SAUNDERS TAKES WREXHAM POST

Saunders - new Wrexham boss.

Dean Saunders believes he can combine his new job as manager of Wrexham with his role as Wales assistant manager.

And the former Liverpool star insisted he has the full backing of Wales boss John Toshack on the day he embarked on the task of taking Wrexham back into the Football League.

Saunders was unveiled on Thursday at the Racecourse ground as Brian Little's replacement, the former Aston Villa chief having quit the north Wales club at the weekend after just one win in six, with Wrexham only mid-table in the Blue Square Premier League.

The Red Dragons, Wales' oldest club, lost their Football League place at the end of last season.

The question of Saunders' combined roles - he will miss two Wrexham games later this month while on duty with Wales for their World Cup games with Liechtenstein and Germany - was answered emphatically by the 44-year-old.

Wrexham chairman Geoff Moss only appointed Saunders after lengthy discussions with Toshack.

Saunders said: "I will continue to do both jobs. John Toshack is also a patriotic Welshman and wants me to help Wrexham for the sake of Welsh football."

Saunders added: "I will not rest until I have taken Wrexham back into the Football League.

"People must be wondering why go down to manage at non-league. But Wrexham should not be in non-league, it is a joke and I am determined for the good of Welsh football to get Wrexham back in the Football League.

"Newport County disappeared years ago and that cannot be allowed to happen at Wrexham - this club cannot stay down here for much longer.

"I am a proud and patriotic Welshman and support all of the Welsh clubs and it is important for the country to get Wrexham back into the league.

"Wrexham and the north Wales catchment area have produced some great players like Mickey Thomas and Joey Jones and that conveyer belt must not be allowed to stop.

"I am excited about the challenge and I know I can do it, but I accept I am putting my neck on the line."

The Wrexham role is Saunders' first managerial job, having coached under Graeme Souness at Blackburn and Newcastle.

Saunders had a 10-club career that included Swansea, Cardiff, Derby, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Galatasaray. He is Wrexham's fourth boss in 22 months.

Little's former assistant Martin Foyle, who was in caretaker charge, has left the club but coach Brian Carey remains at the non-league club as Saunders' number two.