Wrexham swoop for experienced keeper Shwan Jalal

GARY MILLS has solved his goalkeeper problem at Wrexham by signing experienced former Bournemouth stopper Shwan Jalal from Macclesfield Town.

The Red Dragons had hoped Rhys Taylor, who spent the last six months of the season on loan at the Racecourse from Newport County, would sign up for next season.

However, despite being released by the League Two outfit, Taylor revealed he had turned down a contract offer from Mills, leaving the boss to look elsewhere.

And he has landed a keeper with plenty of experience in Jalal, who spent last season in the National League with Macclesfield.

The 32-year-old Iraq international made 146 appearances and earned two promotions with Bournemouth over a six-year spell on the south coast after impressing during a three-year stint at Woking.

“I've been speaking to the manager quite regularly over the past few weeks to iron a few things out and I'm delighted to get the deal over the line,” Jalal told Wrexham's website.

“I played here last season for Macclesfield and the atmosphere was absolutely fantastic – it's somewhere I'm looking forward to playing at regularly.

“I'm not taking anything for granted, I've got to get a good pre-season under my belt, but it's up to me to stake my claim (for the number one shirt).

“I had a great time playing games last year with Macclesfield but I felt it was time for a new challenge. Wrexham's ambition to get back into the Football League really appealed to me.”