Wrexham kick off the pre-season schedule this week as Phil Parkinson takes his side over to Australia and New Zealand.
We have become used to seeing Wrexham jet off to the United States for pre-season fixtures.
Wrexham’s popularity has exploded in recent years, with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds inspiring a new wave of supporters.
It’s all change this summer, though, as Wrexham jet off to Australia and New Zealand for three pre-season fixtures.
Wrexham open up against Melbourne City on Friday morning, before taking on Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.
Wrexham’s Championship fixture list has already been confirmed and the build-up to the new season will really accelerate this week.
Phil Parkinson on mood in Wrexham squad
Wrexham’s first game against Southampton is looming large, and Parkinson will still want new signings to be made before the big kick-off.
Ryan Hardie and Danny Ward are Wrexham’s two additions so far this summer, but the hunt for more additions is on.
Parkinson may be a little disappointed not to have more signings on the flight, but he is happy with the vibe around his current squad.
Speaking to The Age in Australia, Parkinson admitted that there is a real sense of excitement within the Wrexham squad.
Many of this squad have not played in the Championship before and will be desperate to make a big impact.
Parkinson accepts that Wrexham are facing a ‘big jump’ to the Championship, but it’s one his players appear to be embracing.
“It’s a big jump in many respects, but it’s one we’re very excited to go and take on,” said Parkinson.
“The lads came back in the pre-season this week, and you could tell there was an air of excitement amongst them,” he added.
Wrexham will lean on players with Championship experience
This promotion will be a new experience for a number of Wrexham stars.
Arthur Okonkwo, Ryan Barnett, Lewis Brunt, Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell and George Dobson are among those who have never played at this level before.
A period of adjustment is only natural, but this Wrexham squad has effectively dealt with every step up in class so far.
Leaning on the players with Championship experience will be key, with the likes of Matty James, Jack Marriott and Ollie Rathbone racking up Championship appearances in the past.
Dan Scarr, Jay Rodriguez, Ryan Longman and new signing Hardie are no strangers to the Championship either, and their knowledge of the level will be crucial.
Wrexham are chasing Lewis O’Brien, whose experience in the Championship could make him a vital addition, and we can certainly imagine Parkinson targeting more signings who can bring Championship experience to this group.