DAVID Holdsworth is not surprised Wrexham's season has suddenly hit the buffers after old team-mate Dean Saunders' inspired start as manager.

The Stags boss has no doubt his former Sheffield United colleague has the right credentials to be a success at the Racecourse Ground.

But he says Saunders – who combines his job at Wrexham with a role coaching the national side under John Toshack – needs time to make the Red Dragons a success.

Thursday night's home 1-1 draw with Barrow has realistically extinguished Wrexham's lingering play-off hopes.

They have won just one of their last 11 league games – at Northwich – ahead of this afternoon's clash with the Stags.

"Dean was a very good player and a chirpy character, but I don't know what his managerial style has been like," said Holdsworth. "Wrexham have had a good time of it under him, but unfortunately their results have just dropped off a little bit.

"A lot of managers find they do reach a plateau. Wrexham are finding it challenging right now.

"I'm not surprised it's happened because there is only so much you can do with the financial and time restrictions.

"I'm finding that out now, but you have to get on with it and roll your sleeves up."