A PREMIER LEAGUE club’s loss will be Hanley Town’s gain when Wrexham play their first pre-season friendly at Potteries Park tomorrow.
Phil Parkinson’s men, who have celebrated back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s history, are preparing for the new League One campaign and were due to begin their pre-season programme with a behind closed doors game against a top-flight outfit.
However, that match was cancelled and with Parkinson eager to play a fixture before Wrexham embark on the tour to North America, the Reds will instead face Northern Premier League Division One West side Hanley in front of a bumper crowd at their Stoke-on-Trent home.
“We had a game organised against a Premier League club behind closed doors at their training ground which they pulled out of because of complications with their pre-season tour,” said Parkinson.
“We had to quickly arrange an alternative and we went to Hanley, looked at the pitch and spoke to the owner.
“They moved their fixtures around to accommodate us but the upside for them is that they are going to attract a fantastic crowd which can help them with the budget going forward.
“It is a good fixture which sets us on our way to America.”
The players returned for pre-season training last Monday and Parkinson spelt out his plans for the Hanley clash which precedes friendlies in America against AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea before Wrexham head to Canada for the first time to face Vancouver Whitecaps.
“Training is going well at the moment and we are pleased with it,” added the Reds’ boss.
“By the time we get to the Hanley game, the lads will have had exposure to 11 v 11 in training
