WREXHAM boss Denis Smith has said he's delighted with his recruits after a hectic 10 days of transfer activity.
After bringing in promising goalkeeper Matt Baker from Hereford United, Smith made moves for Chester City's Alex Smith and Hull City's Andy Holt.
But between the captures of Smith and Holt, Paul Edwards decided to head north to League One rivals Blackpool after turning down Wrexham's final contract offer.
The Wrexham boss believes both Smith, 28, and Holt, 26, can provide valuable cover for the departing Edwards, with their versatility being a big draw.
'Both of them have been brought in to cover for Eddie leaving and also Shaun Holmes, who went earlier,' explained Smith.
'We were left desperately short of left-sided players - in fact, we didn't have anyone! So I am very pleased to have got Alex and Andy.
'They can both play in different positions. They can fit-in at left-back, wing-back or left-midfield. Andy can play on the left of a back three, while Alex can slot into midfield.
'They're both versatile players, and that's very important when you have a small squad.'
Though both are seen as battling for the vacant left wing-back slot, Denis Smith doesn't see them as being similar players to Edwards and believes they can bring something extra to the side.
He said: 'With Alex, he passes the ball to his teammates - he keeps the ball - which is essential. Eddie was exciting and he frightened people with his pace but what Alex has got is a better passing ability.
'He will give better quality crosses and he will set up and score more goals and that's what I think Eddie didn't provide.'
Holt's new boss added: 'Andy is a very experienced player at this level and he's also at the type of age I was looking for. He wants to come here and get a first-team place and that's the kind of attitude I like.' Smith also revealed Holt turned down the offer of a contract with Hull, despite the League One new-boys' superior finances. The Dragons manager feels this shows the pulling power Wrexham still have.
'I've got to accept that there are teams in this division - some of who are poorer sides than us - who can offer players more money,' Smith said.
'But Wrexham is still a place a lot of players would want to play. It's not just the way we play our football, it's the facilities we've got here, plus as the one of the few Welsh teams who play in England, we get a lot of media attention.'
Alex Smith, formerly an Everton youth player, and Holt, who made his name with Oldham Athletic, go straight into the squad for the Isle of Man tournament at the weekend and next Wednesday's glamour clash with Liverpool.
