The full Wrexham 2024/25 League One fixtures were released yesterday. With players and fans alike eager for the season ahead.
It is the Red Dragons’ first League One campaign in 19 years after being relegated in 2005.
It has been a tough couple of decades for the club battling in the National League.
However, since the Hollywood takeover, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have lifted the spirits of the club and community.
Hiring manager Phil Parkinson has proved to be a masterstroke, with the former Bolton manager securing back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons.
This season will be a big step up in quality with huge clubs like Birmingham City dropping down to League One this campaign.
It remains to be seen if Wrexham is up to challenging the likes of Birmingham, Bolton, and Huddersfield.
Investment will be made into the playing squad before the North Wales club host Wycombe Wanderers at the Racecourse on the 10th of August.
The owners have already shown their intent this summer with the impressive transfer of Arthur Okonkwo.
Okonkwo had many suitors, but the young goalkeeper decided to return to the StoK Cae Ras.
The former Arsenal academy star impressed Parkinson during his loan spell last campaign, leaving the former Sunderland manager keen for a permanent solution for his number-one spot.
The squad is full of quality, and if the Welsh club are to be successful this campaign, the previous years’ work under the 57-year-old coach will be at the heart of it.
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Tom O’Connor praises ‘Winning Mentality’ of Wrexham
Tom O’Connor signed for Wrexham in 2022, leaving League One side Burton Albion to move to North Wales. It was a transfer that raised eyebrows because he dropped to the National League.
However, the former Southampton youth prospect was drawn in by the project at the Racecourse. He believed in the journey of waking up the sleeping giant and returning the club to the football league.
The 25-year-old Irishman is set to return to League One action this season. The versatile defensive midfielder has been speaking on the club’s chances at success this campaign.
Speaking to the Leader, O’Connor said:
“It is nice to be back where I came from and I am looking forward to seeing how we get on.
“The last couple of seasons, we have been going out nearly every game expecting to win.
“The expectations are there so when you are used to winning, it breeds a winning mentality.
The former Burton Albion star made clear that there is one factor in the squad that will help them in their quest for a third successive promotion next season.
O’Connor added:
“Obviously it is going to be tougher in League One, there are some quality teams in the division.”
“But having that winning habit over the last two years, hopefully, we can use that to our advantage and bring a bit of that into League One.”
Thomas O’Connor has a key part to play
The midfielder is a key part of Parkinson’s plans with the 25-year-old able to rotate into midfield or be part of the back three.
He not only brings physicality to the team but is able to control the ball and play out from the back.
Wrexham will need to adapt to the change of quality in the league this year, having players like O’Connor who have previous experience will be vital in the dressing room.
In recent years, the club’s transfer strategy has been buying players with experience in higher leagues. This was to ease the squad’s transition as they reached higher levels.
This season will be the biggest test for the North Wales club, but, an exciting challenge nonetheless.