Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has previewed their pre-season trip to FC Groningen and why the club appears ‘attractive’ now.
Wrexham are just over a week away from kicking off in their debut Championship campaign, and the first in the English second-tier in 44 years.
Before they get underway with the 2025/26 season, Phil Parkinson’s side still have to finish off their pre-season preparations, which has seen the Red Dragons boss incorporate several new signings into the Wrexham squad.
Wrexham await the test of FC Groningen this weekend, which Parkinson has previewed and discussed why he is ‘very pleased’ ahead of the pre-season clash.
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Phil Parkinson previews Wrexham vs FC Groningen pre-season clash
Wrexham have travelled across to the Netherlands this weekend for the pre-season friendly against FC Groningen, where Phil Parkinson’s side will notch important experience against an Eredivisie side before the Championship season kicks off.
After the games in the Down Under tour, the visit to Groningen looks set to be one of their biggest tasks of pre-season, but following Wrexham’s flurry of signings, there will be hope that the players can gel in time for the upcoming campaign.
Speaking to Leader Live, Wrexham boss Parkinson has previewed the clash against Dutch opposition.
“It was important that we got a very competitive friendly on August 2 after coming back from Australia,” said Parkinson.
“Obviously we can’t use our own pitch because we want to give that the most time possible to bed-in.
“We have been looking at options and we have been in dialogue (with FC Groningen), and we feel that it is a good game against a strong Eredivisie team, but also not too far to travel.
“I am very pleased and feel it is a good fit for what we need.”
Parkinson also spoke about Wrexham’s ability to attract top opposition for pre-season friendly games, which has a brilliant effect on being able to prepare for this season.
“Wrexham is an attractive proposition, hence the reason we have been able to agree to the friendlies.
“I couldn’t have imagined that a few years ago but it is where the profile of the club is now, and obviously we are Championship standard as well.”
Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have had a brilliant impact on pre-season tours
Before Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac took over at Wrexham, supporters wouldn’t have even dreamt about getting the opportunity to play such a high level of opposition.
For example, the pre-season ahead of the 2018/19 season, before Reynolds and Mac took over the club, they played the likes of Forest Green Rovers, Bangor City and Airbus – quite the contrast to the contests that Wrexham can attract now.
Previous years have also seen Wrexham taking on Premier League sides, notably playing against Manchester United and Chelsea. This obviously has a glorious impact on the marketing side of the club that has been perfected in recent years, but also, it gives Phil Parkinson the tools to equip his side the best as possible ahead of the new season.