Whalley, equally at home on either flank or in attack, has signed a one-year contract at Wrexham after he was one of 11 players released by League Two outfit Accrington Stanley at the end of last season.

The 20-year-old made 27 league starts and 24 substitute appearances in his two seasons at Accrington, scoring five goals, having previously had spells with Chester City, Runcorn and Whitton Albion.

Delighted to have been snapped up by Reds' boss Brian Little, Whalley is determined to make the most of his move to The Racecourse.

"I am definitely happy with that. It gives me more incentive to do well so I get another year, and to try and get Wrexham back into the Football League.

"It is a massive season and it is up to me now to push on.

"I have got to kick-on and give my all, but I would do that anyway if I had more than a one year deal.

"It is going to be the most exciting season for me and I really do think it is a great move.

"I can only get better, especially with the coaches and facilities at Wrexham, and the gaffer who has managed at the highest level and won the League Cup.

"I just want to do really well for Wrexham."

Whalley is Little's fourth new signing this summer and follows another former Accrington man, midfielder Paul Carden, and former Mansfield strikers Simon Brown and Jefferson Louis to The Racecourse.

Although he will be playing in the Blue Square Premier next term, Whalley believes Wrexham have got an excellent chance of winning promotion back to the Football League at the first attempt.

"I feel I am taking a step backwards to take two forward in playing non-league but I don't mind that," said Whalley.

"I have played non-league before and I don't see why we can't win the league.

"We have to push for promotion and with the players the gaffer has brought in, it makes for a good season.

"Paul Carden is an experienced player who has done it all before and I have seen the other signings.

"I am really looking forward to the new season."

Playing as a striker, Whalley scored Accrington's final goal when they won 3-1 at The Racecourse in April, Wrexham's last home game in the Football League.

Shocked at seeing a club of Wrexham's size being relegated, Whalley says the Reds have got the chance to lift some silverware next season – although promotion remains the priority.

"I know all about the club. I was having a chat with Brian Carey and he said I always seem to play well against Wrexham.

"When I was looking around, Paul Carden was here too and he said how good a club it was, especially compared to Accrington which is nowhere near to Wrexham's history.

"This is a massive club that I could never see being in this division.
"We have to get promotion and it is important to get off to a good start.

"We can achieve a lot this season and win trophies like the FA Trophy which is a big thing and held at Wembley, but the main aim is to win promotion."

The versatile Whalley will give Little attacking options but he is willing to operate wherever asked to play.

"Towards the end of last season I was up front but I don't mind where I play. I can also play left or right, I have no preference," added Whalley.

"It is up to the gaffer. It gives him options which is always good to have, especially the fact I can play on both sides."

Little recruited Whalley just 24 hours after Matty Done rejected the offer of a new contract with the Reds and signed for Hereford United.

And Little, who plans more new signings, is pleased with the acquisition of Whally who he said was a different kind of player to Done.

"We knew Matty might leave and we have been talking to Shaun. This happened quicker than I thought but I am delighted to get Shaun," said Little.

"Shaun's not an out and out winger but can play anywhere across the front-line which is great for us. He gives us the option of playing 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

"It is a change for him and sometimes people need that.

"Shaun has done well against us in the past and there is definitely a spring in his step. I hope he will do well here.

"He will give us enthusiasm, energy and pace. Like Simon Brown, Shaun is mobile and quick and I don't think we could miss out on this sort of thing as we lacked pace in the final third last season."

Wrexham received an undisclosed fee for Done, 19, who is under 24, but although Little would not disclose the exact terms of the deal he is happy with the outcome.

"There is no bad feeling and we wish Matty all the best. It will do him good to have a new challenge," added Little.

"I understand him wanting to stay in the Football League, Hereford were interested in him before and we have done a deal that suits everyone.

"If Matty progresses, everyone will benefit."