Ricketts wants to set the agenda

SAM Ricketts will get his managerial career underway this afternoon as Wrexham travel to Dover Athletic for their longest journey of the season in their National League opener.

The former Wales international, who spent time at Swansea City, Hull City and Bolton Wanderers, was appointed manager back in May and will be looking to lead the Dragons to promotion after the club’s poor end-of-season form saw them miss out last time.

The 36-year-old has overseen an overhaul of the squad, which has seen eight new faces arrive at the Racecourse.

Rekeil Pyle, Rob Lainton, Freddie Hinds, Jordan Maguire-Drew and Stuart Bevan have all been brought in on loan while Luke Summerfield, Luke Young and Mike Fondop have also joined the ranks.

And Ricketts believes Wrexham could prosper from the talent of striker Fondop, who has netted five goals in six friendlies.

“He’s got a knack of scoring, which is brilliant,” said Ricketts.

“Mike is such a raw talent, and I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. I just think there is an awful lot to come from him.

“From where he is now to where he will be at the end of the season will be chalk and cheese.

“We just have to keep working with him so that we can improve certain aspects of his game, and his teammates will get used to playing with him as well, but he has managed to score goals.”

Ricketts’ tactical preferences could also get the best out of Fondop, and the rest of the team, as Wrexham look to add more goals to their game. They scored 49 in 46 league games last season, only Halifax Town and relegated trio Torquay United, Chester and Guiseley scored less.

“We are still going to be bedding in new ideas, and getting players’ habits slightly different on the pitch,” added Ricketts.

“[We need to] make sure we are an attacking threat rather than sitting back like a boxer on the ropes taking punches. I want to be the one causing opposition more problems than they are causing us.”