Wrexham are now set to return to the UK following their first visit to Australia and New Zealand.
Phil Parkinson’s side ended the tour with another disappointing defeat in Wellington as Arthur Okonkwo’s mistake led to the only goal of the match.
Wrexham were beaten by Sydney 2-1 with their only positive result of the tour coming in the opening match against Melbourne Victory.
Results are not the most important thing in pre-season but the Red Dragons boss will be concerned by the lack of quality on display from his squad. Wrexham Insider looks at five things learned from the overall tour down under.
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Five things learned from Wrexham’s pre-season tour down under
Harry Ashfield is ready for first-team impact
There weren’t many positives for Wrexham on the pitch during the tour it has to be said, but the performances of Harry Ashfield were certainly encouraging.
Wrexham fans were impressed with Ashfield during all three of his displays and the 18-year-old took responsibility to get on the ball and make things happen.
Some more senior players may want to take note of the academy graduate as his energy was there for all to see but his first touch and link-up play also looked much improved from last campaign.
Wrexham were considering sending Ashfield out on loan but those plans may now be on ice after proving he is ready to add value to Parkinson’s squad.
Wrexham’s goalkeepers need more minutes
The tour saw new signing Danny Ward make his second debut for the club but it was the performances of Okonkwo and Callum Burton that will give Parkinson food for thought.
Both goalkeepers were at fault for the winning goals in defeats to Sydney and Wellington and the need for minutes comes under the spotlight even further when you are a keeper.
Parkinson is planning more friendlies upon return to the UK and the trio of goalkeepers would be right up there amongst the biggest benefactors from more competitive action before the season starts.
Wrexham need more creativity in midfield
Midfield has been a priority position for Parkinson this summer and as of yet, he has had no luck in bringing in fresh faces in the middle of the park.
His Wrexham side looked devoid of ideas and fans are demanding an attacking midfielder comes through the door before the season, Davis Keillor-Dunn has been linked.
Beyond that, the Red Dragons also need a central midfielder that can control a game with their range of passing.
Lewis O’Brien is still on the club’s radar and would be an excellent addition to the engine room of the team with tough season ahead in the Championship.
Wrexham’s popularity around the world continues to rise
It was a hugely successful tour off the pitch for the Red Dragons as commercial sales hit new records after the entire Wrexham merchandise was sold out before they departed Australia.
Michael Williamson was thanked by fans for bringing Wrexham to the other side of the world and the interest in the club grows season upon season.
The storytelling aspect of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary is drawing in a new audience and the financial rewards will only further help the club’s progression.
Ollie Palmer’s future lies away from Wrexham
When Ollie Palmer put in a solid performance in Melbourne, there was excitement everywhere that the striker may just be about to prove several people wrong over his ability to contribute next season.
However, his displays in the following two matches highlighted exactly why it is time for the 33-year-old to move on and continue his career at a lower level.
There is no doubt he can still be a magnificent focal point for another team and his intelligence and physicality makes him an attractive commodity in the market.
With where Wrexham want to be next season and the difficulty they will have in getting there, better quality is going to be needed up top than what Palmer can currently provide.