Defender Darracott joined Wrexham in September 1979 and went on to make a total of 27 league and cup appearances that season, but a knee injury ended his playing career.

"I'm delighted to be given this opportunity to return to The Racecourse and also team up with Dean again," said Darracott.

"We worked together at Blackburn Rovers and he always said that if he got a manager's job then he would give me a call.

"I've been waiting years for the phone to ring!"

Darracott has recently been working as a European scout for Bolton Wanderers, a role which he held since November 2007.

"Strangely enough this weekend has been the first in months that I've actually been at home and yesterday I took in Blackpool against Cardiff City," said Darracott.

"Bolton have been great with me and they didn't want me to leave, but they knew that this was something I really wanted to do and were happy for me to take this opportunity."

A former coach with Everton after his playing days ended, Darracott moved down the East Lancs Road to join Manchester City with Howard Kendall in 1989 and stayed there until 1993, switching to Blackburn Rovers and then on to Bolton.

"This is something I have wanted to get back into and I was like a kid coming out of the house this morning,

"I just couldn't wait to get started," he said. "It's been good to meet up again with Joey Jones, and Arfon Griffiths was also here to meet me, he was my boss when I signed for Wrexham back in 1979.

"Unfortunately though, a knee injury put an end to my career after just 27 games and one season with Wrexham."

Darracott, who began his playing career as a youth player and then professional with Everton, is looking forward to a new challenge in North Wales.

"Dean obviously has a good feeling about this job and I also know Wrexham well, so I hope that the pair of us arriving can help lift the club back into The Football League," he said.

"It's certainly going to be tough, as there are plenty of decent teams in the Blue Square Premier, but that's the challenge for all of us and one we are certainly prepared to take on."