Centre-back Darren Kempson became Brian Little's seventh summer signing when he joined the Reds on a two-year deal yesterday.

Despite having a year left on his contract at the Shropshire club, the 23-year-old was one of four fit players not taken to Spain for a training camp by Shrews manager Paul Simpson.

And Kempson said he was determined to move on in search of regular first team football – and finally settle at a club – after being limited to just 18 league starts last term.

"I have come here to play," said Kempson today. "I was not in the team as regularly as I wanted to be last season. A new manager came in during the season and that changed everything.

"I just want to play regular football and be happy at Wrexham.

"Football does not owe me anything but I will work hard at my game and give my all.

"Hopefully I get my chance and the gaffer plays me, and I help Wrexham get promotion. That's the challenge and I am really looking forward to the start of the season.

"I've been bounced around and am trying to find a club to settle at – I hope Wrexham is the club and I enjoy myself here."

After being told by Simpson he was free to find another club, Kempson attracted interest from a number of clubs but he was eager to link up with Little at Wrexham.

"Paul Simpson let me know where I stood. I was not in his plans and had fallen down the pecking order," said Kempson. "I had a year left but I did not want to be sitting around not playing, and I said yes to a switch.

"There were a few options but Wrexham seemed the best and I was delighted to sign.

"Brian Little has a great reputation and I live in Shrewsbury so this suited me."

Kempson, a former Preston trainee who joined Shrewsbury last summer after spells with Morecambe and Crewe, believes Wrexham are more than capable of mounting a promotion bid when the new Blue Square Premier season starts next month.

"I will work hard, want to have a good season and hopefully be back in the league with Wrexham," added Kempson.

"I love a challenge and you have got to aim high. Even though Wrexham have dropped down, the expectation is there.

"I've played in the Conference before with Morecambe and it is a competitive division. Everyone will be fighting to get into the league and teams like Oxford have been bringing players in to try and get back up.

"But I think we have got a very good chance."

Kempson played 45 minutes against Wrexham in a behind closed doors friendly at Colliers Park last week.

And Little, who had been looking to add a striker to his squad, felt he could not turn down the chance of signing him: "It has been mooted around for a week or so and we watched Darren play against us last week," said Little.

"It's all about making the team better. Darren is a good addition and he gives us an alternative, releasing Nat Brown or Gareth Evans to go forward.

"Darren has got strength and power, is young and enthusiastic, and fits the bill in what we are looking for.

"I feel it is the right thing to do. He is available and we could have missed out.

"I think Darren is the right player and I have always wanted him here."
Kempson is likely to be involved in Wrexham's friendly against Blackpool at The Racecourse tomorrow (3pm).

The Reds have already played two behind closed doors practice matches and also beat Championship outfit Wolves in a friendly last weekend.
Little fielded two different teams in the 1-0 victory against Wolves and hopes to adopt the same policy tomorrow.

But summer signing, winger Shaun Whalley, who has not yet featured in a friendly for his new club after picking up an ankle injury in training, may not be risked.

"I would like to think I can play two teams for 45 minutes each," added Little.

"Shaun has not trained but his injury is better. I could throw him in but he is three matches behind the others. To put him in after the injury and not train, he could hurt something else.

"We will look at it today but I think Shaun will miss out. If there is an element of risk, he will not play."

Right-sided Wes Baynes, who scored the winning goal against Wolves, has recovered from an ankle knock while midfielder Conall Murtagh, who has been out with a virus, is expected back in training next week.