Wrexham caretaker boss Andy Morrell wants job permanently

Morrell is in his second spell at Wrexham

Caretaker manager Andy Morrell has confirmed he wants the Wrexham job on a permanent basis.

Morrell was given the job on an interim basis after Dean Saunders left to join Championship side Doncaster in September.

Under Morrell the Dragons have picked up 19 points from a possible 24 in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

"I've put my application in and I want it," said Morrell. "I want to be the manager here."

Wrexham maintained their position at the top of the Blue Square Bet Premier following a 0-0 home draw against Welsh rivals Newport County.

And Morrell believes he has shown in the eight games he has been in charge that Wrexham need look no further for a permanent appointment.

"My remit when I took over was to keep the ball rolling and I believe I've done that and maybe a bit more," added the former Coventry and Blackpool striker.

"I'm really happy with the way it's gone. I think the players like they're enjoying it and they're training really hard and playing well.

"I think it would be foolish of me to just walk away now and just go back to being a player because I've got a little taste for it and I quite like it."

The process to appoint a manager on a permanent basis is taking longer than expected because of the continuing delay over the club's proposed takeover.

A deal a long been agreed for the Wrexham Supporters Trust to buy the club, but final approval has yet been given by the Football Association or the Football Conference.

But Morrell is hopeful the deal will be given the stamp of approval this week allowing the new owners to appoint a permanent manager.

"I'm hoping the stamp gets on it this week and we can sit down and sort it out because it needs sorting sooner rather than later," he said.