Wrexham are faring up for the start of the League One season with Phil Parkinson preparing to take on Wycombe Wanderers on the opening weekend.
The ‘Wrex Coast Tour’s is now over and Wrexham have the new League One season in sight.
Draws against Premier League duo Bournemouth and Chelsea were positive results before a thumping win over Vancouver Whitecaps.
One more pre-season friendly – a home clash against Fleetwood Town this weekend – will be Wrexham’s final pre-season run-out before the real stuff begins.
It doesn’t feel like five minutes since Wrexham were celebrating promotion from League Two with a win over Forest Green Rovers.
Now on the cusp of another campaign, Wrexham will be desperate to get off to a strong start.
Wycombe Wanderers boss on Wrexham clash
Wrexham have a home clash to start the League One campaign.
Wycombe Wanderers will be visiting the STōK Cae Ras and will want to spoil the party – just like Milton Keynes Dons did last season.
Wrexham’s buzz took a real hit as MK Dons strolled in and secured a 5-3 victory on the opening day of the League Two campaign.
Phil Parkinson will be looking to avoid a similar bubble-bursting defeat against a seasoned League One side in Wycombe.
The Chairboys have spent five of the last six seasons in League One and finished 10th last season.
Wycombe have some experienced League One players in their ranks, including former Wales international Sam Vokes.
Wrexham cannot expect to turn up to that game and just win the game with Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield now discussing the game.
Speaking to Bucks Free Press, Bloomfield reflected on a ‘feisty’ pre-season clash with Watford.
Wycombe won the game 3-2 but Bloomfield loved how ‘edgy’ the game was, believing that it was the perfect preparation ahead of a ‘real test’ against Wrexham.
Bloomfield wants to make sure his players are ready for the trip to Wrexham but also a number of tough games to come.
“It was feisty, it was edgy, but I didn’t mind it,” said Bloomfield. “I liked it. I think the last thing you want to do is play these games in pre-season as friendlies, and suddenly we get to Wrexham and it’s and it’s a real test as you’re not ready for it. So I liked it. I enjoyed it. It’s a contact sport.”
“The challenge for us is to keep debriefing, keep improving, keep evolving and keep trying to get better every game. By the time Wrexham comes around, we have to be ready for that because that’s when it matters, but not just Wrexham. After Wrexham, you’ve then got Northampton, Birmingham, Rotherham, Wimbledon and Blackpool.” he added.
Paul Mullin may miss Nathan Bishop reunion
When Wrexham’s fixture list emerged, some Wrexham fans will have spotted a familiar name in the Wycombe ranks.
Wanderers goalkeeper Nathan Bishop has arrived from Sunderland this year, penning a season-long loan deal.
Bishop was in goal for Manchester United against Wrexham last summer and was involved in one infamous moment.
Bishop clashed with Wrexham striker Paul Mullin, leaving the Wrexham striker with a punctured lung.
Even if Mullin had put that moment to the back of his mind, especially after Bishop’s apology, Wrexham fans would no doubt love to see him score against the Wycombe stopper.
However, Mullin has undergone surgery this summer and looks set to miss the start of the League One season.
Mullin v Bishop may not materialise this month but Wrexham will be relying on other players to step up and secure an opening-day victory.