Wrexham snap up Edwards

Paul Edwards (left) wanted to move north

Wrexham have moved to strengthen their squad with the signing of Swindon Town midfielder Paul Edwards.

The 22-year-old had been offered a new deal with the Robins, but wanted to play for a club closer to his Manchester home.

Wrexham boss Denis Smith was delighted to step in and snap up the services of the midfielder, who played 23 times for Swindon last season.

"I'm very happy to be here," said the former Altrincham player. "It seems a great place to play football and the manager has been very straight with me.

Jim Whitley has agreed a 12-month deal

"Playing in the Third Division doesn't worry me. I'm just looking forward to next season and helping Wrexham to a more successful year."

The deal completed a good day for the Dragons, who also saw defender Jim Whitley agree a new contract with the club.

The former Manchester City defender agreed to stay for another year, saying: "I have had a few offers from a few clubs and I'm at a stage in my career when you have consider every option very carefully.

"When you hear that so many people are interested in you, so you start to hang back a little bit to see what might be available.

"But, to be honest, the Wrexham fans have been brilliant, in particular I got a letter off a couple of young girls who had written to me, asking me to stay at the club which was very, very nice.

"Now that my future has been settled, I will be replying to them shortly as it was a fantastic gesture," he told Wrexham's official website.

"I was offered a two-year deal, but I decided on one year, because if I do well again, then I can go back to Denis Smith next summer.

"I hope some people don't look on this as me being greedy, it's just that at 27 years of age, I do have to look after myself and see what the best offer is."