “The fans are everything at every club. We are nothing without the fans at this club.

“We need the fans to drive us to be successful.

“I don’t coast in my career, I don’t want coasters I want winners, I have that desire

“The hunger took me all the way from non-League to the Premier League and international football. I want to do something similar in management.

“It’s an honour to be here, the foundations are here and I want to add layers “

Wrexham AFC Director Spencer Harris commented: “We are delighted to welcome Sam to Wrexham as the Club’s new permanent manager.

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“As expected, there was huge interest in the position, but we believe we have chosen the outstanding candidate to take the Club forward, to match our own aspirations and those of our supporters.

“Sam is a man with an excellent pedigree in football and we believe he has the knowledge, drive and determination to bring success to the Club as we build for the future.

“We are sure Sam will receive the usual tremendous backing from our fantastic supporters and we now look forward with real enthusiasm to the new season.

“Sam is meticulous and highly organised. A great coach, and has great values. We are delighted he said yes to join us, it is a big coup for the club.”

Ricketts, aged 36, made more than 550 first team appearances in every division from the National League to the Premier League and earned 52 senior caps for the Wales national side.

After being forced to call time on his playing career early through a serious knee injury in November 2016, Ricketts focused on coaching and completed his Uefa A Licence with the Football Association of Wales.

He is now working on his Pro Licence qualification.

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Ricketts has gained coaching experience at Coventry City and Wolves since ending his playing career 18 months ago.

Dean Keates left his job as Wrexham manager in March to charge of his home city team Walsall.

Coach Andy Davies stepped up for the rest of 2017-18, but Wrexham’s bid to qualify for the Vanarama National League play-offs faded and died.

Now Ricketts is planning a new, stronger bid for promotion next season.