Wrexham AFC returned for pre-season fitness testing in the first week of July, and manager Phil Parkinson liked what he saw. The Reds finished seventh in the Championship last term. That came after a record three successive promotions, missing the play-offs by just two points.
A Punishing Pre-Season
The travel schedule this summer has been relentless. Wrexham opened in Poland against Wisła Kraków on 11 July. The squad then met Manchester United in Helsinki a week later. After that, they crossed the Atlantic to face Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland in quick succession. Meanwhile, several senior players rejoined training late, including Kieffer Moore and Danny Ward, after extended international breaks. Defenders Dom Hyam and Liberato Cacace were given an additional week off after the World Cup, too.
Academy players are getting their chance in the meantime. Parkinson noted that Harry Ashfield, Aaron James and Alex Moore have come back in great shape. He said they want to make a mark with the group this season.
The competitive season begins with a Carabao Cup tie at Middlesbrough in the first weekend of August. A Welsh derby away to Cardiff City follows soon after. Consequently, Parkinson has been keen to see his squad sharpen up quickly.
Change in the Squad and off the Pitch
Six senior players left when their contracts expired. Recruitment is therefore expected to focus on wing-backs, a holding midfielder and a centre forward. Paul Mullin also departed by mutual consent after 110 goals in 172 appearances. He won three promotions and three Player of the Season awards along the way. Parkinson said Mullin will always be remembered and revered by Wrexham’s supporters. Tom O’Connor also left the club by mutual agreement over the summer.
On the women’s side, the squad has already strengthened for the new campaign. Goalkeeper Lucy Farrell has joined, along with Natasha Thomas and Mikayla Cook, giving Jenny Sugarman fresh options after last season’s historic title win.
Behind the goal, the new Kop stand is finally taking shape. Drone footage shows steelwork rising around two concrete cores, with the first floor decking already in place. The £70 million project will restore the ground to a four-sided bowl. It will also lift capacity above 18,000, securing Wrexham’s status as a venue for international football. Chief executive Michael Williamson has said some seats could open late in the 2026/27 season, with the full stand targeted for the start of 2027/28.
The stadium met UEFA Category 3 requirements in time to host matches at this summer’s European Under-19 Championship. That milestone offers further proof of how far the club’s infrastructure has come in a short space of time. Club accounts confirmed the McLaren Construction contract is worth £70 million, with £18 million of Welsh Government funding committed towards the wider Racecourse redevelopment.
For now, though, all eyes are on the pitch. Wrexham face a summer of near-constant travel before a ball is even kicked competitively. Therefore, fans will be watching closely to see how Parkinson’s blend of experience and academy talent copes with the step up. A quiet transfer window so far means the next few weeks could prove decisive before the Championship season gets underway in earnest.
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