TIM RYAN insists that he does not see York City’s clash against Vanarama National League leaders Wrexham as a free hit.

York face an almighty task to overturn their eight-match winless run when they host Wrexham on Saturday afternoon (12.30pm).

The table-toppers, who are owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are believed to have a budget of around £2million, understood to be double that of City’s.

Currently a point clear of second-placed Notts County, Wrexham have lost just twice this season from 20 league matches, scoring a division-high 52 and conceding just 18, the second-best defensive record in the league.

Despite such statistics giving daunting reading to York fans, interim manager Ryan insisted: “I don’t see it as a free hit.

“We’ve got to get a result. Not for me, it’s for the supporters, the football club and more importantly the players.

“For the players, the upcoming game is a massive chance for them to pit their wits against arguably the biggest and strongest side in the league.

“The players have reacted well this week. We’ve had a bit of fun and had them bouncing again, which is a big part of football at any level, getting a smile on your face.

“It’s a massive chance for the lads to bounce back, for the lads to showcase their professional attitudes to go to war with a big side and really put a show on for the club.”

Wrexham’s standing is of little to surprise to non-league followers, having been widely predicted to win the league by the bookmakers before a ball was kicked this term.

Ryan said: “At the start of the season, they’d have been my tip.

“Having watched Notts County, they’re a good footballing side.

“Wrexham are slightly different, they’re more robust, they’re bigger and more experienced.

“We’re excepting a different challenge, but it’s one that the players, having spoken to them individually and collectively, are relishing.

“Playing live on BT, it’s a chance for them to showcase their talents and pit their wits against probably the strongest side in the league at this moment in time.”

York have not kept a clean sheet since early October’s 1-0 win over now-bottom-of-the-table Torquay United while Wrexham have scored goals for fun this season and are currently on course to surpass the 100-mark by campaign’s end.

“The players know that we’re letting goals in in very similar scenarios,” conceded Ryan.

“That’s what we’ve been working on in training, different positions to combat their aerial threats.

“The lads know about that (problem), because they’re an honest bunch. They know they must improve in that area.”

Ryan has said the Wrexham clash is “more than likely” to be his final one as interim manager.

The permanent successor to John Askey is expected to be announced tomorrow.

On the new boss, Ryan said: “I’m totally in the dark. I’ve not spoken to the powers that be.

“All I’ve been doing this week is concentrating on what we can do as the staff to get the team prepared.

“I’m not sure who the new manager is. As soon as the chairman (Glen Henderson) comes to me and says ‘This is happening’, I’m more than happy to stand aside or assist to make things better.”

Ryan looks set to stay as youth team manager under the new managerial set-up.

“I really enjoy what I do and I’m really passionate about it,” he said of the position.