Wrexham ran out 3-2 winners at Forest Green in Saunders' first game at the helm and striker Whalley said the former Wales international striker's appointment has given everyone a boost

"It was much needed and it gave the lads a lot of confidence from taking three points," said Whalley. "We have struggled of late but the gaffer has come in and motivated everybody.

"The lads want to work hard and win more games.

"Maybe it was a bit stale, not for me as I have come to the club, but for the lads who have been here longer. Maybe we needed an injection of spirit and encouragement.

"As the gaffer said, he wants to take his players up and doesn't want to stay in this division for long.

"We've got to knuckle down and win more games, starting tonight."

Wrexham will be trying to record back-to-back wins tonight for the first time in more than 17 months.

And Whalley conceded it was an unenviable record that he hopes to put right: "It is not playing on the lads' minds but it would be nice to get it out of the way," he said.

"It's not a very good record and it is not a lot to ask winning two successive games.

"I hope we win and get on a bit of a run, you are always looking to do that.

"As soon as we win a few, we can climb the table rapidly and build in confidence."

Summer signing Whalley has scored four goals this term but he has not found the back of the net since his double in the 4-1 win at Salisbury on August 30.

And although he hopes to start scoring again, Whalley, who started on the right wing at Forest Green before moving into a three-man attack in the second half, said the most important thing is for Wrexham to keep winning.

"The gaffer made the decision to change it and it paid off," added Whalley. "I have said before I don't mind where I play as long as I play.

"I have not scored in seven games. I had a chance at Forest Green but the keeper pulled off a decent save. I want to be back in the goals although I am not overly concerned as long we keep winning."