Big striker Mike Fondop-Talom is intent on playing a major role in helping Wrexham achieve their Football League ambition.
Cameroon-born Fondop, a 6ft 3ins powerhouse forward, fired Wrexham’s winner in their opening Vanarama National League fixture and manager Sam Ricketts says: “Mike has massive potential.”
Fondop, 24, will lead the Dragons’ attack in their first home match, against AFC Fylde at the Racecourse on Tuesday evening (7.45pm).
“I’m delighted with him,” said Ricketts. “Mike’s game has improved significantly over the last six weeks since he has been working with us.
“He has massive potential, much like our whole team.
“We are working hard with him in terms of video analysis, one-to-one chats, reviewing training, matches and he is starting to add things to his game.”
Fondop scored five goals in six pre-season appearances for North Walians Wrexham and netted an outstanding winner in their 1-0 success at Dover, twisting acrobatically to turn a cross flying behind him into goal.
‘We’re looking for promotion and an away win is an ideal start,” he said. “I saw the ball coming towards me and just tried to get my foot to the ball.
“It could have gone anywhere, but thankfully went in.”
More than 300 Wrexham fans were at the Crabble Stadium to cheer their team on and they were delighted with a performance Ricketts described as ‘good, but not excellent.’
Captain Shaun Pearson says new gaffer Ricketts has been a ‘breath of fresh air’ at the Racecourse, adding: “A few lads were a bit down after we missed out last season, but he has lifted everybody.
“He is looking to change a few bits, but there is a foundation to build on from last season.”
Pearson and Manny Smith were outstanding at the heart of Wrexham’s defence, helping goalkeeper Rob Lainton to keep a clean sheet on his debut.
The win at Dover was their first in nine visits to the Kent club, while Tuesday’s fixture is only the fourth team they have played Fylde.
The first three were all last season when Wrexham were knocked out of the FA Cup by a Danny Rowe goals, lost 2-0 away in the League and drew 0-0 at home.
Rowe scored 28 goals for the Coasters last season and netted the winner in their 2-1 victory against Bromley on Saturday.
Wrexham forward Chris Holroyd and midfield player Nicky Deverdics missed their match at Dover and will be assessed before kick-off this evening.
Wrexham, from: Lainton, Roberts, M Smith, Pearson, Jennings, Summerfield, Wright, Young, Rutherford, Fondop, Beavon, Carrington, Pyke, Maguire-Drew, Dibble (gk), Tharme, Deverdics, Holroyd.
AFC Fylde: Lynch, Angol, Byrne, Tunnicliffe, Bond, Hardy, Croasdale, Rowe, Philliskirk, Cardle, Burke, Griffiths, Hemmings, Birch, Toure, Tasdemir.