Dean Keates has warned that Wrexham have been dragged into a relegation fight after slumping to a third straight defeat.

The Dragons are eight points outside the National League drop zone after the 1-0 defeat at Sutton.

Keates insists the position is unacceptable and had urged his players to man-up as they look to move up the table.

The 38-year-old said: “Nobody wants to be in a dog fight, but we aren’t going to be dragged into it, we are already in it.

“The players need to realise it. It is now more about character than ability.”

Keates, who took over from Gary Mills in October, now faces crucial home and away games with fellow strugglers Southport on Boxing Day and New Years’ Day.

He added: ”The situation we are in, we are looking over our shoulder.

“This football club shouldn’t be where it is in the league and we are all responsible for it. We need players to roll their sleeves up.”