Phil Parkinson has now revealed what he finds most ‘enjoyable’ in Wrexham’s race for promotion.
Wrexham are gunning for back-to-back promotions after winning the National League in record-breaking style last term.
Phil Parkinson‘s men are inside the final automatic promotion place on goal difference after dropping points at home to Harrogate Town and Tranmere Rovers.
Most supporters would have snapped your hand off to be in this position at the start of the campaign, and while defeat against Tranmere damaged their positivity, they can get their hopes back on track by beating Grimsby Town tomorrow afternoon.
In the heat of a promotion battle, the pressure is intense and Parkinson is someone who knows a lot about high-pressure situations after previously guiding Bradford City to the League Cup final in 2013.
Phil Parkinson says the pressure of winning promotion is ‘enjoyable’
Wrexham came through the most nail-biting end to a National League campaign last term and former player Mark Creighton believes that will stand them in good stead this time round.
Pressure in a promotion battle is inevitable, especially when managing a side like Wrexham, who flexed their financial muscles to bring in the likes of Steven Fletcher and James McClean in the summer.
Unlike the clubs around them, there’s added pressure on them to win promotion despite this being their first season back in League Two.
Although there’s a huge weight of expectation on Parkinson’s shoulders to deliver, he believes the pressure is “enjoyable”.
“This is what we have worked all season for,” Parkinson told the Athletic ahead of their clash with Grimsby. “This is enjoyable pressure, the excitement is something to thrive on.”
Wrexham need their big players to step up
Wrexham must put their two recent disappointing results behind them and travel to Lincolnshire on a fresh page.
The Reds still have their promotion fate in their own hands as they have an extra game over fourth-place MK Dons.
It’s times like this, though, when Parkinson needs his big players to step up. He’s crying out for the individual quality to shine through.
He may be missing McClean through suspension this weekend, but he still has Elliot Lee and Paul Mullin to rely on for inspiration in attack.
Wrexham’s two top scorers haven’t been up to the standard in their last two outings, but the duo have the chance now to edge closer to legendary status by firing them to promotion.