The former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders has been appointed as Wrexham's new manager. He replaces Brian Little, who left the club last week after their poor start to the Blue Square Premier campaign.

Wrexham were relegated from League Two last season and are only in mid-table in their first experience of non-league football.

Saunders, who also played for Aston Villa, Swansea, Benfica, Galatasaray and Liverpool in a glittering club career, will be allowed to continue in his role as John Toshack's first-team coach to the senior Wales side. He has previously had coaching roles at Blackburn and Newcastle, but this is his first job as manager.

Wrexham chairman Geoff Moss at first thought at Dean would not be available for the position, but after talks with John Toshack, it appears an agreement has been reached to allow him to combine both roles.

"I'm delighted to have secured someone of Dean's standing," said the Wrexham chairman Geoff Moss. "Initially I only asked him to give me his advice on certain aspects of the club, but after long talks with him I realised that this is something he wanted to get involved with. His enthusiasm is infectious and it's something that really excites me, and as to what he can bring to us."