Goalkeeper Michael Ingham has revealed he rejected the chance to join a "big club" in favour of signing for Wrexham. The 6ft 4in stopper, 25 in July, is surplus to requirements at Sunderland and has agreed to sign a two-year deal at the Racecourse Ground.
He told Sunderland's website: "There were four or five clubs interested, some of them big clubs, but I wanted first-team football.
"I was impressed with what (Wrexham manager) Denis Smith had to say."
Ingham spent 11 games on loan at the Racecourse at the end of the 2003/04 season.
Despite a lack of first-team action, he looks back fondly at his six years with the Black Cats.
But the Northern Ireland international says he is now focused on helping the Dragons fight their way back into League One at the first attempt.
"I have had six great years at Sunderland, the only disappointing thing is the number of games I have played.
"Even in the Championship over the last two years, I had Mart Poom and Thomas Myhre in front of me, both experienced internationals.
"I would not want to swap my time at Sunderland for anything, but it is important for me to play some football now.
"Wrexham is a good club and I see it as a good chance to play and develop my career. We want to go up next season."
MMIX
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Wrexham is a good club and I see it as a good chance to play and develop my career