Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson warns players to be 'realistic' as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side prepare for hectic Christmas schedule

The Reds enter a run of six League Two fixtures between Saturday and New Year's Day, with four of those games coming during an intense 10-day period over Christmas. With so many points up for grabs it's a stretch that may shape Wrexham's season and one that boss Phil Parkinson is looking forward to.

"We have got a big run coming up now in December and through the Christmas period," Parkinson told reporters ahead of Saturday's trip to Forest Green Rovers. "You have got to be realistic, we are going to need players but it is a great period, really exciting. I am really looking forward to the games ahead.

"December is always a great time to be involved in football and our aim was to get everyone ready for that period which is so important. That's why we made as many changes as we could for the game against Burton. It's all about preparation and what an exciting month or so we have got ahead."

While many countries take December as a chance to take a break, British football traditionally does exactly the opposite, stacking the schedule particularly in the period between Boxing Day and New Year. Canny managers will have planned for the period long before it, ensuring they have enough depth available to keep lineups fresh and competitive while avoiding injuries. Parkinson, with decades of experience in English football appears to have prepared his squad both mentally and physically for the rotations that lay ahead.

A demanding December for League Two clubs gets underway tomorrow with Wrexham making the trip to Gloucestershire to face strugglers Forest Green at The New Lawn. Off the field, work has began on a new temporary stand which is set to increase SToK Racecourse's ahead of the festive fixtures.