Former Walsall midfielder Dean Keates named Wrexham AFC Manager

Keates played more than 200 games for Walsall over two spells during his playing career, bagging 27 goals for the Saddlers. He was most recently on the books at Rushall Olympic, but also captained Wrexham during his career.

In a statement, Wrexham alluded to Keates' numerous years as a player, winning a number of honours as one of the reasons for his appointment.

"We are delighted to welcome Dean to Wrexham AFC as the Club's new permanent manager following his period leading the interim management team. As expected, there was huge interest in the position of Wrexham AFC manager but we believe we have chosen the outstanding candidate to take the Club forward, to match our own aspirations and those of our supporters." Said Wrexham AFC Director John Mills.

"Dean is a man with an excellent pedigree in football, he is someone who knows all about Wrexham AFC and the fans expectations and someone who has a real passion for the Club. We believe has the knowledge, the drive and the determination to bring lasting success to the Club as we build for a successful future.

We are sure Dean will receive the usual fantastic support from our supporters and we now look forward with real enthusiasm for the rest of this season and onwards towards next season as we tackle the many challenges ahead."

Wrexham AFC currently sit 14th in the National League, eight points off the playoff places.