Wrexham are up and running in their pre-season preparations for what promises to be a historic season.
Phil Parkinson is preparing his Wrexham squad for their first Championship campaign in over four decades and the players are back in training ahead of a pre-season tour to Australia.
Wrexham face Southampton in their season opener, an indication of the tough task ahead of them with the Saints having just been relegated from the Premier League.
Owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are determined to continue the club’s progress next season and will back the manager financially. However, something that amazed the duo at the start of their reign could be about to become a hindrance.
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Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground gave Rob McElhenney ‘goosebumps’
Speaking on the very first episode of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series, McElhenney and Reynolds both spoke of their awe of the club’s historic Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham’s stadium, established in 1807, is the oldest international football stadium in the world and steeped in tradition.
McElhenney stated: “I don’t think the goosebumps are because it’s cold. I’m just thinking about how many thousands of people have come to watch these games over the last 150 years. It’s pretty incredible.”
Meanwhile, co-owner Reynolds on arriving at the stadium for the first time, simply stated: “Wow. Now that’s a stadium.”
Wrexham fans are divided over new Kop Stand proposals but the owners are determined to maintain the club’s values and traditions despite the pending changes.
Wrexham’s low attendance could hinder Championship chances next season
With the new Kop Stand being constructed, the club have had to take down the temporary stand that was in place for half of their League Two campaign and the whole of their successful League One promotion stint.
Of course, the long-term vision outweighs the here and now, however, there is no denying that fewer fans in the stadium and in support will be a disadvantage to Parkinson’s side in the second tier.
There will be lots of matches where the home crowd will need to get behind their team and whilst the reduced crowd will certainly do that, the Red Dragons will miss their famous ‘Fourth Wall.’
Wrexham’s financial benefit from the Kop Stand will help sustain the club’s future and whilst there are frustrations the work hasn’t started sooner, it will be worth it in the end.