Wrexham is currently in Australia as part of their pre-season preparations, gearing up to face three A-League clubs ahead of their Championship debut against Southampton on August 9. The fixtures kick off with a match against Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on Friday, followed by games against Sydney FC on July 15 and Wellington Phoenix on July 19.
Manager Phil Parkinson shared insights from the team’s initial days in Australia, reflecting on their remarkable journey from National League to embarking on an international tour. With the squad returning in good shape following fitness tests last week, the focus on ball work has yielded promising results. Parkinson emphasized the importance of this pre-season, especially given the trip’s early timing.
The extensive planning for this tour began post-Christmas, with Adam Greaves-Smith, the head of first-team operations, handling logistics and site visits to ensure everything was well-prepared. Parkinson highlighted the organizational advantages this provided, stating that knowing the training facilities and travel arrangements in advance instills confidence as they embark on matches abroad.
As the team prepares for their first game, recruitment efforts remain ongoing, even while in Australia. They recently signed players Ryan Hardie and Danny Ward, with the aim of bolstering the team’s strength before the season begins. Parkinson, who has previously visited Sydney and Brisbane, is particularly excited to explore Melbourne and reconnect with long-time friend and former Reading teammate Jeff Hopkins, who currently manages Melbourne Victory’s women’s team.
Anticipating the challenge ahead, the squad is ready for a competitive match against Melbourne Victory, who recently competed in the A-League Grand Final. Parkinson believes that the Australian teams will prove to be formidable foes, offering valuable tests for his team as they finalize their preparations.
This pre-season tour underscores Wrexham’s rapid ascent in football and reinforces their ambitions as they look to make their mark in the Championship. With a 30-player squad in tow, including promising youngsters from their academy, Wrexham is focused not only on immediate results but also on developing a strong foundation for the future.
As Wrexham embarks on this exciting chapter of their journey, fans can look forward to an engaging diary from the team’s adventures in Australia and New Zealand, providing an intimate glimpse into their preparations and aspirations.