Pitchero Non League

Although he has returned to pre-season training with the Dragons, Wales under-21 international Maxwell has so far declined to accept the new contract he was offered in January and has indicated to manager Dean Saunders that he will move on.

The 20-year-old, who is currently on a week-to-week deal and has until the transfer window closes on August 31st to make a decision, made his senior Wrexham debut in April 2009 and spent two days training with Premier League outfit Everton last October.

Should Maxwell move on, Wrexham would be entitled to a compensation fee because he is under the age of 24.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson has allowed Kasper Schmeichel to join npower Championship rivals Leicester City but has brought in 30-year-old Paul Rachubka from Blackpool as a replacement on a two-year deal.

Meanwhile, two of Saunders’ new signings, centre back Chris Westwood (calf) and striker Danny Wright (ankle) have picked up slight niggles, while captain Dean Keates has turned an ankle and will be out for a few weeks and triallist winger Glen Little (groin) has also picked up a knock.

And with more than four weeks until the opening match of the new campaign, Saunders is taking a cautious approach.

“There is no point risking them in friendlies until they are ready because there is a long way to go and I don’t want them to miss any more training,” said Saunders.

“I would rather them miss a couple of days training than to play and make it worse, and be out for a week.”

Encouraged by the fitness levels of his players Saunders added: “We are just ploughing through the donkey work and getting the base fitness levels up.”

Saunders admitted Wrexham were slow starters last season, despite an opening day win, but he put that down to the time it took his new look side to gel.

But with just three new additions so far this summer, Saunders hopes Wrexham get into their stride much quicker when the Conference campaign begins.

“We won our first game last year then lost a couple and drew a couple,” said Saunders. “They were gelling together, that many new players came in.

“Once they clicked we got going but hopefully we won’t have that problem with so many having to gel, there are only three.”

Saunders is also hoping the proposed sale of the club is completed soon to make his job easier.

“The quicker the takeover happens the better,” he added. “My job is hard enough as it is and I can’t make decisions.

“Players and staff getting paid late causes them problems at home, but then it is the little things like we can’t get the mower mixed.

“Things want changing at the training ground like long-term planning with the kids but I can’t do them until the takeover happens.

“There are decisions I have got to make but who do I talk to?”

Tags: News | Wrexham

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