Manager Phil Parkinson thanks fans after a pre-season friendly between Wrexham AFC and LA Galaxy II. Credit: Getty Images
Phil Parkinson believes Wrexham can make it to the Premier League, proving Luton Town it doesn't have to be a pipe dream.
Luton became the first English side to go all the way from premier league to non-league and back again when they secured promotion to the Premier League in May when they beat Coventry on penalties in the Championship play-off final.
< p>And Parkinson, whose Wrexham side are due to take on young Manchester United in San Diego on Tuesday, said Luton's story is an inspiration to the Welsh club as they too strive to climb up the league and complete their fabulous run.
W Wrexham's fortunes have changed since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought it in 2021.
< p>And having won promotion from the National League to League Two last season, Parkinson is hopeful the day may come when Wrexham play the likes of United in the Premier League and not just in a friendly.
Responding to a question from Wrexham's owners saying that their goal is to reach the top flight, Parkinson said: “When you look at teams like Luton that have moved up, you have to say, 'Why not?'
“You should, because Luton was in that position, so I don't think we're into it ourselves.
“If you understand that you need to build the club right and lay the foundation, how did you do it? Luton Town, why can't Wrexham ever emulate them?
“A few years ago Bournemouth, under Eddie Howe, was on the verge of bankruptcy and was promoted to the Premier League.
Blackpool were promoted to the Premier League as well, so there are plenty of examples. So why not Wrexham? But for now, we're focused on the start of this season.”
Wrexham midfielder James Jones (left) and LA Galaxy II midfielder Diego Rodriguez vie for the ball during the second half of an MLS game in Carson. Credit: AP
Wrexham is set to face United's predominantly under-21 side just a week after 50,000 spectators turned out to watch them play Chelsea in North Carolina. Chelsea won 5-0. Approximately 45,000 people are expected at SnapDragon Stadium in San Diego during the United game.
The Welsh club quickly gained cult status in America with the hit documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”, the second series of which is due to air in September.
Their US promotional tour is a stark change from two years ago, when they kicked off the pre-season with a friendly against Nantwich Town.
“It's commercially important for the club,” said Parkinson. “Everyone was trying to find the right balance. We're here because a documentary is coming out.
“He won't be much bigger than Manchester United and Chelsea. It's incredible to test yourself against these players. This is a big test for our guys. Not only technical capabilities, it is strength and speed. I like to think we're ready for the challenge.
“It's been a great tour – very interesting for us. We were blown away by the reception in North Carolina. The profile lifted spirits at Wrexham. Keep it up.”
Parkinson says he hasn't noticed any jealousy towards Wrexham from rival clubs and thinks the story has captured most people.
When asked if he feels any envy, Parkinson added: “Perhaps, but all the people I talked to away from home, the opposition players, they all loved the story.
“They want to beat us, but when we drink after, people say 'I enjoyed watching the show' and the opposition fans say the same thing, so I didn't pick up any anti-Wrexham sentiment because real football people love this story. Teams do their best to beat us, but no jealousy I didn't notice.
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