JUST why did Wrexham not keep hold of John Rooney?

After firing in five goals in two games for new club Stockport County on the back of helping unfancied Barrow win the National League title last season, surely The Reds would have been a better team with Rooney in it?

The younger brother of former England captain Wayne, Rooney, who scored 19 goals for champions Barrow before his summer move to Edgeley Park, left Wrexham in 2017 to join Guiseley on loan after the club were unable to get the attacking midfielder to agree on a new deal.

Rooney, who had been signed by Gary Mills after enticing him away from arch rivals Chester, scored 12 times in 36 appearances and was one National League start away from triggering a clause in his contract over an extension.

At the time, boss Dean Keates was keen for Rooney to sign a new contract and avoid the clause that would see him earn a new deal.

“It’s obviously disappointing and I thought we might have come to an agreement last Tuesday, but next thing I knew we had phone call from his agent saying he wasn’t going to accept it."

Rooney will showcase his talent alongside brothers and ex-Wrexham players Connor and James Jennings in tomorrow's televised game at Chesterfield.

Leaders Hartlepool head to Barnet while third-placed Notts County host Maidenhead.

Other ex-Wrexham players looking to impress will be Torquay's Danny Wright as The Gulls welcome Dover. Luke Summerfield will be looking to inspire Halifax to victory at Woking, while Kyle Storer's Solihull are at home to Boreham Wood.

Other fixtures: Dagenham & Redbridge v Yeovil; Eastleigh v Aldershot; Weymouth v King's Lynn.